TECNO is at it again with its aggressive pricing strategy, launching the Spark 20 Pro 5G in the Philippines with a sweet price tag.

At its suggested retail price of P9,999 (around $173) for the 8GB/256GB variant, this phone was already a compelling option. But with discounts bringing it down to as low as P7,999 ($137), it’s hard to ignore. Let’s see if this new budget-friendly smartphone can deliver on performance, features, and overall user experience.

Can the price tag alone justify a purchase? Or does the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G offer more than just a low price point? Read our review to find out.

@revuphilippines Have you checked out the #TECNOSpark20Pro5G yet? www.revu.com.ph #RevuDotComDotPH #TECNO #SPARK20Pro5G #TECNOSPARK20Series #SPARK20Series #WinBigSparkBeyond #TECNOPH #TECNOPhilippines @Tecno Mobile Philippine Store @monch @Alora Uy Guerrero ♬ original sound – Revu Philippines

Our TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G preview video

Surprisingly good hardware

TECNO has taken a clear step forward with the Spark 20 Pro 5G’s design. Gone is the plasticky look of its 4G predecessor, which we reviewed last year, replaced by a more premium aesthetic that’s surprisingly competitive in this price range.

The standout design feature is undoubtedly the Neon Green variant with its Tech Art Leather backplate. It’s a bold move that pays off, giving the phone a unique, high-end feel. The material is soft to the touch, resists fingerprints like a champ, and honestly, just looks cool. It’s like TECNO decided to borrow a page from the luxury-car-interior playbook.

For those who are based in the Philippines, though, the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is only available in familiar Glossy White and Startrail Black colors — perfect for those who prefer a more classic look. Our black unit sports a reflective matte finish on the rear that feels great in the hand and manages to avoid the dreaded fingerprint smudges.

The overall build quality feels solid without being exceptional. There’s a plastic frame holding everything together, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The handset strikes a good balance between weight and thickness, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Up front, the tall LCD display dominates, interrupted only by a centrally placed punch-hole camera. The display bezels are reasonably thin, though the chin could be smaller. Essential controls reside on the right-hand side — the power and volume buttons — with the standard Type-C port handling charging and data transfer at the bottom.

The Spark 20 Pro 5G’s fingerprint scanner, seamlessly integrated into the power button, works well. Setup was a breeze, allowing for multiple finger registrations. During testing, the sensor proved consistently fast and accurate, unlocking the phone without a hitch. While in-display scanners have their appeal, the classic power-button placement might feel more intuitive for some users, especially on this model.

Additionally, the device has an NFC radio, which should come in handy when automating common tasks, such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network or running your favorite streaming service as you leave the house. It comes with an IP53 rating, too, so it should be able to survive light rain and water splashes.

Despite the affordable price tag, the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G offers a surprisingly robust audio setup. Dual speakers with Hi-Res Audio support — for both wired and wireless devices — are a welcome addition to this budget-friendly model. Dolby Atmos tuning adds another layer of depth and immersion, promising a cinematic audio experience.

To top it off, TECNO’s Binaural Tracing technology ensures a consistent soundstage no matter how you hold the phone. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that elevates the overall audio experience. And for those who need to be heard, the Volume Plus algorithm boosts call volume by a whopping 400% in both handset and hands-free modes, making conversations crystal-clear even in noisy environments.

The audio capabilities are particularly noteworthy, especially considering the Spark 20 Pro 5G’s price point. The stereo speakers produce clear and loud sound, making it suitable for multimedia consumption and gaming. When paired with compatible headphones, Dolby Atmos technology creates a more immersive soundscape.

Overall, the brand has made significant strides in the hardware department with the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G. It’s a smartphone that looks and feels more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Mega pixels, mega value

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G offers a versatile camera system that delivers impressive results for its price point. The 108-megapixel main sensor captures sharp, detailed photos, especially in well-lit conditions. It uses 9-in-1 pixel binning to improve brightness and detail, particularly in low-light scenes. The high-res sensor also allows for 3x lossless zoom, providing flexibility for capturing subjects both near and far.

While low-light photography might not be its strongest suit, the Spark 20 Pro 5G still manages to capture usable images in Super Night mode, effectively leveraging AI to illuminate dark scenes, producing detailed and vibrant photos. It’s a testament to TECNO’s commitment to providing a quality camera experience without breaking the bank. The camera’s ability to produce natural-looking bokeh in closeup shots is a pleasant surprise as well.

For users seeking more granular control over their shots, the Pro mode offers a comprehensive suite of manual adjustments. While it might not rival dedicated camera settings, it provides sufficient flexibility to experiment with different photographic styles. Portrait mode captures nice skin tones with soft background blur, though optimal results require sufficient lighting.

