Chinese manufacturer TECNO introduced the Spark 3 series in Uganda with two smartphones; the Spark 3 Pro and the Spark 3. Both have a focus on design and they look very similar on the front. However, the Spark 3, being a more affordable option, has a trimmed down hardware and feature set. In a few, we shall dive into the TECNO Spark 3 review
TECNO made a big deal about the AI-assisted bright cameras on the Spark 3 series and what they can do for your photography skills. We’ve had the Spark 3 for a week now and can confirm it takes brilliant pics, which we’ll get to in a tad. But first, here is what we liked and what we didn’t like about the TECNO Spark 3 and the specifications.
Pros:
- Beautiful finish
- Android 9 and Smooth performance
- No heating issues
- Loaded with AI features
- Great rear and front camera performance
- Battery life
Cons:
- Glossy finish prone to smudges
- Easily gets scratched
- Preloaded bloatware
- The low volume output of the loudspeaker
- Placement of fingerprint scanner
TECNO Spark 3 Specifications
TECNO Spark 3 Review: Design and Build
If there one thing everyone will fall in love with about the Spark 3 is its design. The device is insanely pretty and poses rejuvenated looks that would appeal to the youth and old alike. It comes with the tested and working formula of the CAMON 11 with flat glass-look-alike plastic material.
The looks of the new Spark 3 make the Spark 2 instantly ugly and inferior and definitely many people will want to upgrade to the new series. However, with all the beauty comes a couple of caveats. The glossy back is easy prey for smudges which turn the beauty into a beast. The Spark 3 easily gets dirty and you will find it necessary to wipe it clean from time to time or simply get a cover.
Black: Spark 3Red: Spark 3 Pro
That is the weird part. Stashing away all that beauty under a not so pretty cover. It’s weird but completely necessary since there’s no doubt you will be protecting your fragile investment from fingerprint marks and scratches. While it feels like a crime to hide it under a cover, do so, immediately. You have been warned.
While the buttons are in easy to reach areas, the fingerprint scanner required us to adjust our hands every time we had to unlock the device. You can imagine the hard work at the end of the day. We would be happier if it was put a little lower where the index finger naturally rests.
To sum this up, the TECNO Spark 3 is a great-looking phone, especially in Midnight Black. It feels light in the hand, maybe because I have been used to heavy lifting with my iPhone. The only problem is you’ll need to cover all its beauty in a cover, as soon as possible.
TECNO Spark 3 Review: Display
Power on the Spark 3 and you will see a monstrous 6.2-inch display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio and large notch. The notch is the same we previously saw on the Camon 11 and Camon 11 Pro. It houses an 8MP cameras, the earpiece, an LED front flashlight, and proximity sensors.
The screen is well lit with good (not great) viewing angles. TECNO also put in some work to make sure the bezels are slim. However, the bottom chin is still annoyingly huge.
Talking about the notch, you get the option to hide the notch, but we have gotten used to its presence and we doubt many people would want to hide it. The corners of the display are rounded which adds another touch of excellence to the display.
TECNO Spark 3 Review: Performance
You get a quad-core 2.0 GHz MediaTek MT6761 Helio A22 processor along with 2GB RAM. The chipset is only good enough for basic gaming but it’s not a flagship-grade processor. When we started tasking it heavily with games like Asphalt 9, we noticed random frame drops and jerks. It is, however, a big leap from the Spark 2 which only had a single GB of RAM.
The device easily does the daily tasks that most users are looking for in a smartphone. It’s important to note that there were no heating issues even after half an hour of video streaming. There is 16GB of internal storage which is quite less for many users. Good news is you can still extend this storage by deploying a microSD card of up to 128GB via a dedicated card slot.
A 3,500mAh battery powers the device. Small, right? Well, the Spark 3 battery stamina is pretty surprising for a device with such a large display. On average usage, the Spark 3 lasts one full day with around 20% battery to spare.
TECNO Spark 3 Review: Camera Performance
At the back, the Spark 3 has 13MP+2MP dual AI Camera setup with a quad flash. The camera delivers impressive photos in daylight with good details. Edge detection in portrait mode is better than it was on the Spark 2. However, the results are inconsistent.
The cameras have AI capabilities and this makes the Spark 3 photos have better colour in most situations. The AI automatically does the horse work for the user, tweaking the setting to what suits the scenery to bring out a great photo.
The front has an 8MP sensor which delivers some great selfies. Photos are well detailed with rich colours. Pictures speak 1000 words and now I’ll let them say the rest with these Spark 3 photo samples (Note: Photos have been greatly compressed for faster rendering)
TECNO Spark 3 Review: Usability and other features.
The Spark 3 comes with HiOS 5.0 based on Android 9 Pie and is loaded with features. TECNO has implemented AI in camera for scene recognition as AR shots. HiOS AI also finds a place in the photo gallery to help sort and search faster.
The new HiOS is quite similar to XOS 5 Cheetah and carries all the features we discussed here. Face unlocking works fine although we can’t stand the front LED flashlight blinding us as it illuminates the face for unlocking in dark environments. What we did not like was that there are a number of preloaded apps.
In term of sound quality, the in-ear voice call speaker is loud and clear but the loudspeaker volume output is not up to the mark. It got us missing the richer sound that TECNO offered on the Boom J series. Even at full volume, it is barely audible in an office environment.
Verdict
John Ivan is a tech writer based in Kampala with a rich background in digital marketing, Web 2.0, influencer strategy, and content creation. With years of experience in consumer tech blogging, he blends industry insight with storytelling to make technology accessible and relevant. At Dignited.com, John covers the latest in digital trends, gadgets, and how tech is shaping lives across Africa.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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