TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G Review: Budget-Friendly Powerhouse with Premium Aspirations

TECNO has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the budget segment. The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is their latest offering, aiming to bring premium features and 5G connectivity to the masses without breaking the bank. This comprehensive review will delve into every aspect of the device, from its sleek design to its impressive camera capabilities and performance prowess.

TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G Review

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G represents a significant leap forward for the popular Spark series. Building on the success of its predecessors, this new model introduces 5G connectivity, enhanced camera capabilities, and a design that punches above its weight class. As we explore the various features and improvements, we’ll see how TECNO has managed to create a device that challenges the notion of what a budget smartphone can be in 2024.

Key Takeaways

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G offers 5G connectivity at an affordable price point.
Impressive design with premium-feeling materials and attention to detail.
108MP main camera capable of capturing detailed photos and 2K video.
MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor provides solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
120Hz refresh rate display enhances the user experience despite being an LCD panel.
5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging ensures long-lasting usage.
Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support elevate the multimedia experience.

Design and Build Quality

Premium Aesthetics on a Budget

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G immediately catches the eye with its refined design that belies its budget status. Available in two striking colorways:

Green: Features an Alcantara-like back cover with a gold-edged camera island.
White: Boasts a special textured interior design.

Both versions showcase TECNO’s attention to detail, with the green variant being particularly impressive due to its fingerprint-resistant qualities. The phone’s frame almost completely envelops the device, creating a cohesive and premium look that’s reminiscent of much more expensive smartphones.

Ergonomics and Build Materials

While the device primarily uses plastic in its construction to keep costs down, TECNO has employed clever design techniques to enhance the perceived quality:

Rounded edges for improved hand-feel
Textured camera ring for visual interest
Glossy trim around the camera module

The phone weighs in at a moderate 202g, striking a balance between heft and manageability. Its dimensions make it suitable for most users, though those with smaller hands may find one-handed operation challenging.

IP53 Rating

Adding to its value proposition, the Spark 20 Pro 5G comes with an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance. This provides users with peace of mind for everyday use, protecting against light rain and accidental spills.

Display

6.78-inch FHD+ LCD Panel

At the heart of the visual experience is a large 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD display. While it may not be AMOLED, TECNO has made significant strides in optimizing this panel:

Resolution: 1080 x 2436 pixels for crisp visuals
Refresh Rate: 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations
Brightness: Surprisingly good for an LCD, comfortable for outdoor use

The inclusion of a high refresh rate is particularly noteworthy at this price point, significantly enhancing the overall user experience.

Display Features

Auto-refresh rate adjustment for battery optimization
Eye comfort mode for reduced blue light emission
Customizable color temperature settings

Camera System

Main Camera: 108MP Powerhouse

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 108MP main camera, a significant upgrade from previous Spark models. This sensor allows for:

Highly detailed photos in well-lit conditions
Improved low-light performance through pixel binning
2K video recording at 30fps

Additional Camera Features

32MP front-facing camera, capable of 2K video recording
AI-enhanced photography modes
Night mode for improved low-light shots
Portrait mode with adjustable bokeh effect

Camera Performance

In real-world usage, the Spark 20 Pro 5G’s camera system impresses with:

Accurate white balance
Good HDR performance for balanced exposures
Sharp and clear images in optimal lighting conditions

The “Nature Tone” feature for portraits is particularly noteworthy, providing natural-looking skin tones that are often lacking in budget smartphones.

Performance

MediaTek Dimensity 6080 Processor

Powering the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, a solid choice for a budget 5G device. This processor offers:

Efficient 5G connectivity
Balanced performance for everyday tasks
Capable gaming performance when settings are optimized

Real-World Performance

In day-to-day use, the Spark 20 Pro 5G handles:

Smooth multitasking between apps
Fluid UI navigation, especially with the 120Hz display
Mainstream games at 60fps with minimal issues

For more demanding titles like Genshin Impact, lowering graphical settings can result in a playable experience, showcasing the chipset’s versatility.

Software and User Experience

HiOS 13.5 Based on Android 13

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G runs on HiOS 13.5, built on top of Android 13. This custom skin offers:

A feature-rich experience with numerous customization options
Improved UI cleanliness compared to previous versions
Easy-to-disable pre-installed apps for a cleaner setup

While Android 14 would have been preferable, there’s a possibility of future updates bringing the latest Android version to the device.

Battery Life and Charging

5000mAh Battery

The large 5000mAh battery in the Spark 20 Pro 5G provides:

All-day battery life for most users
9-10 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage

33W Fast Charging

To complement the large battery, TECNO has included 33W fast charging support:

Full charge from 0% in approximately 75 minutes
Quick top-ups for extended use throughout the day

Audio and Additional Features

Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos

One of the standout features of the Spark 20 Pro 5G is its stereo speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support. This provides:

Immersive audio for media consumption
Clear and loud sound output, impressive for a budget device

Additional Features

Included Type-C earphones with surprisingly good sound quality
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and reliable unlocking
Expandable storage option for increased flexibility

Price and Value Proposition

While exact pricing may vary by region, the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is positioned as a competitive option in the budget 5G smartphone market. Its combination of features, including:

5G connectivity
High-resolution camera
120Hz display
Large battery with fast charging

Makes it a compelling choice for users looking to maximize their value without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G represents a significant step forward for the Spark series and for budget smartphones in general. By offering 5G connectivity, a premium design, and camera capabilities usually reserved for more expensive devices, TECNO has created a product that truly stands out in its price segment.

While it may not compete with flagship devices in absolute performance or camera quality, the Spark 20 Pro 5G offers an impressive balance of features and value. For users looking to experience 5G and enjoy a near-premium smartphone experience without the premium price tag, the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is an excellent choice that punches well above its weight class.

FAQs

Does the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G support expandable storage? Yes, the device supports expandable storage for increased flexibility.
What is the charging speed of the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G? The device supports 33W fast charging, capable of fully charging the 5000mAh battery in about 75 minutes.
Can the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G handle demanding games? While it can run most mainstream games smoothly, more demanding titles may require lowered graphics settings for optimal performance.
Does the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G have water resistance? The device has an IP53 rating, offering protection against dust and light water splashes.
What version of Android does the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G run? It comes with HiOS 13.5 based on Android 13, with the possibility of future updates to Android 14.

Also Check: