The Tecno Spark 40 series is here, and it’s turning heads with specs that challenge even the likes of the iPhone 16. This budget-friendly lineup has three distinct models: the Tecno Spark 40, the Tecno Spark 40 Pro, and the Tecno Spark 40 Pro+. Despite being an unfamiliar name in some regions, Tecno is incredibly popular in parts of Africa, South America, and Asia.
Known for its affordable smartphones, Tecno occasionally surprises with futuristic concepts like tri-fold prototypes.
The Tecno Spark 40 Pro+ is particularly noteworthy, offering an impressive debut of the MediaTek Helio 200 chipset. This chip, built on a 6nm process, brings enhanced graphics and is paired with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. But it’s not just the performance that sets the Spark 40 series apart – its display and battery specs make it a true contender. The Spark 40 Pro+ features a stunning 6.78-inch curved AMOLED screen with a 1220p+ resolution and a buttery-smooth 144Hz refresh rate, paired with an under-display fingerprint sensor. The 5,200mAh battery offers fast charging capabilities, with support for 45W wired charging, 30W wireless charging, and even 5W reverse wireless charging. That’s some serious power for a device in the budget segment.
The rest of the Spark 40 Pro+ specs are equally impressive: it has a 50MP main camera and a 13MP selfie camera, both capable of capturing stunning shots. Running Android 15 with HiOS 15.1, the phone is also rated IP64 for water and dust resistance. Tecno doesn’t elaborate on the secondary camera or the software update policy, but budget phones like these typically get 2-3 years of OS updates and extended security patches.
The Spark 40 Pro+ is available in four colors: Aurora White, Nebula Black, Moon Titanium, and Tundra Green. It’s up for pre-order in Uganda for UGX 769,000, roughly $214.
The Tecno Spark 40 Pro sits in the middle of the series, boasting similar specs to the Pro+ but with a flat 6.78-inch AMOLED display. It uses the Helio G100 chipset, and while its performance isn’t quite as high-end as the Pro+, it still offers great value with 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage. The Spark 40 Pro also features the same 50MP rear camera, 13MP front camera, and 5,200mAh battery with fast charging options. It comes in colors like Ink Black, Lake Blue, Moon Titanium, and Bamboo Green. The Spark 40 Pro will be available in Uganda starting at UGX 679,000 (around $189).
Finally, the Tecno Spark 40 is the entry-level model. It comes with a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display, HD+ resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The camera setup includes an 8MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera. Powering the phone is a MediaTek Helio G81 chipset, coupled with 8GB of RAM and storage up to 256GB. The 5,200mAh battery supports 45W fast charging. The Spark 40 is priced at UGX 479,000, or about $133.
While none of the Spark 40 models are destined for the U.S., they still make a statement about what’s possible in the budget phone market. Comparing them to the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25, or Pixel 9 might seem unfair, but these phones make us question why flagship devices are still lagging behind in certain areas like charging speeds and display refresh rates. And when you look at the Spark 40’s features for just $214, it’s hard not to wonder why more premium phones don’t follow suit.
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