Tecno Spark 3 Full Review

Die-Hard fans have been long awaited a new release from the popular smartphone manufacturer, Tecno Mobile. The Tecno Spark 3 sees a refresh on the Spark Series, replacing the previous Spark 2.

KEY SPECS

• 13MP+2MP Dual Camera
• 3,500mAh Battery
• 16GB internal storage. 32GB on the Pro
• 1GB/2GB RAM
• 6.2” Display
• 2.0 GHz Processor
• HiOS based on Android 9

DISPLAY/BUILD

As we’ve come to expect, the Spark 3 has a 6.2-inch notched display dubbed “Super Fullview” by Tecno. In truth though, it’s just a Mediocre, 720p, LCD panel like any other we’ve seen from Tecno and even Infinix Mobile in recent months. Viewing angles and contrast ratios are adequate at best.

Nonetheless, it’s not a bad display. In fact, unless you were Pixel peeping, you’d probably not notice the resolution difference. Plus it gets pretty bright. The notched, all-screen display on the Spark 3 sees slimmer bezels and a more modern feel. The color scheme on the back is also quite stunning. Tecno calls it a luminous crystal design.

PERFORMANCE

Let’s just say, Performance isn’t the Spark 3’s strong suit. This phone was made for Light-to-Medium use cases. As for storage/memory, the Spark 3 lineup and it’s variants gets confusing. So there’s a 1GB RAM/16GB Storage option. There’s also a 2GB RAM/16GB option. For the Pro version, however, you get a 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage–But only with the Pro. So either a 1GB or 2GB RAM coupled with 16GB of storage on the regular models and 2GB RAM with 32GB ROM on the Pro Variant. Got that?

Well stay with me. So the 1GB RAM variant is equipped with a MediaTek MT6580 while the 2GB/16GB storage option ships with a much better MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761). The Pro (3GB/32GB version) comes with an even more powerful Quad-Core Processor clocked at 2.0MHz. Wow…Talk about confusing.

CAMERAS

On the Spark 3, we’re getting a decent camera setup. On the rear, we have a dual 13MP + 2MP setup for depth effects, Portrait modes, AI HDR and “AI” beauty modes. Tecno boasts clearer, cleaner images. For the Selfies, the Spark 3 has an 8MP shooter on the front alongside a front-facing flash. You have the option of face unlock with the front cameras

OTHERS

Only the Tecno Spark 3 Pro comes with 4G network connectivity. There’s no 4G on the regular 1GB/2GB RAM variants. On the Software end, the Spark 3 (2GB version) and the Spark 3 Pro ships with Android 9 Pie which is, of course, a welcome development. The 1GB RAM version, however, ships with Android 8.1 (Go Edition). Battery life is rated 3,500mAh and it ships with a regular, Micro USB charger. There’s no mention of fast charge though. The Spark 3 ranges from 32,000NGN (1GB RAM variant), to 36,500NGN (2GB RAM variant). The Spark 3 Pro is however, priced at 42,000NGN

VERDICT

Similar to the Infinix Hot 7, Tecno’s latest offering (The Spark 3) caters to the lower-end market. Directed especially at the Ultra-light user base. No particular feature is acclaim-worthy and it just manages to cover the basic features of a Smartphone. Even the heavily advertised “AI Camera” modes may just be shy of a gimmick. If you aren’t a heavy smartphone user, then the Spark 3 could be for you. Outside of Super-light tasks however, the Storage and Memory limitations would mean you’re better off waiting for their next release.