Selfie lovers will appreciate the 8-megapixel front camera with an autofocusing wide lens. This camera setup lets you capture group shots with ease, or include more of the background in the frame if you want. TECNO’s inclusion of a dual-LED, dual-tone flash is a unique feature that truly shines in low-light conditions. It’s a great addition for those who love to share their best angles on social media.

Unfortunately, there’s no ultrawide camera to capture those expansive landscapes, and a dedicated zoom or portrait lens is also missing. While the absence of these features is a little disappointing, the ability to shoot videos at up to 2K resolution at 30 frames per second is a solid perk for vloggers and casual video creators.

Sample shots

Fast display for the price

TECNO has pulled off a display that punches well above its weight class on the Spark 20 Pro 5G. The 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD panel might seem like a standard affair, but it’s the 120Hz refresh rate and the company’s Smart Refresh 3.1 tech that elevate it. Colors pop, images are crisp, and overall, it’s a pleasure to look at, and the touch-sampling rate reaches an impressive 1,200Hz for an instant response.

The adaptive refresh rate is a nice touch in the budget segment. The display can intelligently switch between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz based on what you’re doing, ensuring smooth performance when you need it and better battery life when you don’t. It’s a feature we’re seeing more often on flagship phones, so it’s impressive to find it here. Personally, we recommend setting the refresh rate to 90Hz, so you can save battery if need be while still enjoying smooth visuals.

Brightness is another highlight. While TECNO hasn’t officially quoted a nit count, the panel gets plenty bright for indoor and outdoor use. Streaming content on the go is a real treat on this screen.

TECNO’s AI wallpaper generator adds a playful touch to the Spark 20 Pro 5G. It’s a fun but effective way to personalize your smartphone, letting you create unique wallpapers based on your own descriptions. Simply describe your vision, select a style, and let the AI do the rest. It’s definitely a refreshing departure from the usual static wallpaper options. Just remember, you’re limited to six creations per day, so make them count!

Defying performance expectations

Don’t let the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G’s sleek exterior fool you. Under the hood, it packs the same 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset as the gaming-focused TECNO POVA 6 Pro 5G. While this isn’t flagship-level silicon, it’s capable enough for most everyday tasks and casual gaming. You can expect smooth performance in most popular games at medium to high settings, and console-quality titles like Genshin Impact are at least playable with the graphics cranked up a bit.

The brand has bolstered the Spark 20 Pro 5G with 8GB of RAM and the ability to expand that by up to 8GB more using virtual RAM. This should help with multitasking, but don’t expect it to transform the phone into a gaming powerhouse.

On the connectivity front, the device has you covered. TECNO’s Smart 5G tech promises to optimize your network connection for speed and power efficiency, while features like UPS Ultra Power Signal and Linkbooming aim to improve signal strength and reduce latency. Dual-SIM 5G support is also on board, offering flexibility for users with personal and work numbers.

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 5,000mAh battery is another standout feature. It effortlessly powers through demanding days, from early-morning commutes to late-night streaming sessions. Whether you’re a heavy user who constantly pushes your phone to the limit or a more casual user who simply needs reliable all-day performance, the Spark 20 Pro 5G delivers.

After a grueling 10-hour workday, our unit still had enough juice left for several hours of streaming the second season of Kleo on Netflix. That’s impressive. While the efficient processor and adaptive display undoubtedly contribute to the stellar battery life, the sheer size of the battery is the real hero here. You can confidently expect to make it through a full day, and then some, without reaching for the charger.

And when it’s time to recharge, the included 33-watt fast charger ensures you’re not sidelined for long. You can quickly replenish the battery when it does eventually run low, minimizing downtime and maximizing your unit’s uptime. And while it might not match the charging speeds of some midrange models, it’s more than adequate for a device in this price range. A quick top-up during a lunch break or while you’re getting ready in the morning is usually enough to get you through the rest of the day.

Final thoughts

The TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G is a welcome surprise. It’s a budget-friendly phone that offers a stylish design, a capable camera system, and smooth yet efficient performance alongside 5G speeds. While it may not compete with more expensive devices in every aspect, it excels in providing essential features and a solid user experience.

TECNO has successfully made another smartphone that punches above its weight, offering excellent value for money without compromising on key functionalities.

In the Philippines, the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage retails at P9,999 ($173) and even as low as P7,999 ($137) at launch, after discounts. That’s one heck of a deal for an entry-level 5G phone.

TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G specs

• 6.78-inch LCD display, FHD+ resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
• 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G processor
• Mali-G57 MP2 GPU
• 8GB RAM, expandable up to 16GB
• 256GB storage
• Dual 108-megapixel main, 2-megapixel macro rear cameras
• 8-megapixel front camera
• Side fingerprint reader
• HiOS 14 based on Android 14
• 5,000mAh battery with 33-watt fast charging
• Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos tuning
• Color options: Startrail Black and Glossy White for the Philippine market, Neon Green

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