The Tecno Spark 40 enters the 2024 budget phone scene with one very clear mission—bring premium style, decent specs, and unexpected features to a price point most users can afford. But this isn’t just another generic entry-level Android phone. It’s one of the few that dares to look like an iPhone while offering fast charging, useful AI tools, and full accessories in the box—all for under $130. If that sounds like a bold promise, it is, and Tecno is betting that design alone will get people through the door. But there’s more here than just a good-looking shell.
From the moment you hold it, the Spark 40 gives off the impression of a device that costs more than it actually does. The flat edges, camera layout, and matte finish all borrow cues from Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 design leaks. But Tecno isn’t copying blindly—it’s replicating form while layering in its own function. IP64 water resistance, dual stereo speakers, and a 120Hz screen are rare features at this tier.
What’s more surprising is the performance package. With a MediaTek Helio G81 under the hood and Android 15-based HiOS 15.1, it keeps things relatively smooth for everyday use. There’s no lag with messaging, YouTube streaming, or basic gaming—though this isn’t built for demanding tasks. But what it lacks in raw power, it makes up for in battery stamina and speed. The 5,200mAh battery is paired with 45W wired charging, something we almost never see in this segment.
Storage is generous too, with up to 256GB on board and microSD expansion available. And when it comes to the little extras, Tecno hasn’t cut corners. From AI-powered grammar correction tools to Freelink—Tecno’s offline Bluetooth messaging app—it feels like this phone is trying to overdeliver.
That said, there are compromises. Despite the triple camera design, only one of them actually works. And while the LCD display is snappy, it still tops out at 720p. Still, when you zoom out and look at the whole package, it’s hard to argue with what’s on offer here. Tecno’s Spark 40 is proof that entry-level smartphones don’t have to feel cheap—or slow.
Let’s now take a closer look at what makes the Spark 40 stand out, where it succeeds, and where it holds back.
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Accessories in the Box:
Tecno goes above and beyond with the Spark 40’s unboxing experience, delivering a full suite of accessories that are increasingly rare in today’s smartphone landscape. Inside the box, you’ll find a 45W fast charger, a USB-C charging cable, and a transparent TPU case that fits snugly and adds a layer of protection without hiding the design.
You also get a SIM ejector tool and wired earphones, which is a thoughtful addition many brands have completely abandoned—even in higher price tiers. The charger and cable are rated to match the phone’s full charging capability, so you won’t need to purchase additional accessories to get top-up speeds.
The inclusion of earphones is a huge plus for users who still prefer wired audio, or for those who simply want a ready-to-go setup on day one. The cable is long enough for comfortable bedside or desk use, and the charger is compact yet powerful.
Every essential is included, right down to safety guides and warranty information. Altogether, the package delivers a plug-and-play setup with nothing missing—perfect for first-time buyers or gift-givers.
Design & Build Quality:
The Tecno Spark 40 is unapologetically inspired by the iPhone—specifically the rumored iPhone 17—and for a phone that costs just a fraction of Apple’s asking price, it pulls off the look surprisingly well. At first glance, you might even mistake it for a higher-end device, especially with the large, squared camera rings arranged in a triangular layout on the back. While the chassis is made entirely of plastic, Tecno has used a matte finish that feels surprisingly smooth and grippy in the hand.
The frame has clean flat edges, and the corners are comfortably rounded to avoid the boxy discomfort some users report with hard-edged designs. The sides house a fingerprint reader embedded into the power button, which works reliably most of the time. It’s not the fastest sensor on the market, but it’s consistent and unlocks the phone without fail on the second try, even with slightly moist fingers.
Color choices include classic Black, clean White, stylish Titanium Gray, and a fourth, more playful hue for younger audiences. Our unit was black, and even with extended usage, it held up well against fingerprints and minor scratches. The buttons are tactile and well-positioned for one-handed use, with good separation between the volume rocker and power key.
At just under 9mm thick and weighing a modest amount, the Spark 40 is easy to grip without feeling flimsy or hollow. The SIM tray is located on the left and supports both dual SIMs and microSD expansion. That level of versatility is always welcome, especially for users juggling multiple networks or who need extra storage without cloud reliance.
Another surprise: Tecno includes an IP64 rating. That means it can handle splashes, light rain, or dusty environments—an unusual durability perk at this price. You likely wouldn’t want to submerge it, but you can confidently take it out in a drizzle or leave it on a dusty café table without worry.
