Tecno Camon 19 Review: a budget phone with a 64MP main camera

Tecno's Camon lineup has always been known for its camera focus, and the Camon 19 4G continues this tradition. This latest addition joins the Camon 19 Pro and Pro 5G, all unveiled in Nigeria and Africa in June 2022. Tecno has gained a reputation for offering capable smartphones at competitive prices, and the Camon 19 seems to be another winner at a price point of ₦150,000.

Prioritising camera features, the Camon 19 packs a powerful 64MP main sensor for impressive photos. But how does it perform in other areas? We'll examine its other features in this review, exploring strengths and weaknesses to see if the Camon 19 lives up to Tecno's reputation for delivering excellent budget-friendly value.

We'll start by examining its design, including the beautiful Sea Salt White and Digital Green colour options available in this region. Then, we'll weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if the Tecno Camon 19 is the right phone for you.

Tecno Camon 19 Specs at a glance

• Display: 6.8-inch IPS LCD, 1080x2460 pixels resolution
• Main Camera: Triple setup with 64 MP (wide), 2 MP (depth), QVGA sensors
• Selfie Camera: 16 MP (wide)
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm)
• CPU: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
• GPU: Mali-G52 MC2
• RAM: 4GB or 6GB
• Internal Storage: 128GB
• OS: Android 12, HIOS 8.6
• Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable with 18W wired charging
• Colours: Eco Black, Sea Salt White, Digital Green

Features of the Tecno Camon 19 4G

Unboxing the Tecno Camon 19 reveals the phone itself, an 18W charger, a USB cable, and a protective case. This budget-friendly device boasts the slimmest bezels in its price range, showcasing a vibrant 6.8-inch 1080p LCD display. While it lacks the higher refresh rate found on pricier models, the display remains crisp and enjoyable for everyday use.

Powering the Camon 19 is the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, known for its stability. This choice prioritizes optimisation over the high refresh rate display seen on its predecessor, the Camon 18. While some users might miss the smoother visuals, the G85 offers reliable performance for daily tasks and even some light gaming at medium settings.

The star of the show is the 64MP main camera, capable of capturing sharp photos in various lighting conditions. The 5000mAh battery ensures a full day's use on a single charge, making the Camon 19 a great option for those who prioritize camera quality and long battery life.

However, some compromises exist. The standard refresh rate display might feel less smooth compared to pricier options. Additionally, the lack of NFC functionality hinders contactless payments. There have also been reports of potential overheating during multitasking and occasional gaming performance issues.

Pros

• Excellent Camera: The 64MP main sensor captures impressive photos, especially for a budget phone.
• Lasting Battery: The 5000mAh battery keeps you going throughout the day.
• Affordable Price: The Tecno Camon 19 offers good value for money.
• Android 13 (with reservations): While the update to Android 13 brings new features, some users report limitations with copying files.

Cons

• Standard Refresh Rate Display: Lacks the smoother feel of higher refresh rate displays.
• No NFC: Disappointing omission for contactless payments.
• Potential Overheating Issues: Some users experience overheating during multitasking.
• Gaming Performance Concerns: Reports of app crashes and gyroscope lag during gaming.

Should you buy?

Yes, if you're a casual user who values a good camera and long battery life at an affordable price. For those seeking a well-rounded phone for gaming or prioritising features like NFC and high refresh rates, exploring other options within the Tecno range, like the Spark 9 Pro, might be a better fit.

Pricing and Availability

You'll find the Tecno Camon 19 4G with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage options. This Android smartphone lands at an attractive price point of around ₦150,000 in Nigeria. It's readily available in Tecno stores, authorised dealers, and e-shops like Jumia and Jiji. If you're seeking a potentially more well-rounded device from Tecno, check out our full review of the Tecno Spark 20 Pro. The starting prices for the Camon 19 are GHS 1,500 in Ghana, KES 23,499 in Kenya, and PKR 41,999 in Pakistan.