TECNO recently released the SPARK 30c. The handset features a large display, fast charging, and a 50MP main camera. With a starting price of Php 4,699, it promises value-packed features in the budget category. It looks promising on paper, but can they deliver? Let’s find out in this review.
Design and Display
The TECNO SPARK 30c has a clean design, matte finish, and circular camera module. The handset is solid and well-built, with a plastic construction that feels good in the hand. It punches above its weight in the budget segment.
The phone has a large 6.67-inch HD+ display with a 1600×720 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and Wet & Oily Touch Control, enabling responsive navigation even with wet fingers. The screen is bright with good colors and average visibility in direct sunlight. Despite its HD resolution, the display remains reasonably sharp.
Beyond the display and design, the SPARK 30c boasts dual speakers, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an IP54 dust and water-resistant certification, and enhanced durability, having passed micro drop and bending tests.
Returning to the stereo speakers, they sound average; but, they are better than a mono speaker. The sound is clear but thin, lacking in both bass and mids.
Cameras
The SPARK 30c has a dual rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera and an auxiliary secondary camera. It also has an 8MP front shooter for selfies and video call duties.
When it comes to camera quality, don’t expect anything exceptional. However, it’s good for the price. Photos have limited dynamic range and ample sharpness. Low light is average but usable. Selfies are average as well, but good enough for social media.
Performance
The device is equipped with a MediaTek Helio G81 processor and operates on HiOS 14, which is based on Android 14. Our review unit comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Additionally, it offers the option to add up to 4GB of virtual RAM using the MemFusion feature.
Don’t expect much regarding software updates, which is typical for budget phones. However, the SPARK 30c does promise a four-year fluency, implying it will perform smoothly and last longer. We’ll have to wait and see if it stands the test of time.
An interesting feature of the OS is the Dynamic Port, TECNO’s version of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. It is an animation surrounding the selfie camera that displays various information and notifications.
In daily use, the phone offers satisfactory performance. It runs smoothly but with the occasional stutters, still providing a pleasing user experience despite the budget tag.
- AnTuTu Benchmark
Total: 254,476 - Geekbench 6
CPU Benchmark: 446 single-core; 1,386 multi-core - 3DMark
Wild Life: 617
Battery and Charging
The SPARK 30c is equipped with a 5000mAh battery. It lasts a day with moderate usage, including taking photos, scrolling through social media, and streaming on YouTube.
The phone also supports 18W fast charging via USB-C. A full charge takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes, which is not bad considering the size of the battery and the budget branding. Meanwhile, a 30-minute charge will yield 25% power.
Final Remarks
For its price, the TECNO SPARK 30c offers a decent user experience overall, including an impressive design and long battery life. It checks a lot of boxes. However, it’s important to remember that this is a budget-friendly device, so it’s important to manage your expectations.
Price and Availability
The TECNO SPARK 30c is now available in the Philippines on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. The 4GB+128GB variant is priced at Php 4,699, the 4GB+256GB variant at Php 5,299, and the 8GB+256GB variant at Php 6,099.
TECNO SPARK 30c specs
- Display: 6.67-inch HD+ display, 1600×720, 120Hz refresh rate, Wet & Oily Touch Control
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G81
- RAM/Storage:
4GB+128GB, MemFusion extended RAM - Rear Camera:
50MP main
Auxilliary camera - Front Camera: 8MP, front-facing flash
- Network: 4G LTE
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
- Others: Side fingerprint scanner, USB-C, DTS stereo speakers, IP54 dust and water resistance
- OS: Android 14
- Colors: Orbit White, Orbit Black
- Battery: 5000mAh battery, 18W fast charging
