The TECNO Spark 20 Pro smartphone is from the budget segment, but surprises with pleasant innovations.
This model has an improved screen with a higher refresh rate. The processor, upgraded 108-megapixel camera with artificial intelligence and noticeable improvement in assembly are noticeable. But first things first.
Main technical characteristics: table
Built-in memory
|
256 GB (expandable with microSDXC memory card) |
RAM | 8 GB |
Display | 120Hz IPS LCD display, 6.78 inches, 1080 x 2460 pixels resolution |
operating system | Android 13 |
Processor | Eight-core |
Chipset | MediaTek Helio G99 |
Main camera | 108 MP with phase detection autofocus, night mode and quad flash |
Front camera | 32 MP with dual LED flash |
Battery | 5000mAh with 33W fast charging technology |
Interfaces | 3.5mm jack and USB Type-C port |
Safety | Fingerprint scanner on the side |
Wireless technologies | Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi |
Protection against dust and splashes | IP53 |
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Design and assembly
The smartphone looks solid thanks to the matte finish on the back panel and a neat camera block with a big look at Apple. The case is made of high-quality polycarbonate plastic or eco-leather. The side panels are plastic, but disguised as metal. The material is durable and resistant to impacts and scratches, while not weighing down the device. It does not slip in the hand.
Colour options: classic – Magic Skin Green , Moonlit Black and bright – Sunset Blush , Frosty Ivory with an iridescent effect in the sun.
Tecno Spark 20 Pro has IP53 dust and splash protection class. A small amount of dust does not slow down the smartphone. The system can withstand splashes or spilled water, but cannot withstand immersion in liquids.
The front part of the screen is a glass panel with a smooth, reflective surface and an additional coating to protect against scratches and minor damage. The grease-repellent coating makes it easier to clean fingerprints.
The 6.78-inch IPS display takes up 85% of the front panel. Thin bezels on the sides and a teardrop notch for the front camera provide more space for displaying content.
The rear panel with three cameras and an aluminum frame in a vertical block of the upper left corner. The section protrudes slightly above the body, it is rectangular in shape with rounded corners. The main camera module is 108 MP, next to it are additional modules and an LED flash.
Screen
Tecno Spark 20 Pro features a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with wide viewing angles, good color reproduction, and image stability when tilting the device. The image on the display remains bright and clear at an angle.
The screen resolution is 1080 x 2460 pixels, which corresponds to Full HD+. Provides good picture clarity with a pixel density of about 396 PPI. Text, images and videos look detailed, the content on the screen is easy to read.
The 120Hz refresh rate updates the image 120 times per second, making the device smoother and more responsive. This is noticeable when scrolling pages, interface animations, and games. It does not cause eye fatigue during prolonged use of the smartphone.
The display brightness is sufficient for using the device outdoors in daylight. In direct sunlight, you will need to set the brightness to maximum.
Performance
Under the hood of the Spark 20 Pro is an eight-core MediaTek Helio G99 processor. The mid-range chipset demonstrates stability and smoothness in everyday tasks, such as watching videos, working with social networks and browsing. When running games on medium settings, the performance is enough for comfortable gameplay. With serious multitasking or heavy games, the smartphone slows down.
Equipped with a Mali-G57 GPU for balanced performance across a wide range of tasks. Handles games at medium graphics settings, supports smooth animations, and plays high-resolution video. Bifrost architecture improves graphics processing, adheres to modern standards, and optimizes 3D applications. The GPU is optimized for low power consumption. Extends battery life when performing graphically intensive tasks.
The phone comes in a single memory variant with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The RAM handles multitasking with ease and maintains stable operation when opening a large number of applications at the same time. 256GB provides enough space to store photos, videos, applications, and other files. The storage is expandable via a microSD card.
The chip maintains a comfortable temperature during long-term use. During gaming sessions at high graphics settings, the smartphone becomes warm in the rear panel area, but does not overheat.
Cameras
On the back panel of TECNO Spark 20 Pro there are three identical round glass lenses. But there is only one working camera. There is also a 2-megapixel module for macro photography.
The main camera has a large 108 MP matrix. It takes ultra-clear and detailed photos of nature and people. Digital zoom enlarges distant objects without loss of quality. The wide f/1.8 aperture captures more light in low-light conditions. Creates background blur effects (bokeh) and improves overall image sensitivity. The 1/1.67 sensor with 0.64 μm pixels reduces noise in low-light images. PDAF (phase detection autofocus) focuses quickly and accurately for shooting moving objects or snapshots.
The additional module with a resolution of 2 MP is designed for macro photography. It shoots objects at close range with small details that are not visible to the naked eye. Suitable for photographs of landscapes, flowers and insects.
The Quad-LED flash evenly illuminates the scene and creates bright, detailed images in dark conditions. The HDR function is responsible for contrast and saturation.
The 32MP front camera captures fine details for bright selfies. It has a wide field of view, so it captures more space in the frame for group selfies. When you zoom in or crop photos, good image quality is maintained. The wide f/2.2 aperture captures more light for shooting. The dual-LED flash is located on the front panel next to the wide-angle lens. It evenly illuminates the face, avoiding shadows in the dark.
The selfie camera’s beauty modes smooth out skin and highlight facial features. AI technology automatically adjusts exposure, contrast, and color rendition.
Software
The smartphone runs Android 13 with the proprietary HiOS 13.5 shell. In the Android 13 version, the system allows you to fine-tune the interface appearance, change the color palette to match the selected wallpaper, and also improves notification and privacy management.
Android 13 offers precise control over access to location, microphone, and camera data. Protects personal information and reduces the risk of data leaks.
