When it comes to smartphones, it’s easy to go overboard with the price and miss out on a good-looking device as well as good performance. However, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ stands out as an almost mid-range experience for free. This device comes priced in under ₦350,000 and has a curved AMOLED display, vegan leather finish, and impressive 100MP camera. It doesn’t support 5G, but its rock-solid 4G abilities earn it favor with many users. As found in this comprehensive Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ review, we will look at its specs, design, performance, camera, and more so that you can determine if it is the perfect smartphone for you.
Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ Specifications
Before diving into the hands-on review, let’s take a closer look at the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+’s specifications:
- Display: 6.78 AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 78 inches (2400×3200), 1000 nits (peak brightness)
- Resolution: 2832 x 6496 pixels (~105 ppi density)
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate
- Memory: 256GB Storage / 8GB RAM
- Rear Camera: 0.08 MP (AL), f/1.8, PDAF, 108 MP (wide)
Context
Right now, there appear to be two minor software issues with the device that have not received the correct level of attention from the company.
- Front Camera: 32 MP (wide), f/2.2
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 33W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 14 with HiOS 14
- Speaker: Dual stereo speakers
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Color Options: Lunar Frost, Temporal Orbits, Radiant Starstream, Magic Skin 2.0 Green
Design and Build Quality
The design is one of the most striking things about the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+. While aesthetically pleasing, Tecno didn’t let functionality sink to a low point which is why its smartphone is beautiful and affordable at the same time.
Vegan Leather Finish
The Spark 20 Pro+ sports a vegan leather finish at the rear to present a soft touch experience that is both luxurious and comfortable to hold. Not only does this material provide some grip, it adds a bit of elegance, as so many budget smartphones’ plastic backs do not.
Color Variants
If you don’t want your Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ wearing vegan leather, the phone comes with different options as well, including glass back finish choices. Temporal Orbits, Lunar Frost, Radiant Starstream, and Magic Skin 2.0 Green offer a broad palette of colors to best suit your tastes and allow people a version for everyone.
Slim Profile and Lightweight Design
Even so, the Spark 20 Pro+ is surprisingly slim with a 5000 mAh battery. The frame is made of high-quality plastic that is sure to last, while the overall weight is kept to a manageable level. This balance makes it easy to carry (as we’re on the go) and easy to hold as they’re so comfortable.
Minimal Bezels and Punch Hole Display
The phone has almost thin bezels, making the transition between the body and the display seamless. The front camera is fitted with a small punch hole located at the top of the screen, which further enforces the minimalistic design while keeping the viewing experience free from all distractions.
Display Performance
At such a price point, everyone’s eye is on the display and the Spark 20 Pro+ performs incredibly in this department, considering its price.
High Refresh Rate AMOLED Panel
Vibrant colors and deep blacks aren’t uncommon in budget smartphones, but the 6.78-inch AMOLED display on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ beats IPS panels over and over again. The screen comes with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels and a pixel density of around 393 ppi, the latter of which ensures that pictures don’t blur and texts remain readable when you’re browsing the web, watching videos, and playing games.
Adaptive Display and 120Hz Refresh Rate
It comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, which gives you smooth and somewhat fluid animations for more responsive interactions. The refresh rate is well optimized by Tecno and there are no power interruptions between the 60Hz and 120Hz. This way, the user experience is improved while also helping to enhance battery efficiency by lowering the refresh rate based on the task at hand.
Outdoor Visibility and Brightness
The Spark 20 Pro+ has an MSRP of 1000 nits, and it’s perfectly bright outdoors. Regardless of whether you’re walking through Lagos’ busy streets or drumming up your tan at the beach, the display is bright and still clearly visible, so you don’t have to constantly squint to read it or look for shade.
Protection and Durability
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is likely to have a decent scratch and impact-resistant AMOLED panel, which is good as it hasn’t mentioned any of the TUV Rheinland certifications or what kind of display protection it will offer. Users are advised, but not required, to be careful when using the device, and a protective case or screen protector may be desirable for protection from potential damage.
