While the practical AI and extended software support of the new CAMON 50 series are grabbing headlines, the real story for photography enthusiasts is the hardware. Specifically, the CAMON 50 Pro and CAMON 50 Ultra, devices retailing in the regions of KES 30,000 to KES 40,000, are currently punching way above their weight class.
Early hands-on impressions of the CAMON 50 Pro from Alvin (@sondesix on X) have surfaced, and the sample shots suggest that TECNO has moved past budget photography and into the realm of legitimate imaging excellence.
A flagship sensor in a mid-range body
The CAMON 50 Pro isn’t just using off-the-shelf parts; it’s utilizing a 50MP Sony LYT-700C for its main sensor. This 1/1.56″ sensor provides a level of natural depth and low-light capability rarely seen at this price point. However, as Alvin notes, the true star of the show is the periscope telephoto lens.
The power of the 70mm periscope
Looking at the samples provided, it is clear that TECNO’s colour science has matured. Unlike many mid-range competitors that oversaturate greens and blues to compensate for sensor limitations, the CAMON 50 Pro maintains a grounded, realistic palette.
In the wide architectural shots, the 23mm main lens captures expansive detail with excellent dynamic range in the sky. When switching to the 3x optical zoom (70mm), the 50MP ISOCELL JN5 sensor maintains almost identical colour consistency, a feat even some high-end phones struggle with.
The most impressive feat is the jump from 10x to 20x zoom. At 10x, the text and textures on the balcony remain remarkably sharp.
Even at 20x (with AI Enhancement off), the image remains usable, capturing clear details of the subject’s face and the smartphones he is holding. This is a testament to the 1/2.75″ telephoto sensor, which is physically larger than what you’ll find in the standard Galaxy S26. TECNO says AI enhancement can take the zoom levels all the way to 60x.
In the floral and landscape samples, the f/2.4 aperture of the telephoto lens creates a soft, natural fall-off (bokeh) that isn’t reliant on software blur. The 5x zoom shot of the red flowers against the white building shows surgical sharpness on the petals while keeping the background foliage distinct.
The trade-off: Ultra-wide vs. Telephoto
It isn’t a perfect system; TECNO has clearly prioritized the zoom. The ultra-wide lens remains a modest 8MP sensor. While Alvin acknowledges this as the only real downside, he notes that it’s a trade-off CAMON 50 Pro buyers should be happy with given the sheer quality of the telephoto performance.
For Kenyan consumers looking for flagship-level photography without the KES 100,000+ price tag, the CAMON 50 Pro is shaping up to be the phone to beat in 2026.
