Tecno Spark 3 Pro

Tecno Spark 3 Pro: The Budget Champion That Shook the Market in 2019

In April 2019, Tecno Mobile unleashed one of its most talked-about budget smartphones — the Tecno Spark 3 Pro — and it didn’t disappoint. Aimed squarely at young users and first-time smartphone buyers, the Spark 3 Pro brought features that were once reserved for midrange devices into a price bracket that most people could afford. With an expansive display, capable cameras, and 4G connectivity, this phone became an instant contender in the African and South Asian markets. Here’s our in-depth review of the Spark 3 Pro, taking you through its design, performance, camera quality, battery life, pros, cons, and how it stacks up against its sibling, the Tecno Spark 3.

Unboxing the Spark 3 Pro Experience

From the moment you hold the Tecno Spark 3 Pro, you can tell this is a device that punches above its weight. The smartphone arrived in a simple yet stylish box that included the device, charger, USB cable, SIM ejector tool, and basic documentation. Nothing fancy — but enough to get users up and running right out of the box.

At launch, Tecno priced the Spark 3 Pro at around ₦40,000 – ₦45,000 in Nigeria — a range that translated to approximately $110 – $125 USD, £85 – £95 GBP, and ₹9,000 – ₹10,000 INR in 2019 currency values (pricing varied by region and retailer).

Design and Build: Sleek Looks on a Budget

When compared to its non-Pro sibling, the Tecno Spark 3, the Spark 3 Pro offered a slightly refined look and feel that justified the modest price bump. While both devices shared similar overall dimensions and plastic build quality, the Pro version had a more polished finish with better weight distribution and a more premium feel in the hand.

The Spark 3 Pro measured roughly 155.3 x 75.8 x 8.15 mm — putting it squarely in the realm of modern smartphones that aim for a big screen without feeling unwieldy. It was available in Midnight Black, Bordeaux Red, Champagne Gold, and Nebula Black — colors that added personality without going overboard. The Spark 3, on the other hand, came in fewer models and emphasized function over style.

Although both phones were built primarily from plastic, the Spark 3 Pro’s textured finish made fingerprints and smudges less noticeable, a small but appreciated design choice. Tecno’s use of rounded edges and a minimal front notch helped the phone appear more contemporary than some of its competitors.

Display: Big Screen for Big Content

One of the standout features of the Spark 3 Pro was its 6.2-inch Super FULLVIEW display with a resolution of 720 x 1520 pixels. For a budget device in 2019, this screen was impressive, offering vibrant colors and enough detail for videos, games, and everyday use. The 19:9 aspect ratio gave users more vertical screen real estate, ideal for social media feeds and browsing.

The Spark 3 featured a similar display size, but the Pro’s slightly better panel quality and improved color reproduction made it more enjoyable overall. That said, both phones shared a similar resolution, which means neither delivered Full HD sharpness, and that’s understandable given their price segment.

Performance: Everyday Tasks with Ease

Under the hood, the Spark 3 Pro ran on the MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor, paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. While not a powerhouse by any means, this configuration handled everyday tasks, such as messaging, web browsing, social media, and casual gaming, fairly well. The storage could be expanded via a microSD card, a thoughtful feature for users who wanted to store more photos, videos, and apps.

Android 9.0 Pie with Tecno’s HiOS 4.6 skin out of the box gave the phone a user-friendly interface with handy features like gesture navigation and simple system tools for storage management. While you shouldn’t expect blazing performance, the Spark 3 Pro felt smooth enough for most basic smartphone use.

Camera: Surprising Versatility on a Budget

In the camera department, the Spark 3 Pro offered dual rear cameras, a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor, along with a single 8MP front camera. For a budget phone in its class, this setup delivered better portrait shots and clearer selfies than many competitors at launch.

The dual LED flash on both the rear and front helped improve low-light shots, although image quality still struggled in very dark conditions, something common for devices at this price point. The secondary depth sensor was useful for background blur effects, bringing a more modern feel to portrait photography.

Compared to the Tecno Spark 3’s camera setup, the Pro variant had more capable sensors and slightly better software processing. Spark 3’s camera was functional, but the Pro’s dual camera system allowed for more creative flexibility and better depth effects.

Battery Life: Keeps You Going

With a 3,500mAh battery, the Spark 3 Pro offered all-day battery life with moderate use, a big advantage for users who relied on their phones for long conversations, browsing, music, and social apps. The combination of a relatively efficient chipset and a modest resolution display meant the phone didn’t gulp power too quickly.

Fast charging was absent, as expected at this price, but the solid endurance made up for that for most users.

Connectivity and Other Features

Tecno ensured the Spark 3 Pro was future-ready for its time with 4G LTE support, dual SIM slots, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and a microUSB port for charging and data transfer. A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor added a layer of security and convenience.

The phone also included FM radio support, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and basic sensors like proximity and accelerometer, which rounded out a well-equipped package for such an affordable device.

Pros and Cons of the Tecno Spark 3 Pro

Pros

• Affordable Price Tag: Excellent value for money at launch.
• Large Display: Great for browsing, videos, and gaming on the go.
• Dual Rear Cameras: Better photography options compared to entry-level smartphones.
• Decent Battery Life: Lasts through a full day of typical use.
• 4G LTE Connectivity: Fast cellular data support at budget pricing.

 Cons

• Performance Limitations: 2GB RAM isn’t ideal for intensive multitasking or gaming.
• Low-Resolution Display: Not as sharp as higher-end devices.
• MicroUSB Port: Older standard instead of USB-C.
• Camera Performance in Low Light: Struggles without good lighting.
• Limited Software Updates: Android version likely not to see major upgrades.

Who Should Buy the Spark 3 Pro?

If you’re a student, first-time smartphone buyer, or someone who simply wants a reliable everyday device without breaking the bank, the Tecno Spark 3 Pro was an excellent choice in 2019. It blended functionality, design, and performance in a package that most users could appreciate.

For users who prioritize smooth performance or high-end cameras, there were better options out there, but typically at higher price points. For its segment and price range, the Spark 3 Pro ticked most boxes.

Conclusion

The Tecno Spark 3 Pro stands out as one of the best budget smartphones of its time. By offering a large screen, capable cameras, good battery life, and essential features like 4G LTE and a fingerprint sensor, Tecno proved that affordable devices don’t need to compromise too much to deliver a satisfying user experience.

Whether you were upgrading from a feature phone or switching from an older smartphone, the Spark 3 Pro delivered a compelling experience in 2019. And even today, it serves as a reminder that smart design and thoughtful specs can make a budget smartphone truly shine.

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