The Tecno Camon 17 is a budget-friendly smartphone known for its focus on photography, sleek design, and decent performance for its price range. Released as part of the Camon series, the Camon 17 features a 6.6-inch HD+ display, powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor with 4GB or 6GB of RAM depending on the variant. The phone is equipped with a 48MP AI triple rear camera setup, which stands out in its category for capturing high-quality images, especially in well-lit conditions. The Camon 17 also runs on Android 11 with HiOS 7.6, offering a range of software features that enhance user experience. Its 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, making it a reliable device for everyday tasks. Though it has some limitations, particularly in terms of its display resolution and performance in low-light photography, the Camon 17 delivers good value for those looking for a smartphone that excels in photography without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
The Tecno Camon 17’s design and build quality have been praised in many reviews for striking a balance between style and functionality. The phone comes with a plastic back and frame, which is standard for devices in this price range, but it feels sturdy and well-made. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it comfortable to hold, while the matte finish on the back reduces fingerprints and smudges, giving it a cleaner look over time. The rear camera module is neatly arranged, adding a premium feel to the device. Reviewers often note that while the build may not compete with more premium devices, it is more than satisfactory for a budget phone, offering durability without sacrificing aesthetics.
Display Quality
When it comes to display quality, the Tecno Camon 17 offers a 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. This HD+ display is one of the areas where the phone’s budget nature shows. While the screen size is generous and great for media consumption, the resolution is lower than what you might find in more expensive phones, resulting in less sharpness and detail. Despite this, the display provides decent color accuracy and brightness levels, making it suitable for most day-to-day tasks like browsing, streaming videos, and using social media. However, some reviews mention that the display struggles in direct sunlight, where visibility can become a challenge, requiring users to crank up the brightness.
Camera Performance
The camera performance is a standout feature of the Tecno Camon 17, especially considering its price range. The phone is equipped with a 48MP main sensor in its AI triple-camera setup, along with a 2MP depth sensor and an AI lens. In well-lit environments, the main camera captures sharp and vibrant images, with good color reproduction and dynamic range. Portrait shots also benefit from the depth sensor, creating decent background blurs for a more professional look. However, in low-light conditions, the camera struggles, producing grainy images with less detail. Tecno’s AI features, including Super Night Mode, attempt to compensate for this, but they cannot fully overcome the limitations of the hardware. Still, for budget-conscious users, the Camon 17’s camera is impressive, particularly for daytime photography.
Performance and Hardware
Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, the Tecno Camon 17 provides solid performance for its class. The chipset, combined with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, handles everyday tasks like app switching, browsing, and media playback with relative ease. Light gaming is also possible, with games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile running smoothly on medium settings. That said, heavier apps and multitasking can sometimes cause slight lags, especially with the 4GB variant. Users who need more power for gaming or productivity might find the Camon 17’s performance slightly lacking. However, for typical day-to-day usage, including social media, watching videos, and browsing, the phone holds up well, delivering a responsive experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the Tecno Camon 17’s strongest features, thanks to its large 5000mAh battery. In real-world usage, this translates to easily getting through a full day on a single charge with moderate usage, including browsing, streaming, and social media. Some users even report managing two days with lighter use. The phone comes with 18W fast charging support, which is a welcome addition, although it is not as fast as some higher-end devices. Reviewers consistently note that the Camon 17’s long-lasting battery makes it ideal for users who are often on the go and need a phone that won’t require constant recharging.
Software Experience
The Tecno Camon 17 runs on Android 11 with Tecno’s custom skin, HiOS 7.6, layered on top. HiOS offers a range of features that enhance the user experience, including app cloning, gesture navigation, and a smart panel for quick access to apps and tools. However, the user interface can feel a bit cluttered at times, with pre-installed apps and occasional ads appearing in the notification panel. This is a common issue with budget smartphones, where manufacturers include bloatware to offset costs. Despite this, the software is generally responsive, and users appreciate the level of customization that HiOS allows. With regular updates, the phone’s software experience is likely to improve, addressing some of the minor annoyances that have been reported.
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the Tecno Camon 17 is decent, especially for a budget device. The Helio G85 processor is optimized for gaming, allowing users to play popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, eFootball and Asphalt 9 without too many hiccups. On medium settings, these games run smoothly, though more graphically demanding games may experience occasional frame drops or longer loading times. The phone also features a Game Mode, which optimizes performance and reduces interruptions during gameplay. While it may not compete with gaming-focused devices or flagships, the Camon 17 performs well for casual gamers who want a phone that can handle games without significantly compromising performance.
Storage and Expandability
The Tecno Camon 17 comes with either 128GB or 64GB of internal storage, depending on the variant. For most users, 128GB provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos, while the 64GB variant might require more careful management of storage. Fortunately, the phone supports microSD cards, allowing users to expand the storage by up to 512GB. This feature is particularly useful for those who like to store a lot of media or apps on their device. Reviews note that while the internal storage is sufficient for everyday use, having the option to expand it adds to the phone’s overall value, making it a versatile choice for users with varying storage needs.
Audio and Speaker Quality
Audio quality on the Tecno Camon 17 is average, with a single bottom-firing speaker. Reviewers mention that while the speaker gets loud enough for casual listening, the sound lacks depth and clarity, especially at higher volumes, where distortion can occur. For better audio quality, using headphones or external speakers is recommended. Fortunately, the phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is increasingly rare in modern smartphones. The inclusion of this jack is a plus for users who prefer wired audio options. Overall, the audio experience is sufficient for calls, casual music listening, and watching videos, but audiophiles may find it lacking in richness and bass.
Connectivity
The Tecno Camon 17 offers standard connectivity features, including 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. While the phone does not support 5G, which is becoming more common in newer devices, it still offers reliable network performance for its price range. Reviewers note that call quality is clear, and the phone maintains strong network connectivity in most areas. The absence of 5G may be a drawback for users looking for a future-proof device, but for the average user, 4G LTE is more than sufficient for browsing, streaming, and downloading content. The phone also features dual SIM support, making it a good choice for users who need to manage multiple numbers or travel frequently.
The Tecno Camon 17 delivers a solid smartphone experience at a budget-friendly price. Its key strengths lie in its camera performance, long battery life, and decent everyday performance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize photography and reliability. While it does have some limitations, such as its low display resolution, average audio quality, and the lack of 5G connectivity, these compromises are expected in this price range. Overall, the Tecno Camon 17 is a great option for users looking for an affordable smartphone with good photography capabilities and all-day battery life, without needing to spend a premium on high-end features.