The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Tecno Camon 30 and Samsung Galaxy A55 represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. The Camon 30 aggressively targets value with its rapid 70W charging, while the Galaxy A55 focuses on a refined experience backed by Samsung’s established brand and a more efficient chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing all-around usability and long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy A55 is the stronger choice. Its Exynos 1480 chipset delivers superior performance and efficiency, complemented by a brighter display and longer battery life. However, the Tecno Camon 30’s blazing-fast charging is a significant advantage for those who frequently need to top up quickly.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 27 | 2024, March 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 02 | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back or silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.3 x 7.7 mm (6.51 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) | 161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | - | 213 g (7.51 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2436 pixels (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.9 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~85.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 Ultimate | Exynos 1480 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xclipse 530 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades, HIOS 14 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB, 256GB 12GB | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF, OIS
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone | - |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 70W wired, 0-100% in 45 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iceland Basaltic Dark, Uyuni Salt White, Sahara Sand Brown | Iceblue, Lilac, Navy, Lemon |
| Models | CL6, CL6k | SM-A556V, SM-A556B, SM-A556B/DS, SM-A556E, SM-A556E/DS, SM-A5560 |
| Price | - | $ 324.99 / £ 251.50 / € 319.99 / ₹ 23,998 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Camon 30
- Blazing-fast 70W charging
- Potentially more affordable price point
- Aggressive value proposition
- Less powerful chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potentially shorter software support
Samsung Galaxy A55
- More powerful and efficient Exynos 1480 chipset
- Brighter and more color-accurate display
- Longer battery life
- Samsung’s software update commitment
- Slower 25W charging
- Higher price point
- May lack the aggressive value of the Camon 30
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A55 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1010 nits. This translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight compared to the Tecno Camon 30 (brightness data unavailable, but likely lower given the chipset and price point). While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, Samsung’s panel benefits from its color science and calibration. The A55’s higher peak brightness is particularly beneficial for HDR content viewing, offering a more dynamic and immersive experience. We expect the A55 to have better viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs for the Camon 30, a direct comparison is limited. However, Samsung typically excels in image processing, and the A55 likely benefits from its advanced algorithms. The A55’s image processing will likely prioritize natural colors and dynamic range. The Camon 30 may lean towards more saturated colors, a common trait in Tecno’s image processing. The absence of OIS information for the Camon 30 suggests the A55 will have an advantage in low-light photography and video stabilization. We can assume the A55 will have a more consistent camera experience across all lenses.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A55’s Exynos 1480, built on a 4nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Tecno Camon 30’s MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate. The Exynos 1480’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.75 GHz) are architecturally superior to the Camon 30’s Cortex-A76 cores (2.2 GHz), resulting in faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. The 4nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, meaning the A55 is less likely to throttle under sustained load. While both phones feature 8GB of RAM (assumed for Camon 30 based on market segment), the A55’s faster chipset will make better use of it.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A55 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery endurance, achieving 13 hours and 27 minutes of active use. While the Tecno Camon 30’s battery capacity is unknown, the A55’s more efficient Exynos 1480 chipset and optimized software contribute to its longer runtime. The Camon 30 attempts to mitigate this with its 70W wired charging, achieving a full charge in just 45 minutes, significantly faster than the A55’s 25W charging. This makes the Camon 30 ideal for users who need a quick power boost, but the A55 offers greater peace of mind for all-day use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Camon 30 if you prioritize charging speed above all else and need a phone that can go from 0 to 100% in under an hour. It’s ideal for users who are constantly on the move and can’t afford downtime. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A55 if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, a brighter and more color-accurate display, and the peace of mind that comes with Samsung’s software update commitment. It’s best suited for users who enjoy media consumption and moderate gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1480 in the Galaxy A55 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1480’s 4nm process and Samsung’s thermal management solutions generally prevent significant overheating. While some warmth is expected during intensive gaming, the A55 is designed to maintain stable performance without excessive throttling, offering a smoother gaming experience than the Camon 30’s Helio G99 Ultimate.
❓ Is the 70W charging on the Tecno Camon 30 compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While Tecno often supports PD charging standards, it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific charger. Using a non-compatible charger may result in slower charging speeds or potential damage. Check the Camon 30’s documentation or Tecno’s website for a list of compatible chargers.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Camon 30 and the Samsung Galaxy A55?
Samsung’s One UI offers a more polished and feature-rich software experience with a strong emphasis on customization and usability. Samsung also provides a longer commitment to software updates and security patches compared to Tecno, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period.
❓ Will the Tecno Camon 30’s camera perform well in low-light conditions?
Without specific camera sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively assess low-light performance. However, the lack of OIS suggests the Camon 30 may struggle in low-light scenarios compared to the Galaxy A55, which likely benefits from optical image stabilization for sharper and brighter photos.
