TECNO Spark 40C Review: A Budget Powerhouse with Surprising Features
Introduction
TECNO has launched a number of handsets in the Pakistani market this year, and it’s targeting price tags we weren’t expecting. The reason for this is that TECNO is being very aggressive in every price range, and this is reflected not only in sales, but generally, people seem to be liking the phones a lot. When you compare TECNO’s price tag with other phones, TECNO generally always comes out on top.
Price and Variants
The phone we’re going to review is the TECNO Spark 40C. We haven’t been told the exact price tag, but what we do know is that it’s priced between RS26,000 and RS28,000. This means that if you go just a little higher, you can find TO’s Spark 40, which I think starts at RS33,000. So, in that sense, we’re seeing a lot of devices with very little gaps, catering to every type of user.
Specification
Storage and Memory
There’s 128 GB of internal storage, which is quite unique for the ₹26,000 price range, as normally only 64 GB of storage is available. The 8 GB RAM listed here is actually 4 GB of RAM—it’s a combination of 4 x 128. 4 GB is extended.
Battery and Charging
Among the main highlights of this mobile phone, the biggest is that it comes with a 6000 mAh battery. I told you earlier this year that the main highlight of all the mobile phones coming this year would be their battery. Right now, you’re getting 6000 mAh. I think 7500 mAh batteries will also become common by December. This phone supports 18W fast charging, which is quite decent considering the price.
Display and Build
It has a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 6.67-inch display with IP64 water and dust resistance. The biggest thing is that although it’s not mentioned on the box, the processor installed in this phone is MediaTek’s Helio G81, which is the exact same processor that you get in the Spark 40Pay. So, performance-wise, the devices are going to be quite similar.
Extra Features
There’s an infrared remote control, Tecno’s Freeline technology (which works without a signal), a 13-megapixel rear camera, dual speakers, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. The color we have is Whale White—not Violet. The names are really weird. I’ve written them on the side: Titanium Gray, Ink Black, Whale White, and Reel Blue.
Unboxing Experience
The first thing you see after opening the box is your device. Further in the box, these low-end Tecno phones have a different unboxing experience than high-end Tecno phones. The back protector inside is customized. Not only does it feature the Tecno logo, but its color also matches the phone’s color, which is a significant sign that attention to detail is being paid in this price range.
You’ll also find some paperwork. Licensed by Qualcomm, it supports Quick Charge 3.0, and there’s an 18-watt power charger (Type A to C). It also supports Type C to C fast charging.
Design and Build Quality
The phone’s design features the speaker grille on the top edge. The SIM slot is on the side, and this phone has 128GB of internal storage. If you want, you can expand it up to 1TB with a memory card. The bottom edge houses a headphone jack, Type-C port, and speaker grill. The side has your side-mounted fingerprint scanner and volume rocker keys.
The back camera design looks cool—quite similar to the Tecno Spark Go One and even resembles iPhone-style layouts. The back has a 13-megapixel camera, the front has an 8-megapixel camera, and the body is made of polycarbonate.
Display and Software
The front display supports 120 Hz refresh rate and 720p resolution. The software experience runs on Tecno’s HiOS, which is based on Android 15. You can see that this phone has 128GB of storage.
Performance and Benchmark
We ran an AnTuTu benchmark on this phone. The G81’s previous score was around ₹90,000, but now it’s closer to 330,000. It seems AnTuTu has made some changes, which increased scores across phones. PUBG performance has also improved—offering smooth and balanced ultra frame rates and high frame rates on HD.
Camera Performance
The front camera has 8MP, and the back has 13MP. You can record in 2K 30fps from both. Tecno enables maximum hardware support in the software, unlike other brands that limit lower-end devices.
It also has a front flash, AI Cam, Portrait Mode, and Super Night Mode. The night mode results are surprisingly good for a ₨26,000 phone. Google Photos integration is available, letting you use its AI tools as well. There’s also an AIGC Portrait feature.
Selfies in low light are decent, and daytime shots are solid. The dual video mode allows you to shoot with both front and back cameras simultaneously.
Audio and Other Features
The phone features dual speakers, supports 45W Super Charging, and includes a G2000 Ultimate processor (in some markets). Corning Gorilla Glass 7i is used for protection. The upper speaker quality is fine, though not very powerful. There’s no software-based sound enhancement mode.
Final Verdict
With a 6000 mAh battery, 18W charging, and a Helio G81 processor, this is a really decent device for its price. What I like about Tecno is that they’ve always focused on hardware, and now their software game has also become solid.
Let me know your opinion on this phone in the comments below. How do you like the design? How do you like the specs? Personally, the G81 is a good deal in this price range.
