Finally, we got our hands on the TECNO Spark 10 Pro, quickly cementing itself as one of the most formidable budget offerings so far this year
Here we are today, having reviewed both non-Pro versions of the TECNO Spark 10 Series– we are reminded of the company’s early days when they struggled to create an identity unique to them alone. From fun, eye-popping colors to crazy concepts seen in last year’s TECNO Camon 19 Pro Mondrian Edition and its color-changing back that will make the late Piet Mondrian himself proud.
TECNO has finally found its footing with its distinctive gargantuan camera module on its Phantom series and the desire to go toe-to-toe with the best for less (price) with its Phantom V Fold.
But no, we won’t be talking about TECNO’s flagships. All eyes are on the TECNO Spark 10 Pro as we make our first impressions while unboxing it, and we are thrilled to discover what improvements this budget-level device offers. Spark is TECNO’s most extended-running series of smartphones in the country; let’s see if the Pro moniker lives up to its name.
Box design update: the vanilla Spark 10 is as generic as possible, while the Spark 10 5G box has raised grooves reminiscent of its colorful cubist-esque back design. With the Spark 10 Pro, however, the whole number 10 is increased. It is essential to know that all Spark 10 boxes have somewhat of a textured part surrounding the Spark naming and the number 10– but the Spark 10 Pro’s box grooves are much more pronounced than the non-Pros.
You still get the same layout, but the specs are much noticeably better, bumping up the selfie camera megapixels to a solid 32. The Helio G88 chipset is also here to stay, being promoted to the Spark Series from gracing the chassis of last year’s TECNO Pova 3.
There’s also the mysterious ‘Hard-wearing Starry Glass’ mentioned, which pertains to a much more durable glass material, which is rare for the price TECNO is asking for.
It’s much larger than the two non-Pro variants, both at 6.6-inch while the Spark 10 Pro has a 6.8-inch one.
Opening the box, we see the phone in its glory; putting it aside, the Pro version is much more detailed in its packaging and presentation, ditching the ‘Lamborghini doors’ and paper tray for a plastic one. This box is a keeper already! There’s no Hi-Res Audio sticker to be found despite packing the maxed-out variant (we have the 8+8GB RAM / 256GB ROM configuration); we believe the Spark 10 Pro should also experience Hi-Res Audio.
Removing the plastic tray, there’s the paperwork, then the clear jelly case is also present, wrapped in translucent packaging. The jelly case feels much more sturdy, but we should expect everything to level up with each succeeding variant.
The inner box for the earphones and charging cord is back, with the charging brick’s plug portion snugly fitting inside the box, creating an overall tight fit. The sim ejector pin is smartly placed inside the earphone/cord box.
Moving on to the phone itself, it is noticeable that this feels so much better than the past two variants we unboxed here. While the Spark 10 aims for refinement, and Spark 10 5G is your fun, experimental variant, the Spark 10 Pro emits maturity and confidence with its pearl white colorway that’s pleasing to the eyes and to the touch as well because of the Starry Glass material. It’s also textured, so streaks will not be present anytime soon.
Dubbed the ‘three-ring design,’ despite looking like an Apple device from far away, you will know that the Spark 10 Pro has a distinct design profile upon closer inspection. Gone are the days when you were ashamed of showing your ‘budget phone’ to others because this aces the class in terms of design compared to other phones within this price range.
The display is enormous at 6.8 inches, and the water drop notch is gone in favor of a punch-hole one. Even the selfie cam cutout has its little bezel lined in silver, which is quite charming.
The overall screen bezels and chin are significantly reduced here than those of the Spark 10 and Spark 10 5G.
Also, the screen resolution is bumped up to 1080p with a 90Hz refresh rate to give it a sense of something Pro.
Scrolling through the app drawer is a buttery-smooth experience, thanks to the Helio G88 chipset, which is a decent processor up to this day. Social media and video consumption through this smartphone is also a fantastic experience.
In conclusion, the TECNO Spark 10 Pro is the culmination of TECNO’s journey to refining its brand identity, and it shows. The Spark 10 Pro is excellent at what it does; it deserves the Pro moniker.