In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
With an in-display fingerprint sensor, the inclusion of this helps the phone be a bit more sleek, and the best part about it is that it’s secure and convenient. It is a fast and responsive sensor with minimal lag.
Curved Display Performance
Though shaped like a curved panel, the Spark 20 Pro+ handles accidental touches remarkably well. Granted, HDR playback on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, etc., is not available – one can understand why – as the device is within budget.
Audio Experience
Speaking of sound quality, it’s one such part of the overall smartphone experience that the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ jumped to cover using a dual stereo speaker setup.
Dual Stereo Speakers
It features stereo speakers that provide clear and balanced audio for multimedia consumption. While it’s loud enough to fill a room without distortion, the sound output is adequate either way. But Tecno says it’s improved loudness by 400 percent, while in real life, loudness doesn’t increase as much. Nevertheless, the audio performance is excellent for the money.
Audio Quality and Features
They also do well with a decent range of tones: deep bass all the way to crisp highs make sure people keep listening to the audio under any type of content. The HiOS 14 interface also supports a wide variety of audio enhancements and settings, all included with the phone’s basic features.
Connectivity and Headphone Jack
The Spark 20 Pro+ also offers a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning wired audio devotees don’t need to grab dongles or adapters. Combined with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, users have a number of different options for attaching their preferred audio devices.
Performance and Gaming
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ under the hood runs on the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s a great combo that makes day-to-day tasks easy to do and also provides a great gaming experience.
MediaTek Helio G99 Ultimate
This Helio G99 Ultimate is a 6nm processor that aims at efficiency and performance. Since Tecno markets it as an Ultimate variant, official specifications don’t point to an increase in CPU or GPU clock speeds. However, the chipset is well known for multitasking and gaming without lag, even if sometimes there is a slight performance loss.
Gaming Performance
For gaming enthusiasts, the Spark 20 Pro+ offers stable performance across popular titles:
- PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: They run nicely at 40fps, providing a very good gaming experience with no real stutters.
- Mech Arena: A 60fps FPS game that runs at a good frame rate.
- Genshin Impact: The device is anything but simple, but it handles it at 30fps on low settings to the point that gameplay is playable for casual sessions.
Thermal Management
One of the standout features has to be how long the phone can continue to perform without overheating, even when being used for extended gaming sessions. The thermal management of the device is very efficient, and the device can be held comfortably and retain consistent operation over time.
Day-to-Day Usage
Apart from gaming, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ will handle your daily activities. The device works reliably if you’re browsing social media, streaming videos, or doing a bit of multitasking with a few apps. 8GB RAM guarantees smooth transitions and fast app launching, while 256GB storage offers enough space for apps, media, and files.
Storage Expansion
The phone also offers good expandable storage through a microSD card should users need more storage flexibility than what this phone provides.
User Interface and Software
Often a smartphone’s usability and overall satisfaction rely on the software experience. With the HiOS 14 interface powered by Android 14, Tecno has made great strides in delivering a refined, functional, and user-friendly interface.
Android 14 and HiOS 14
The Spark 20 Pro+ runs Android 14, an ultra-modern and secure operating system, feature-complete! This foundation gets an extra bit of customization and optimization geared towards Tecno devices with the release of HiOS 14.
Minimal Bloatware
The lack of bloatware is one of the most commendable aspects of the Spark 20 Pro+. Unlike some competitors who overload the software with unnecessary pre-installed apps, Tecno has created a perfect balance between the perfect blend of feature and functionality that users are after, without any unnecessary pre-installed apps.
Customization and Features
Users on devices running HiOS 14 have a wide variety of customizations that they can choose from, personalizing their devices to their own measure. From theme selection to widget placement, the interface is quick and adaptable. The lack of intrusive ads improves the entire user experience, making interactions smooth and enjoyable.
Dynamic Island Notifications
It features innovative features including Dynamic Island notifications to emulate the popular notification system of iPhones, giving contextual alerts to events ranging from charging status, low battery reminders to charge completion. This feature enhances the user interface with a layer of convenience and modernity.
Achieving Performance and Responsiveness
That combination of Android 14 and HiOS 14 means the device will remain responsive and efficient. Although not as sleek as you’d get from Samsung or Redmi, the interface is clean and feels functional, as expected for the phone’s budget positioning.
