TECNO Spark 3: Unboxing and First Impressions

TECNO Spark 3

UPDATE: Check out the Spark 3 review here

TECNO recently launched the Spark series, the Spark 3 and Spark 3 pro to the Ugandan market. This is an upgraded version of last year’s Spark 2. The Spark 3 is a complete overhaul of its predecessor in almost all departments.

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We received a Spark 3 review unit on launch day and we would like to share our first impressions after using the device for a few days.

The Spark 3 an interesting design with a sparkly back while maintaining the Camon 11 style ethos. It beauty puts its predecessor to shame even before you power it on. Actually, it is more exciting getting this device out of the box after spending just UGX 429,000. It’s a beauty to look at.

Inside the box, we were actually impressed with the new included wired headsets. Really? Yes. The Spark 3 comes beautiful headsets, not what we have been accustomed to with the past TECNO devices. While music quality from these new headsets is still schlock, they make up for that with looks that will complement your style.

The Spark 3 has a super large 6.2-inch display with an iPhone X style cutout notch on top. Being a big phone, it’s quite tricky for single-handed use if you have little hands. However, I am not in the small hands section of the economy and I mostly use one hand to operate the phone.

AI bright cameras

The Spark 3 brings back the bright photography we loved about the TECNO Spark 2 but with an AI touch. AI is applied to both sets of cameras does a lot to improve the photos taken by the Spark 3. For the first time, I didn’t have to manually set the camera modes when taking the picture. The camera is intelligent and chooses the best mode for the picture. Impressive! Both the selfies and rear camera pics are detailed and social media ready. We shall do further tests on the cameras as we spend more waking hours in the company of the TECNO Spark 3.

Another element that we have to make further tests before a conclusive statement on the battery stamina. The 3,500mAh battery that powers the Spark 3 is quite small for a 6.2-inch screen. However, we were able to register a couple of hours before running to charge.  After playing with the device for a short while, I can’t say I was overly impressed with the battery

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The Spark 3 series brings a level of flair that has been visible on TECNO’s recent devices. We have gotten used to this though and we thought TECNO would have something special for their most selling smartphone line.

We weren’t impressed with the absence of a USB type C port. Hello TECNO, USB type-C is not a flagship thing. We could use it on this elegant device. The fingerprint grabbing back also became a day job and would necessitate a good cover.

For a deeper dive into the phone’s specs and functionality, check the review which will be posted in a few days. But for now, do you think the Spark 3 is worth it? Are you planning an upgrade from the Spark 2? Let us know in comments.

TECNO Spark 3 specifications

Design Material: Plastic
  SIM: Dual Nano SIM
Display Type:  HD IPS, LCD Capacitive touchscreen
  Size: 6.2-inches
  Screen Resolution: 19:9, 720 x 1500 pixels
  Multi-touch: Yes
Software and performance Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie  
  Chipset: Quad-Core 2.0GHz, MT6761
  RAM: 2GB RAM
  Internal Storage: 16GB
  Card Slot: Yes, up to 128GB (dedicated slot)
Camera Primary: Dual rear sensors 13MP + 0.08MP
  Front Camera: 8MP
Network and Connectivity WLAN: WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiFi direct, hotspot
  2G
  3G
  4G
  Bluetooth: Yes
  USB: Yes, microUSB 2.0
  Loudspeaker: Yes
  Audio Jack: Yes, 3.5mm
  Fingerprint Sensor: Yes
  NFC: No
  Infrared: No
  Sensor: Proximity, Accelerometer, Light Sensor
Battery Capacity: 3,500mAh, non-removable
  Type: Li-ion
  Fast Charging: NO
  OTG Support: NO

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