The Tecno CAMON series has long been the standard-bearer for mobile photography in the mid-range segment. With the 2025 release of the Tecno CAMON 40 Pro, the brand has pivoted slightly. While photography remains a pillar, the focus has expanded toward generative AI integration, enhanced durability, and a “Swan-neck” aesthetic that makes it one of the most comfortable phones to hold in its class.
After extensive testing, here is our full breakdown of whether this device lives up to the “Pro” moniker.
Design and Build: The “Swan-Neck” Elegance
The first thing you notice about the CAMON 40 Pro is its ergonomics. Tecno has introduced what they call Swan-neck aesthetics, featuring a dual-curved design on both the front and back.
- Weight and Feel: At just 179g and a slim 7.3mm thickness, it feels incredibly light and premium.
- Durability: In a surprising move for this price point, Tecno has included an IP68/IP69 rating. This means it isn’t just protected against a splash in the rain; it can theoretically withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets.
- Protection: The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, offering a significant step up in scratch and drop resistance compared to previous generations.
Display: Buttery Smooth 144Hz
The screen is a standout feature. It’s a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels.
- Refresh Rate: While many competitors cap out at 120Hz, the CAMON 40 Pro pushes to 144Hz. While the difference between 120Hz and 144Hz is subtle to the naked eye, the fluidity while scrolling through social media or playing supported games is undeniable.
- Brightness: We measured a peak brightness of approximately 1,045 nits in outdoor conditions, making it perfectly legible even under direct sunlight.
Performance: The Dimensity 7300 Ultimate
Under the hood, the device runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, built on a 4nm process.
Day-to-Day Use: The phone is snappy. With 8GB of RAM (expandable via MemFusion) and 256GB of UFS storage, multitasking is seamless. However, it is worth noting that this chipset is more of an efficiency play than a raw power play. While it handles Call of Duty: Mobile on medium-to-high settings with ease, more intensive titles like Zenless Zone Zero will require lower graphical settings to maintain a stable frame rate.
Camera: Photography Meets AI
The CAMON 40 Pro features a dual-camera setup on the rear, which might seem like a “downgrade” from triple-lens setups, but Tecno has prioritized quality over quantity.
- Main Sensor: A 50MP Sony LYT-700C with OIS. In daylight, the images are punchy with great dynamic range. The OIS does a fantastic job of keeping 4K video stable.
- Ultra-wide: An 8MP sensor that is functional for landscapes but lacks the sharpness of the main lens.
- Selfie Camera: A massive 50MP sensor with Autofocus. This is the phone’s “secret weapon,” producing some of the best vlogging and selfie content in this price bracket.
The AI Factor and “FlashSnap”
The headline feature is FlashSnap. Using a dedicated AI sensor and an electronic shutter speed of up to 1/11,235s, the phone can freeze fast-moving subjects (kids, pets, sports) without blur. The Ella AI Assistant is also deeply integrated, offering:
- AI Eraser 2.0: Removing photobombers with impressive accuracy.
- AI Call Translation: Real-time translation during phone calls.
- AIGC Portraits: Generating stylized avatars from your photos.
Battery and Charging: Built for Longevity
The 5200mAh battery is a slight increase over the previous model. In our “Active Use” tests, it easily cleared 13 hours, meaning most users will get through a full day with 20-30% remaining.
Charging is handled by a 45W Super Charger (included in the box).
- 0% to 50%: ~23 minutes.
- 0% to 100%: ~43 minutes.
Tecno claims the battery is designed to last 5 years (1,800 cycles) before dropping below 80% health, which is a major win for long-term owners.
Final Verdict
The Good: Stunning 144Hz curved AMOLED; IP68/69 water resistance; Excellent 50MP AF selfie camera; Lightweight and ergonomic design.
The Bad: The 8MP ultra-wide lens is underwhelming; No 3.5mm headphone jack; Performance is stable but not “gaming-tier.”
The Tecno CAMON 40 Pro is a highly refined mid-range device. It doesn’t try to be a gaming powerhouse; instead, it focuses on being a durable, beautiful, and highly capable camera phone for the everyday user. If you value design and photography—especially selfies and AI tools—this is one of the best values of 2025.