Software Updates
Still undetermined is the duration and frequency of software updates. Launched with the latest version of Android, users should ask Tecno about its update policy to know for certain that it will provide long-term software support and security.
Camera Capabilities
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ would be interesting to photography enthusiasts, due to its impressive camera setup. Of course, like any smartphone camera, there are positives and areas to improve upon.
Rear Camera Setup
The Spark 20 Pro+ features a triple camera configuration:
- 108 MP Primary Camera: A f/1.8 primary sensor means that it captures detailed and sharp images, all in well-lit conditions.
- 0.08 MP Auxiliary Lenses: These lenses are for depth sensing and macro shots, but overall performance is not improved to an extent to give you something worth using.
Daylight Photography
The 108 MP camera is almost remarkable in daylight as it produces detail and clarity almost as good as many of the high megapixel phones. High resolution ensures photos are sharp and vibrant such that they can be printed on large prints or edited in great detail.
Color Accuracy and HDR Processing
In good lighting, the primary camera does well, but HDR processing doesn’t always behave, and slightly less colorful results show up. As a natural color palette, this might be appealing to users who just want real shades, but those wanting more saturated and vibrant images might need to perform some post-processing adjustments.
3X In-Sensor Zoom
With 3X in-sensor zoom, using the little MP sensor, users can get closer to their subjects without sacrificing much in the image quality. Though the shots are quite average and only get ‘okayish’ when you zoom in, it works for casual photography but won’t satisfy the inquisitive shutter bug wanting top-notch zooms.
Portrait Mode
The Spark 20 Pro+‘s portrait mode is patchy. Skin tones usually look slightly pink in photos, and you often get the effect of too much smoothness in the beautification that appears unnatural. Also, light is necessary for good portrait shots, thus it does not work well in low light environments.
Front Camera
For selfies, we have a solid 32 MP front camera which produces clear and detailed images. While also tending to oversharpen selfies, it can give a look that’s a little too artificial. Even so, the front camera is still a plus point for users interested in selfies and video calls.
Videography
The Spark 20 Pro+ also weighs in on the video recording side, with the front and rear cameras capable of recording in 2K resolution at 30fps. The 2K footage is definitely sharp, but since all of this lacks Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), it’s easy to notice the videos are a little shaky, especially when you’re recording with one hand. EIS is a partial fix to this problem, but the videography experience is otherwise mediocre.
Low Light Performance
The Spark 20 Pro+ struggles to maintain detail and clarity in low illumination. Sure, the dedicated night mode helps maintain control over how pictures are exposed and they look sharp, but there aren’t any of the advanced low light enhancements that you’ll find in many other dedicated internals, which makes them still look grainy or underexposed.
Battery Life and Charging
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is very good in battery performance, particularly for smartphone users.
5000 mAh Battery
The Spark 20 Pro+ has a 5000 mAh battery that should last through a normal day of use without a charge. The battery life is reliable and long-lasting no matter whether you’re watching videos, scrolling social media, or playing for hours on end.
Fast Charging
The device is built to support 33W fast charging, meaning the battery is charged from 0 percent to approximately 100 percent in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. The ability to rapidly recharge the device is particularly useful for users who frequently move and need to quickly charge the device during brief breaks.
Battery Efficiency
The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset is efficient, and the AMOLED display is also efficient, which drives the device to have great battery efficiency. It’s perfect for heavy users and anyone who relies on their smartphones all day without a pause, as users can use it for hours straight without having to recharge constantly.
Battery Health and Longevity
The initial battery performance is great, but how long will the battery last? Proper care, such as not overcharging and using the original charger, will help maintain battery health in the long run, ensuring the device continues to deliver high performance.
Pros and Cons
To provide a clear overview, here are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+:
Pros
- Vegan Leather Finish: A premium and comfortable feel.
- Curved AMOLED Display: With a high refresh rate, it gives vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Decent Performance: With integrated speakers, it handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Long-Lasting Battery: It features a 5,000 mAh battery which will power you throughout the day while also supporting fast charging.
