Over a month ago, TECNO Mobile introduced a new member to its Spark series of smartphone. Dubbed the TECNO Spark 5 , the device packs features that resonates exactly what the entry-level Spark series represents: youthfulness.
We got our hands on a unit of the TECNO Spark 5 to examine what the device is made of and its capabilities. We shall release a full, in-depth review of the device in the coming days but first, lets see what’s in the box.
Let’s get the device unwrapped.
What’s in the Box?
- 1 x TECNO Spark 5
- 1 x Power adapter and USB cable
- 1 x Earphones
- 1 x Transparent Protective Case
- 1 x SIM car ejector
- Warranty card
The device comes in a compact rectangular box with a black ‘Spark 5’ inscription neatly centered on the box’s frontal. Although the box’s Blue-Yellow color looks a little basic, the packaging is quite ‘catchy’.
Moving to the rear, the device’s key specifications are neatly scribbled at the top — and on the right side of the box. As a refresher, let’s run you through the basic specs of the device once again.
TECNO Spark 5 Key Specs
- Display: 6.6-inch HD+ (720 * 1600 px) Dot-in screen
- Dimension: 164.7mm * 76.3 mm * 8.75mm
- Network: GSM/WCDMA/LTE
- OS: Android Q / Android 10
- Processor: 2.0 GHz Quad-core
- Rear camera: 13 MP Quad AI camera with Quad Flash
- Front camera: 8MP lens with Dual Flash
- Battery: 5,000 mAh
- Sensors: Fingerprint, Ambient light, Proximity, and G-Sensor.
Storage and memory-wise, the TECNO Spark 5 is only available in the 2GB RAM/32GB ROM version. Interestingly, in addition to the double Nano SIM card slot, the device also comes with a dedicated micro SD card slot. This allows you to raise the device’s internal storage to about 256GB.
Overall Design
Despite the large-sized nature of the TECNO Spark 5 (thanks to its 6.6-inch display), the device was surprisingly lightweight — at least when compared to my daily driver, the iPhone 11 . And I really loved that about the device. The Nokia 6.1 Plus was way lighter and slimmer, though.
We got the ‘Vacation Blue’ unit of the TECNO Spark 5 for review but it is also available in three other color variants — Ice Jadeite, Spark Orange, and Misty Grey. The blue-green gradient color combination is shiny/glossy but generally looks cool and gentle on the eye. One thing I disliked about the glossy form of the device’s rear covering, however, is that it tends to pack a bunch of fingerprints during usage.
The fingerprint smears dampen the beauty that the combination of the glossiness + gradient coloring exudes. To prevent this, however, you can adorn the TECNO Spark 5 with the transparent protective case that comes in the box.
In addition to the protective case, other accessories you’d find in the TECNO Spark 5 box include the 3.5mm wired earphones, an EU Type Power adapter , and a micro USB cable.
Ports
Speaking of USB, its quite disappointing to see that in 2020, TECNO is yet to adopt the USB Type-C interface for its mid-range smartphones. You’ll only find USB-C ports on some premium TECNO flagship phones .
TECNO Spark 5 Unboxing: Ports
You’d find the speaker grills, micro-USB port, microphone port, and 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the TECNO Spark 5. And on the left-hand side, the SIM cards and micro SD card slot.
On the right-hand side, the volume controller and power/lock button. The buttons are conspicuous and feel really clicky.
Cameras
As you might already know, the TECNO Spark 5 boasts of four(4) camera lenses on the rear, and they are configured as follow:
- 13MP Primary lens with F/1.8 aperture and AI effects.
- 2MP Macro lens — in charge of close-up shots.
- 2MP Depth lens — for Bokeh effects.
- A QVGA lens
TECNO Spark 5 Unboxing: Quad Cameras
These lenses are arranged vertically on a black rectangular dashboard that protrudes just a little bit at the top-left corner. To the right of the camera sensor is the device’s Quad-LED setup. The fingerprint sensor is also in close proximity with the rear camera. As expected, the LED shone really bright. We’ll give more details on the camera quality in the full review of this device.
Moving to the front, the TECNO Spark 5’s 8MP AI selfie camera occupies the top-left corner of the device’s display. The sensor is a punch-hole cut-out, i.e., the camera is within the display. If you don’t turn on the device’s display, the front camera is almost unnoticeable.
Fun Tip: Swiping down the cutout on the device’s lock screen will automatically launch the selfie camera .
The front-facing speakers (earpiece) is also very tiny and blends smoothly along the bezels of the display. Next to the speaker are the dual front flash that doubles as the notification LED and charging indicator.
TECNO Spark 5 Unboxing: Dot-In AI Selfie Camera
Display
The device’s 6.6-inch display comes on bright when powered on. Boasting of a high screen-to-body ratio, the Spark 5’s screen extends greatly to the edges of the device. This allows for more display room without having to increase the device’s size.
Colors also came out on great on the device, thanks to its 720 x 1600 pixels display resolution and ~266 ppi display density. On the face of it, the display looks good. However, we’ll be subjecting the display to some tests in the next couple of days to determine its quality. Stay tuned.
Wrap Off
With a bigger display, Quad-camera setup, Dot-in selfie camera, and a bigger battery, the Spark 5 truly seem to be an improvement of the Spark 4. Asides the design, however, we cannot be so sure about the internals. We’ve had a cursory take on whether or not TECNO Spark 4 users should upgrade to the TECNO Spark 5. We’ll subject the TECNO Spark 5 to thorough testing for a minimum of 2 days and give a detailed report about its performance in our full review.
Pricing & Availability
The TECNO Spark 5 has been launched in major African and international markets and is readily available for purchase globally. Depending on factors like location, exchange rates, etc, the device will set you back by about $125 — $135. This unit was purchased for NGN 56,000 — see prices here on Jumia .
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Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.
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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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