Tecno is about to steal the show with a dazzling new feature that’ll make you rethink those pricey Google Pixel dreams. If you’ve been drooling over Pixel’s Real Tone for its spot-on skin tone accuracy but balked at the wallet-busting import costs or network headaches, Tecno’s got your back. The Chinese upstart is rolling out its own twist on this tech, dubbed the Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine, and it’s tailor-made for us right here in Kenya and beyond.
Fun fact: Ebony magazine’s photo director enlisted Real Tone on Google Pixel for the magazine’s digital cover to beautifully show the movie’s stars. pic.twitter.com/ufiQtp03r4
— Himp Man (@keverenge98) April 11, 2024
Set to debut with the Camon 40 series at MWC 2025 in Barcelona (just weeks away!), Tecno’s innovation promises to capture every shade of skin with jaw-dropping precision. Forget the struggle of shipping Pixels from abroad or dodging the airport chaos — Tecno’s built this for the local market, and it’s as affordable as it is exciting. The “Before” and “After” shots? Subtle but stunning, showing how the new camera system nails skin tones across diverse regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Discover the future of inclusive mobile imaging powered by TECNO AI! TECNO's upgraded Universal Tone technology features a 372-patch multi-skin tone color card and enhanced Color Restoration Engine for unmatched accuracy across diverse skin tones. This advancement will debut in… pic.twitter.com/kNLs4Vl7Xj
— tecnomobile (@tecnomobile) February 20, 2025
Click or tap on the images below to see the magic of Tecno’s Multi-Skin Tone Color Restoration Engine.
How’d they do it? Tecno teamed up with brainy folks at the University of Leeds (UK) and Dar Al-Hekma University (Saudi Arabia) to craft a color card with 372 patches plus a special 186-patch version for Saudi skin tones. That’s a database packed with variety, ensuring your selfies or group shots look vibrant and true, whether you’re rocking melanin-rich tones or fairer shades.
Compared to Google’s AI-driven Real Tone, Tecno’s approach blends comprehensive datasets with slick algorithms. Both aim for inclusivity, but Tecno’s regional focus feels like a warm hug for local users. While Pixels dazzle with computational photography, Tecno’s keeping it real (and wallet-friendly) for Kenyans tired of network woes or sky-high prices for imported gadgets.
This isn’t just tech geekery — it’s a cultural win. Google’s Image Equity Initiative kicked off the skin tone revolution, but seeing Android rivals like Tecno jump in? That’s a victory for everyone. Imagine snapping a flawless group selfie at the coast, with everyone’s skin glowing just right — no funky filters needed!
Sure, Pixels still have their local fanbase, but Tecno’s move bridges the gap, making premium features accessible without the hassle. As MWC 2025 looms, Kenyan tech enthusiasts are buzzing — will the Camon 40 be the budget-friendly hero we’ve been waiting for? Stay tuned, because Tecno’s not just competing — it’s bringing the party to our doorstep!
