Let's go back to the plan to review cheap devices and is it still dignified. Today is the turn of Tecno Spark 20 Pro which is sold at a price of RM699 for 8/256GB and RM799 for 12/256GB. What I have realized in the last two years is that sub RM1000 devices in Malaysia are now no longer worth throwing away. On the other hand it's actually good enough to use for those who refuse to sacrifice a kidney just for a new smartphone.
SPECIFICATIONS
Tecno Spark 20 Pro
Screen 6.78″ IPS LCD, FHD+, 120HZ
Mediatek Helio G99 processor
2 X 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 chips
6 X 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G57 MC2 Graphics Chip
RAM 8/12GB LPDDR4X
8/9GB Virtual
Internal Storage 256GB UFS 2.2
Micro SD 1TB
Primary Camera 108MP, f/1.8 (Wide Angle)
2MP (Depth)
32MP f/2.2 Selfie Camera
5000 mAh battery
33W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual Nano/4G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof IP53
Scan System Side fingerprint scanner
face
Sale Price RM 699 (8/256 GB)
RM 799 (12/256 GB)
SCREEN
6.78″ IPS LCD screen with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate is dynamic between 60Hz, 90Hz or 120Hz depending on the situation. The option to choose one of the refresh rates was also given. The screen is just satisfactory for an LCD panel. It is also responsive to touch and has no issues watching video content. The downside is that the bezels are thick and the performance under the hot sun won't be as good as OLED panels.
There is a Dynamic Port feature which is Tecno's "interpretation" of the Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone. It supports display of battery charging, low battery, face unlock and when making a phone call. It's a long way from the fire when compared to Dynamic Island. At the moment the Mini Capsule system on the Realme C67 is the best Android device I've ever reviewed.
The haptic system I feel is unsatisfactory. It feels outdated because every time the motor vibrates the whole body of the device also vibrates until it feels ticklish in the hand. I've gotten used to the more realistic Y-axis vibrations on flagship devices and can't go back to the old haptic system.
BIOMETRIC
The fingerprint scanner is placed on the power button on the right side of the frame. The surface of the power button is flat and large so the fingerprint scanning process is very fast. There is also a face scanning system that works very fast. For an affordable entry-level device, the Spark 20 Pro's biometric system is excellent.
DESIGN
There is no need to hide because this device does have a design that takes "inspiration" from the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As a 15 Pro Max user I can say there are many similarities but not 100% successful. I give praise to the boxy body which is very comfortable to hold. Despite the giant camera bump on the back, the device is still well-balanced and not top-heavy.
The power button and audio adjustment are located on the right side which is very easy to access. The dual nano SIM tray and a micro SD card slot are placed on the left side. Talam has three slots so two SIMs and one card with storage up to 2TB can be used simultaneously.
Below is a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB-C charging port and one of two stereo speakers. Meanwhile on the back there is a large bump that houses a 108MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP depth camera. Don't be fooled by the optical illusion used because even though it looks like there are only two tri-cameras that work and the real license is smaller. The camera lens is also much larger than the one used on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
There are no complaints about this iPhone-like design because it also comes with IP53 splash-proof capabilities. This year we are increasingly seeing affordable devices with at least waterproof capabilities. Previously only flagship or mid-premium devices offered it.
USAGE AND SOFTWARE
HiOS 13.5 operating system based on Android 13 is used and this is the first disappointment. Other manufacturers such as Realme and Infinix are able to offer devices with Android 14. The interface is easy to use even if the interface elements are not close to stock. Various additional functions are provided such as Kids' Mode, App Twin, MemFusion, Smart Panel and Game Mode.
The MemFusion system can add up to 9GB of RAM virtually. On the 8GB RAM model I reviewed, MemFusion can add up to 8GB RAM virtually. This memory can be turned off if you don't want to use it. Gesture functions are also provided such as controlling music applications from the locked screen. One rather unique feature is Peek Proof which obscures some areas of the screen that contain personal information.
