Tecno Spark 2

Tecno Spark 2 Review: A New Budget Champion in 2018

Smartphones are getting smarter and more affordable every year, and Tecno has been at the forefront of this wave in emerging markets. In 2018, Tecno introduced the Spark 2, a device designed to bring big-screen entertainment, reliable performance, and long-lasting battery life to users without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Tecno Spark 2, from design and build to camera performance, battery life, software experience, and how it stacks up against alternatives,  including its sibling, the Tecno Spark CM.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast weighing options on a budget or a first-time smartphone buyer, this Tecno Spark 2 review will help you decide if it’s worth your hard-earned money.

Design & Build Quality: Elegant Yet Practical

Right out of the box, the Tecno Spark 2 makes a solid first impression. The device features a 6-inch full-view display with a modern 18:9 aspect ratio, a huge upgrade from traditional 16:9 screens found on many entry-level phones of its time. The bezels are slim enough to give you a cinematic screen experience without making the phone feel oversized.

In comparison, the Tecno Spark CM, another budget option from Tecno, also attempts to deliver a large display. However, the Spark CM’s design feels slightly bulkier and less refined. While both devices share a plastic build, the Spark 2 has rounded edges and a smoother finish that feels more comfortable in the hand.

The back panel of the Spark 2 is unibody and resistant to fingerprints, a thoughtful touch for users constantly on the move. The positioning of the volume rocker and power button are intuitive, easy to reach whether you’re using the phone with your right or left hand.

Winner in Design: Tecno Spark 2, for its comfortable ergonomic design and more modern display appeal.

Display: Big, Bright, and Immersive

The 6-inch display on the Tecno Spark 2 is one of its standout features. With an 18:9 aspect ratio and respectable brightness levels, watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games feels immersive, something not all budget smartphones can claim.

You might notice that colors lean slightly toward the cooler side, and blacks are not as deep as what you’d find on mid-range OLED panels. Still, for a device in this price bracket, the screen performance is impressive. Daily tasks feel comfortable and eye-catching,  especially when consuming media.

The Spark CM also offers a large screen, but its lower contrast and slightly washed-out colors make the Spark 2’s display noticeably better.

Performance: Everyday Use Without the Jitters

Under the hood, the Tecno Spark 2 is powered by a quad-core processor paired with adequate RAM. While not a flagship killer by any means, this combination ensures that everyday tasks, browsing, messaging, social media apps, and light multitasking, run smoothly.

Heavy games with intense graphics might not run perfectly at high settings, but simpler games perform well enough. The phone feels responsive in everyday use, without significant lag or stutter.

For users who enjoy switching between apps or keeping numerous background processes alive, Spark 2 handles moderate multitasking without crashing or overheating.

Camera Performance: Great for Daily Moments

Camera quality is often the first place budget phones compromise, but the Tecno Spark 2 delivers pleasantly above expectation. The rear camera captures sharp images in bright daylight, with decent color accuracy and clarity. You’ll be able to preserve daily moments, from food shots to outdoor landscapes, with good results.

In low light or indoors, images tend to get noisy and less detailed, as expected at this price point. The flash helps, but quality still drops as lighting conditions worsen.

The front camera is great for selfies with natural skin tones and captures enough detail for social sharing. If you’re active on social platforms and love snapping selfies, the Spark 2 will deliver respectable pictures without frustration.

Battery Life: A Full Day Without Fear

One area where the Tecno Spark 2 really shines is battery life. Equipped with a robust battery (typically around 4000 mAh), the Spark 2 easily makes it through a full day of moderate to heavy usage, including streaming, browsing, gaming, and video calls.

For light users, the battery can even stretch to a day and a half. This means less anxiety about hunting for charging points throughout the day, especially ideal for students, travelers, and busy professionals.

It’s a significant advantage over many budget rivals that often struggle to last beyond midday.

Software & User Experience

The Spark 2 ships with HiOS, Tecno’s customized Android skin. HiOS brings a bunch of useful features like gesture navigation, smart panel tools, and custom themes. While some may find the additional pre-installed apps slightly excessive, most users appreciate the added features and personalization options.

The interface feels intuitive and user-friendly. If you’re upgrading from a basic phone or an older smartphone, navigating the Spark 2’s software will feel fast and familiar.

Storage & Expandability

The Tecno Spark 2 offers a storage configuration that caters well to budget users. Built-in storage is enough for your routine apps, photos, and videos. And if you need more space, there’s microSD support, giving you room to expand without sacrificing your SIM slots.

This flexibility is especially valuable in markets where cloud storage may not be practical due to data costs or limited connectivity.

Connectivity: Everything You Need

The Spark 2 comes with all the essential connectivity features you’d expect in 2018:

• 4G LTE support, for faster internet speeds where available
• Dual SIM slots, ideal for juggling work and personal numbers
• Standard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Reliable GPS for navigation

Users won’t feel shortchanged, the device hits all the practical benchmarks for everyday connectivity.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a clear breakdown of what stands out and what could be better:

Pros

• Large 6-inch display: great for video, games, and social apps
• Excellent battery life: easily lasts a full day
• Good selfie camera: perfect for social sharing
• Affordable launch price: solid value for money
• Expandable storage: flexible for extra media and files

Cons

• Not ideal for heavy gaming: limited performance under intense loads
• Camera struggles in low light: grainy photos after sunset
• Mid-range display quality: colors not as vibrant as premium phones
• Software bloatware: pre-installed apps may not be useful for everyone

How Does Tecno Spark 2 Compare to Tecno Spark CM?

When comparing design and build, both phones aim at the budget segment with similar plastic materials. However, Spark 2 edges ahead with its sleeker ergonomic feel and better screen-to-body ratio. The Spark CM feels more utilitarian, with thicker bezels and a slightly bulkier profile.

Performance between the two is comparable, but the Spark 2’s optimized software experience and superior battery endurance make it a more complete daily driver for most users.

Price at Launch (2018)

At launch, the Tecno Spark 2 was priced aggressively, making it one of the best deals in the budget smartphone category:

• ₦32,000 – ₦36,000 in Nigeria (approximate retail range)
• $80 – $85 USD
• £60 – £65 GBP
• ₹6,000 – ₹6,500 INR

These prices made it an attractive option for students, first-time smartphone buyers, and anyone seeking a no-nonsense device that handles everyday tasks effectively.

Conclusion

The Tecno Spark 2 is a standout entry-level smartphone in 2018. It offers a large display, long battery life, respectable camera performance, and a user-friendly experience, all at an incredibly affordable price. While not a powerhouse, it’s a reliable daily driver that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy smartphone features that matter.

If you’re shopping on a tight budget, the Tecno Spark 2 deserves serious consideration, especially for users who prioritize battery, camera selfies, and screen size over bleeding-edge performance.

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