Overall, the Spark 40 nails its mission in terms of design. It looks sharp, feels durable for plastic, and mimics flagship aesthetics in a way that’s sure to attract style-conscious buyers. This is one of the few phones under ₦150K that you might actually get compliments on when using it in public.
Display Specs & Features:
The Tecno Spark 40 comes equipped with a 6.6-inch LCD display that runs at a refresh rate of 120Hz, a rare feature at this price point. While the resolution tops out at 720p, the high refresh rate significantly boosts the overall fluidity of scrolling, UI animations, and app transitions. Whether you’re navigating menus, browsing social media, or flipping through web pages, the 120Hz panel helps the experience feel snappier than expected.
Brightness levels are decent, especially for indoor use. Under direct sunlight, readability drops a bit, but the display is still usable when maxed out. Color reproduction is surprisingly balanced—neither overly saturated nor washed out. You won’t get the punchiness of an OLED panel, but for casual content consumption, it holds up just fine. Viewing angles are average, and there’s a bit of color shift at extreme tilts, though that’s typical for LCDs in this range.
While the screen resolution is technically 720p, YouTube allows video playback up to 4K, which may sound strange—but the visual sharpness benefits from YouTube’s better compression algorithm. Video content looks crisp from a normal viewing distance. This makes it ideal for watching YouTube, TikTok, or Netflix on the go, even without Full HD.
There’s no HDR support or Widevine L1 certification, so some streaming apps may cap at SD quality, but for most users at this budget, it won’t be a dealbreaker. The display does support a dynamic refresh rate, which can scale down to save power when 120Hz isn’t needed—like during static reading or idle screens.
Bezels are relatively slim on the sides, with a slightly thicker chin, and there’s a center-aligned punch-hole for the selfie camera. It’s a clean, modern look, and the symmetrical layout adds to the premium illusion.
Overall, while resolution purists may scoff at 720p, the high refresh rate and solid visual quality make this one of the better LCD panels in the sub-$130 bracket.
Speakers & Audio:
The Tecno Spark 40 features dual stereo speakers, which is a standout inclusion in its price range. Sound output is loud enough for casual media consumption and voice calls, with decent clarity at mid to high volumes. While bass is understandably lacking, vocals come through cleanly. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also present for wired audio, and Tecno even includes wired earphones in the box—a welcome bonus for budget users.
Performance:
Under the hood, the Tecno Spark 40 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 chipset—a tried-and-true processor in the budget segment. It’s paired with either 4GB or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant you choose, and supports RAM expansion via memory fusion, allowing you to borrow up to 8GB from storage for improved multitasking. In real-world use, the Spark 40 handles basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and streaming without breaking a sweat.
Launching lightweight apps is snappy, while heavier ones like Instagram and YouTube load with a slight pause but remain stable. The phone can handle casual games like Subway Surfers, Clash Royale, or Mobile Legends on medium graphics without issue. Even titles like PUBG Mobile run reasonably well at low to balanced settings, though occasional frame drops can occur during extended sessions.
App switching is smooth if you’re not trying to juggle too many processes at once. Background tasks are managed adequately, especially if you stick to a few core apps at a time. Thermal management is solid—the phone gets warm with sustained use but never uncomfortably hot.
While it’s not a powerhouse, performance is consistent and reliable for day-to-day needs.
Software & Features:
The Tecno Spark 40 runs HiOS 15.1 on top of Android 15, and it brings a mix of user-friendly tools, visual enhancements, and surprising extras. The interface is colorful and fluid, thanks in part to the 120Hz display, and customization options are plentiful—wallpapers, themes, icon layouts, and gesture navigation are all built in. But what sets this phone apart is how Tecno integrates AI-powered features into the software.
Tools like Ella, Tecno’s built-in voice assistant, and a grammar correction engine for documents and text input give the phone a smart edge. The always-on display is a rare inclusion for an LCD phone and shows battery status, date, and basic notifications without fully waking the screen.
There’s also a new dynamic port animation that mimics Apple’s Dynamic Island and adapts based on music, calls, and charging status. The Freelink app is another standout—it allows free messaging and calling between Spark 40 users within 30 meters via Bluetooth.
However, the phone comes preloaded with bloatware. Fortunately, most of these apps can be uninstalled or disabled. Once you clean it up, the overall experience feels polished, functional, and even playful in the right ways.