Overall this operating system operates quite smoothly. I say somewhat because sometimes it can be noticed that it is stuck. But considering it doesn't come with a flagship processor, what it has to offer is better than my initial expectations.
BENCH MARK
MediaTek Helio G99 is an entry-level chip that is very popular in affordable devices in Malaysia. Based on past experience, although the gaming performance for the G99 is not outstanding, it is still adequate for social media applications, photography and streaming.
I compared Tecno Spark 20 Pro with Realme C67 (Snapdragon 685), Honor X7b (Snapdragon 680), Tecno Pova5 4G (Helio G99), Realme 11 5G (Dimensity 6100+), and Samsung Galaxy M14 5G (Exynos 1330).
Antutu 3D Benchmark
Tecno Spark 20 Pro – 420,193
Realme C67 – 304,413
Honor X7b – 313,453
Realme 11 5G – 373,331
Tecno Pova5 4G – 406,217
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 454,662
Geekbench 6
Tecno Spark 20 Pro – 706/1872
Realme C67 – 470/1530
Honor X7b – 412/1425
Realme 11 5G – 720/1884
Tecno Pova 5 4G – 737/2005
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – 924/2129
WildLife Extreme
Tecno Spark 20 Pro – 345
Realme C67 – 133
Honor X7b – 120
Realme 11 5G – 327
Tecno Pova 5 4G – N/A
Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – N/A
The score recorded by the Tecno Spark 20 Pro is consistently higher when compared to the Realme C67 which is in the same class. I can say that this difference can be felt because the Spark 20 Pro does feel smoother in use for a week. It is not known what Tecno did to make this device perform better.
If you are interested in the first, I can say Asphalt 9 and COD Mobile can be played on lace settings at a bearable level. The graphics do look original but the smoothness to shoot enemies is still good. The one that can't be played is COD: Warzone Mobile which is stuck since the map can accommodate more than 100 players and is very wide.
TELEPHONY and GPS
The device only supports 4G and 5GHz WiFi networks. Phone calls are clear and the internet is pretty fast too. GPS capabilities are also satisfactory for a device of this class.
CAMERA
The main camera consists of a 108MP wide-angle lens and a 2MP depth sensor. In front of the camera is only 32MP. The camera performance is just satisfactory. Without OIS the night mode produces images that are not sharp enough. The large sensor helps capture fairly good photos in bright ambient conditions. The picture is still quite dark when compared to mid-range devices.
BATTERY
With a battery capacity of 5,000mAh, the device can last all day before needing to be charged. This is on my normal usage. On average SOT around 9 hours can be achieved. Recharging using a 33W charger is around 90 minutes which I feel is not too slow.
AUDIO
The stereo audio system consists of speakers that both shoot to the sides. The audio is balanced and the audio level can reach very loud levels. There is also a built-in Dolby audio system. However, the audio produced resonates until the body of the device vibrates. An audio jack is also still there for those who still have wired audio accessories.
IN THE BOX
Here's what's included in the box.
1x Tecno Spark 20 Pro.
1x USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
1x Wired headphones.
1x Silicone frame.
1x Charger 33W three pin.
1x Manual.
1x SIM Pin.
CONCLUSION
At a starting price of RM699, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro is very satisfying when compared to other devices in the class or sold at a comparable price. The software despite still using Android 13 does not have ads that can make you rage. Helio G99 performance is also good with applications running smoothly. Only the first can only be played on low settings. It also has stereo speakers as well as IP53 splash proof.
I can recommend the Tecno Spark 20 Pro to those who want a starter device that has an almost complete package but at a very affordable selling price. It feels like a mid-range device that sells for over RM1000.
Pro
120Hz screen.
Satisfactory performance for an entry-level device.
Large long lasting battery.
Stereo speakers.
3.5mm audio jack
IP53 splash proof
Cons
Just a simple camera.
The speaker is loud but produces too much vibration.
Still running Android 13.