Personalization support allows users to customize the interface to their own preferences, change themes, wallpapers, icons. Smoothness and animations make working with the device intuitive.
HiOS 13.5’s floating windows and mini widgets let you work with multiple apps at once without leaving the main app. Mini widgets display important information on the home screen without having to open the apps you need.
HiOS actively uses AI to optimize smartphone performance and improve user experience. Artificial intelligence helps analyze device usage and optimize energy consumption. Adapts the operation of applications and system processes based on user habits. AI in the camera improves the quality of photos and videos, automatically adjusts shooting parameters.
The shell supports fast unlocking functions using a fingerprint and face recognition. Separate profiles for personal data with password or fingerprint scanner access. Support for “smart replies” speeds up the response to messages in messengers. The task manager tracks the user’s actions on the phone for effective organization and time planning.
The top interface curtain is divided into two areas. On the left side of the screen is a panel of notifications from applications, messages, system alerts. On the right side, access to functions for turning on and off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, power saving mode, screen brightness and other settings is available.
HiOS users have access to all Google services, including:
- Google Play Store for installing applications, games, books, movies.
- Pre-installed Google apps: Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Google Photos and more.
- Google Assistant performs tasks using voice commands, searches for information on the Internet, and controls smart devices.
Battery and autonomy
The 5000mAh battery provides good endurance for calls, web surfing, social media use and video watching.
Gaming drains the battery faster because the processor and GPU operate at high frequencies for smooth and crisp graphics. Gaming at 120Hz for smooth animation puts more strain on the battery. Gaming requires high screen brightness and an internet connection, which consumes more power.
Supports fast charging with a power of 33 W. The smartphone is charged in 30 minutes to 50-60%. TECNO has implemented protection mechanisms during charging from overheating and overvoltage. Keeps the battery in good condition throughout its service life and prevents wear.
Instructions on how to extend your phone’s battery life:
- Reduce screen brightness.
- In the settings, limit the screen refresh rate from 120 Hz to 60 Hz.
- Use the built-in power saving mode.
- Switch to Wi-Fi instead of mobile data to connect to the internet.
Connection
TECNO Spark 20 Pro supports 4G networks with high-speed Internet access and high-quality communication. Compatible with LTE frequencies and guarantees stable operation of networks of most operators around the world. In suburban areas where the signal is weak, the connection is stable and the Internet is stable.
Both nano-SIM cards are active at the same time. It is convenient to separate personal and work contacts or use SIM cards from two operators.
Noise cancellation provides clear and crisp sound for both sides, filters out ambient noise during calls. Loud speaker allows you to talk in noisy environments.
Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards with a frequency of 2.4 and 5 GHz. Provides high data transfer speeds via Wi-Fi and a stable connection to wireless networks.
Bluetooth 5.2 connects quickly and reliably to devices, headphones, speakers, smart watches. GPS, A-GPS and GLONASS modules accurately determine the location in densely populated areas or wooded areas.
The USB Type-C connector supports charging, data transfer, and connecting peripheral devices — flash drives or external storage devices — using adapters. OTG support connects keyboards, mice, or USB storage devices.
Additional functions
Artificial intelligence is built into the camera. Automatically recognizes scenes and objects to improve photos, color rendering, and balance exposure without noise reduction. AI analyzes user behavior and optimizes energy consumption, disables unnecessary processes and applications in the background.
The fingerprint scanner is located on the side of the device’s power button and is intuitively convenient for finger placement. Face unlock uses the front camera and is a lifesaver when your hands are busy or dirty.
The Spark 20 Pro’s stereo speakers sound decent with clear and loud audio. The equalizer and volume virtualization adjust the sound to the user’s taste. Game Mode optimizes the device’s performance during gaming, disables notifications, and increases available RAM.
The calculator, voice recorder, and flashlight are always at hand on the main screen and will help you solve everyday problems. The built-in QR scanner quickly reads QR codes to access websites, download apps, or make contactless payments. The three-finger screenshot feature makes it easy to capture a screen image.
The smartphone has a microSD memory card slot and expands the built-in memory up to 1 TB. In Ultra Power Saving Mode, the gadget turns off all unnecessary functions, leaving only calls and messages, extending the device’s operation when the battery level is low. Smart Power Saving mode scans the battery charge and manages it, increasing the battery life.
Pros and cons of the model
TECNO Spark 20 Pro Advantages:
- Due to the high-quality assembly, the structure is durable and attractive.
- Large, smooth 6.78-inch display with vivid colors, crisp images and smooth animations.
- The powerful 108MP main camera captures every detail when shooting.
- The memory capacity allows you to work with a large number of applications and store large amounts of data.
- Expandable memory up to 1TB with microSD.
- The smartphone lasts a full working day without recharging.
- Fast charging 33W charges up to 60% in half an hour.
- AI support for camera, power consumption and notifications.
- NFC for contactless payments.
- Dual SIM support keeps work and personal calls separate.
- Power supply is included.
Disadvantages of TECNO Spark 20 Pro:
- It has an IP53 rating for protection against dust and splashes, but it is not designed to be submerged in water.
- The MediaTek Helio G99 processor can’t handle demanding games at high settings.
- There is no 5G support, which limits the use of the next-generation network.
- The front camera without autofocus limits the quality of photos in fast-moving conditions or in low light.
- The main camera is not equipped with optical stabilization.
The TECNO Spark 20 Pro is for those looking for a reliable, high-performance smartphone with an emphasis on photography and long battery life, but not looking for a premium smartphone or advanced gaming capabilities.