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Storage:
The Tecno Spark 40 offers two internal storage configurations—128GB and 256GB, both of which are generous for a phone in this price category. Users who rely heavily on offline files, media libraries, or large apps will appreciate the breathing room. For those needing even more space, there’s a dedicated microSD card slot that supports expansion up to 1TB, without sacrificing either SIM slot.
Storage performance is adequate for everyday use. App install times are reasonable, and read/write speeds are stable enough to handle casual multitasking, app switching, and downloading large files. The phone also features a Memory Fusion system, allowing up to 8GB of virtual RAM to be allocated from unused storage, which helps prevent slowdowns during multitasking.
HiOS also includes a built-in file manager that gives a clear breakdown of space usage and offers smart cleanup suggestions. While bloatware takes up a portion of space initially, most of it can be deleted to free up storage for what actually matters.
Whether you’re a casual user, a content downloader, or someone who installs dozens of apps, the Spark 40 provides more than enough headroom.
Camera System:
Rear Camera Overview (Main Sensor)
The Tecno Spark 40 is fitted with a 50MP main rear sensor, and while the camera module may look like it houses three lenses, only one of them is functional. The primary camera does most of the heavy lifting, and for a budget phone, it performs admirably in good lighting. It captures natural colors with solid contrast and dynamic range that’s better than expected.
When shooting outdoors during the day, details are preserved well—brick textures, tree leaves, and signage all appear sharp. Focus speed is decent and usually locks in quickly unless the lighting is extremely poor. The auto HDR function kicks in when needed, helping balance shadows and highlights effectively.
Indoor shots vary depending on the light source. With strong ambient light, colors still pop and skin tones appear accurate. But as expected, under low light or mixed lighting conditions, the camera starts to struggle. Images lose detail, and there’s visible softness around the edges. You can use the flash to rescue some shots, but it tends to blow out highlights.
Tecno’s camera app offers familiar modes like AI CAM, Beauty, Portrait, and Panorama. The AI scene detection helps tweak saturation and contrast automatically. Portrait mode works reasonably well for single subjects, though edge detection is hit-or-miss.
Rear Camera (Decorative Lenses & Extras)
While the Spark 40’s rear camera layout suggests a triple camera system, only one lens actually works. One of the remaining two cutouts houses an IR blaster, which is a welcome utility feature. It lets users control TVs, air conditioners, and other infrared-compatible appliances—a function that’s increasingly rare, even in premium devices.
The third lens is purely decorative, likely included to complete the “iPhone-style” aesthetic. This might disappoint spec-savvy users but doesn’t impact overall photo quality since the camera system was never intended to be multi-lens in function.
Front Camera (Selfie Performance)
The 8MP front-facing camera is housed inside a center punch-hole cutout. It delivers decent results for selfies and video calls when lighting conditions are favorable. Skin tones remain natural, and there’s an optional Beauty mode for those who prefer smoother facial features.
Under direct sunlight or strong indoor lighting, the selfies look clean with acceptable sharpness. However, when taken in dim environments, images appear soft and somewhat noisy. There’s no front-facing flash, but the screen does brighten during low-light selfies to simulate one, which helps a bit.
Portrait selfies show an attempt at background separation, but edge detection isn’t perfect—occasionally blurring hairlines or ears. Still, it’s serviceable for casual social media sharing.
Video Recording (Rear & Front)
The Spark 40 can shoot video in 2K resolution (2560×1440) using both the front and rear cameras. This is an impressive inclusion for a budget phone, considering many rivals max out at 1080p. The footage offers better clarity and detail than you’d expect at this tier, especially under bright lighting.
Stabilization, however, is absent. There’s no EIS or OIS, so handheld video tends to be shaky unless you’re standing still or using a tripod. Autofocus can sometimes pulse in video mode, especially if you shift between subjects at varying distances.
Audio quality in videos is acceptable. Voices come through clearly without too much background distortion, although wind noise can overwhelm the mic outdoors. Both the front and rear cameras record sound in stereo, which is a nice bonus.
Color accuracy and white balance hold up well when shooting outdoors. Indoors, the video may look a bit yellowish depending on the lighting, but this is typical for budget sensors without advanced tuning.
Verdict on the Camera System
For its price, the Spark 40 delivers a surprisingly competent photography and video experience. While there’s no ultra-wide or macro camera, the single 50MP lens does its job reliably in daylight. Selfies are social-media ready, and the ability to shoot 2K video front and back is a welcome surprise.
