Tecno Spark 5

TECNO SPARK 5

The Spark series recently got another upgrade with the stylish new Spark 5 release. It has a new ergonomic design and updated internals. The specifications include a large display, a quad camera, and a large 5000 mAh battery. Making up a curious and interesting take on this entry-level design. Tecno Spark 5 goes for Ksh 12,800 in Kenya. Let’s dive into the review.

Tecno Spark 5 price in Kenya and key features

The Tecno Spark 5 comes with a 6.6 inch IPS LCD that comes with the left corner aligned punch-out camera, which is the optimal design that ensures less intrusion when it comes to media consumption. The bezels are narrow, except for a small chin at the bottom, bringing the screen to body ratio to 83.7%. the built-in plastic, both frame, and back, which is aesthetically pleasing with the shimmery finish. On the back is a quad-camera set up and a fingerprint sensor. At the bottom, we have the 3.5mm jack but unfortunately, micro-USB 2.0.

Performance and storage

The Tecno Spark 5 comes with the entry-level Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset, shadowed by an octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex A53 CPU and a PowerVR 8320. The memory options are 2GB for RAM and 32 GB for internal storage, with an option for expandable microSDXC storage. This solid in the entry-level market and should deliver enough power to run average usage, without much else especially when it comes to more intensive tasks.

Spark 5 Cameras

Tecno Spark 5 is fitted with a quad-camera set up, starting with a 13mp primary wide camera, in addition to a 2mp macro lens, a 2mp depth sensor, and a QVGA shooter that they are calling a light sensor. The images are usable but not much detail is expected at these levels. Images are expected to deteriorate with poorer lighting conditions, despite the light sensor. It tends to smoothen out the images, delivering somewhat blurry images. It can shoot 1080p video in 30fps. The front-facing shooter is an 8 mp lens capable of 1080p video too. The selfies are decent but the light is still a very important consideration.

Battery

The Tecno Spark 5 in-arguably has a very big battery, the 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery is easily a 2-day charge. That means hours on end of usage and content consumption without worrying about draining. The problem however is because it does not come with USB type C or fast charging, the standard 10W charging in use takes hours to fill up. An overnight charge is therefore more appropriate to juice it up.

Software

The Tecno Spark 5 is powered by the HIOS 6.1 custom ROM based Android 10. It is the best offering Tecno and is seemingly smooth and fluid. The problem of course is the ton of bloatware that comes with the system. Ranging from preinstalled apps, unnecessary app, and ad services that are system-wide, irrespective of the app in use. See also Tecno Spark 5 Air.

This makes up for a rather irritating experience. The new update may give users the ability to delete some of these apps and toggles to turn off some of these unnecessary services. But not having them would have better. For a repeat user, however, it might not be significant considering this particular implementation is widely associated with Tecno’s other devices.

Conclusion

The Spark 5 is a good offering, putting into consideration its price point, ergonomic design, and its lasting battery. Compromises however are to be expected, and such, you get what you pay for. It’s all a matter of what one prioritizes at this particular price segment.

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