- Minimal Bloatware: An initially clean software experience with attractive features and customization options.
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Simple and fast unlocking mechanism.
Cons
- Issues with Refresh Rate: Stuttering occasionally, and inconsistent refresh rate switching.
- Weak Secondary Cameras: Auxiliary lenses don’t offer much added value to the camera setup.
- Software Only Average: The UI still isn’t polished, and despite being improved, it’s nothing close to what higher-end brands offer.
- Low Light Photography: Cannot perform detailed, vibrant images in low light conditions.
- Limited Software Updates: Lack of clarity on whether software support would last a year or more, and whether the choice of components would remain stable during the life of the software.
Conclusion
For Nigerian consumers looking for great value, style, and performance for a little money, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is a formidable player in the budget smartphone market. Its vegan leather finish and a curved AMOLED display give it a look that’s a cut above the rest. Powered by the talented MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, the phone performs smoothly on everyday tasks as well as moderate gaming, and the 5000 mAh battery with rapid charge support assists in long hours of usage with fairly less recharging.
Although the camera performance is quite impressive in bright conditions, it is not as good in low light and lacks the sophistication found in high-end models. Nevertheless, for photography-focused users, the high quality of its 108 MP primary sensor is still something at which the price can’t be faulted. HiOS 14 running on Android 14 is a clean, user-friendly software experience, although it falls short of the polish of premium brands.
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is an overall great sign of how far budget smartphones have come, with features and performance that were previously reserved for mid-range and beyond. There are areas where the Spark 20 Pro+ isn’t great by any means, especially in camera versatility, but it’s definitely rather good for its money. For a device that isn’t as essential as 5G connectivity, this device provides a great balance of style, functionality, and price, making it a great phone to take into 2024.
FAQs
1. Is the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ worth the cost?
For under ₦350,000, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ offers a great package of features, such as a high-refresh rate AMOLED display, a big battery and a powerful chipset, which is a good bang for your buck in the budget department.
2. Can the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ run 5G?
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ does not support 5G in connectivity. It runs on 4G LTE networks which should suffice for most users that don’t need the very fastest 5G internet.
3. Can the camera take in from low light?
The Spark 20 Pro+ shines in the day, but its low light efforts are average. But with photos shot under the dark, the dedicated night mode helps, but detail and vibrancy may be lost.
4. How long does a battery in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ last?
Under normal conditions, the 5000 mAh battery gives you all day usage. The battery is held up well with moderate to heavy use, gaming and media consumption complemented by 33W fast charging, which is quickly restored.
5. Is the storage on the phone expandable?
There’s no doubt that the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ is a phone that supports expandable storage, since it comes with up to 256GB internal storage and then allows you to increase your storage capacity beyond that using a microSD card.
6. How is the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ software updated?
Instead, it comes with Android 14 and HiOS 14, bringing a new clean and updated software experience. But nothing regarding the duration and frequency of later software updates has been outlined clearly, so it is best to ask Tecno for them update policy.
7. Can you game on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro+?
I did find that the phone handle games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or Mech Arena well, you get smooth, decent frame rates and plus there won’t be massive overheating issues.
8. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ gets what color options?
The device is available in four color variants: Lunar Frost, Radiant Starstream, Temporal Orbits, and Magic Skin 2.0 Green — for something different!
9. Does the Tecno Spark 20+ have a headphone jack?
And yes, it has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, so users can plug in wired audio without adapters.
10. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ will be how durable?
Designed to last, the Spark 20 Pro+ contain a high quality build, with either a vegan leather back or glass back and sturdy plastic frame to withstand the day to day use. But you nevertheless might also like to protect your HND even further, and a protective case will very much help.
The Tecno Spark 20 Pro+ fills the space between budget and mid-range smartphones, providing a beautiful, crisp display, reliable performance, and all at an affordable price point. In this respect, while the camera versatility and software refinement aren’t quite there yet, and they lack the fashion cred of certain smartphone rivals, the overall package makes the Spark 20 Pro+ a standout choice for users in Nigeria who want quality without the hefty price tag.