The absence of stabilization and limited low-light capabilities are expected drawbacks at this price. But for users who shoot mostly in daylight or with good indoor lighting, the Spark 40 provides everything they need—and a bit more.
Battery Life & Charging Speed:
The Tecno Spark 40 packs a 5,200mAh battery, which delivers outstanding longevity for a device in its price range. With moderate use—social media, YouTube, messaging, and light gaming—the phone comfortably lasts a full day and often stretches into the next. Power efficiency is aided by the 720p resolution and dynamic refresh rate, which reduce unnecessary battery drain when idle.
In battery endurance tests, streaming YouTube for one hour consumed just 7% battery. Extrapolating from that, you can expect over 13 hours of continuous playback—a strong showing for any phone, let alone one this affordable. Standby drain is also minimal, making it a great device for casual or backup users.
What truly sets the Spark 40 apart, though, is its 45W fast charging support. Included in the box, the charger powers the phone from 0 to 100% in just about 65 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging budget devices in its class. A 30-minute charge can take you from dead to over 60%, which is especially useful if you’re in a rush.
Charging is done via USB-C, and the thermals remain cool throughout. This combination of large battery and rapid refill makes it incredibly convenient for users who don’t want to be tethered to a wall for hours.
Price:
The Tecno Spark 40 is priced around $110 to $130, depending on the storage configuration and retailer promotions. That places it comfortably in the ultra-budget segment, but what it offers feels closer to mid-range in some aspects. It competes head-on with devices like the Infinix Smart 8 Plus and Redmi A3, but stands out with faster charging and a flashier design.
You’re getting a 120Hz screen, 45W charging, 128GB or 256GB of storage, and a surprisingly refined finish at a price that’s less than half of most mainstream smartphones. It’s an aggressively priced device meant to appeal to students, casual users, or anyone looking for a stylish secondary phone.
Few phones at this level pack this many features without major trade-offs. When judged purely by value, the Spark 40 punches well above its price tag.
Conclusion:
The Tecno Spark 40 is a phone that punches far above its weight, especially in terms of design, charging speed, and feature set. It might not have the best camera system or the sharpest screen, but it delivers a remarkably balanced experience for a phone that costs just around $120. It manages to feel stylish, capable, and surprisingly refined for its category.
Its resemblance to the iPhone works in its favor—it catches attention and offers a premium feel without the premium price. Beyond looks, it backs up the appeal with fast 45W charging, dual speakers, decent battery life, and strong storage options. The 120Hz display, though limited to 720p, still provides a smooth visual experience.
Performance is solid for daily tasks and casual gaming, and HiOS 15.1 brings useful extras like AI tools, document editing, and Freelink offline messaging. Of course, it’s not perfect: the extra rear cameras are decorative, and the software includes some bloatware. But when evaluated against its price and competition, the Spark 40 gets a lot more right than wrong.
For students, casual users, or anyone needing a reliable, stylish phone on a budget, this one deserves a serious look. It’s one of Tecno’s most complete budget phones to date.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Modern iPhone-style design with IP64 rating
- 45W super-fast charging
- Dual speakers + headphone jack
- Comes with full box accessories
- Large storage (up to 256GB + SD slot)
- Useful features like Freelink and AI tools
Cons:
- Only one real rear camera
- 720p display lacks detail
- Software still includes lots of bloatware
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the Tecno Spark 40 support fast charging?
- Yes, it supports 45W wired charging, one of the fastest in its price segment.
How many cameras does the Tecno Spark 40 have?
- It has one functional 50MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, with two decorative rear modules.
Can you expand storage on the Tecno Spark 40?
- Yes, it supports microSD cards in addition to its 128GB or 256GB internal storage options.
Is the Tecno Spark 40 waterproof?
- It’s not waterproof, but it has an IP64 rating for splash and dust resistance.
What is Freelink on the Spark 40?
- Freelink allows free offline calls and messaging between nearby users via Bluetooth.
🔁 Alternatives to Consider:
Infinix Smart 8 Plus – Budget Value Champion
A stylish alternative with similar pricing and decent camera quality. Slightly lower charging speed but reliable for day-to-day tasks.
👉 Check it out on Amazon
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Redmi A3 – Clean Android Experience
If you prefer MIUI or want fewer pre-installed apps, the Redmi A3 is a smooth entry-level phone with great battery life.
👉 Grab yours now on Amazon
