Tecno Spark 10 5G Smartphone Review: A Solid Mid-Range Option for Under 200K NGN

Tecno Mobile may not be a household name in Western markets, but the company is making strides to change that with devices like the Spark 10 5G. As one of Tecno’s first phones in Europe and priced at just under 200k, the Spark 10 5G aims to offer affordable 5G connectivity and decent specs. After reviewing this budget-friendly smartphone, here are my key takeaways:

Design and Build Quality

While the plastic build won’t wow anyone, Tecno executed it well with subtly angular edges and surfaces that change hue nicely in light. The cameras are neatly incorporated and feel reasonably sturdy for the price. At 194g, it’s also lightweight. I appreciate the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage in the dual SIM/microSD tray.

Display and Audio

The 1612×720 LCD gets bright enough outdoors but lacks the sharpness of higher-resolution displays at this price. The 90Hz refresh rate makes it feel reasonably smooth. More impressively, it avoids annoying screen flickering through PWM dimming. Sound quality is decent for media through headphones, but the mono speaker can get tinny at higher volumes.

Performance and Hardware

The Dimensity 6020 chip and 4GB RAM provide capable performance for daily tasks. Benchmark scores held their own against competitors. Storage is a respectable 64GB with good read/write speeds. Connectivity includes 5G, dual 4G SIMs, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5. The heating was well managed during extended gaming sessions.

Cameras

Daytime shots showed good dynamic range, but detail was lacking in distance shots. Low-light photos retained decent visibility in shadows. Video maxes at 2K30 but autofocus was responsive. The 8MP selfie cam serves well in adequate lighting.

Software and Battery

Android 13 is skinned lightly with some useful extras in HiOS. Security updates were slightly dated at test time. Endurance was strong, with over 16 hours of screen time, which was possible from the 5,000mAh battery during standard use. 18W charging topped it up reasonably fast, too.

The Bottom Line

For budget shoppers after an affordable 5G phone, the Tecno Spark 10 5G delivers the basics competently without major compromises. Its plastic build, HD+ screen, and mid-range specs are to be expected at this low price point. But it performs well day-to-day, has a long battery life, and avoids screen issues like flickering that can irritate users. If you don’t need top-tier tech and value the price most of all, the Spark 10 5G is worth a look.