The Tecno Spark 8T is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a solid user experience without breaking the bank. Designed for emerging markets, this device offers a blend of decent performance, a large display, and a capable battery life. While it may not compete with flagship models, it holds its own in the entry-level segment, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability and functionality.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Tecno Spark 8T sports a modern design with a glossy plastic back that catches the light in a way that mimics more expensive glass-backed phones. The rear panel houses a dual-camera setup along with an LED flash, positioned neatly in a rectangular module. The phone feels lightweight and comfortable to hold, thanks to its ergonomic design and rounded edges. Available in multiple color options, including Turquoise Cyan and Atlantic Blue, the Spark 8T manages to look stylish despite its budget nature.

The front of the device is dominated by a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a waterdrop notch for the front camera. The bezels are relatively thin for this price range, though the chin is noticeably thicker. The power button and volume rocker are placed on the right side, offering a satisfying click when pressed. A dedicated microSD card slot is a welcome addition, allowing for expandable storage without sacrificing a SIM slot.

Display and Multimedia

The Tecno Spark 8T features a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it may not be the sharpest panel on the market, it gets the job done for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming. Colors are decently vibrant, though they lack the depth and accuracy of higher-end AMOLED screens. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use but can struggle under direct sunlight.

For multimedia consumption, the Spark 8T provides a satisfactory experience. The single bottom-firing speaker delivers clear audio, though it lacks bass and can sound tinny at higher volumes. A 3.5mm headphone jack is present, which is always a plus for users who prefer wired headphones. Watching videos or playing games on this device is enjoyable, provided you temper your expectations for a budget phone.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Tecno Spark 8T is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. This configuration is sufficient for light to moderate usage, such as social media apps, casual gaming, and multitasking between a few applications. However, heavy gaming or intensive tasks may reveal the limitations of this setup, with occasional stutters and longer load times.

The device runs on HiOS 7.6, based on Android 11. While Tecno has made efforts to streamline the user interface, there is still some bloatware pre-installed. The software experience is relatively smooth, though purists might prefer a stock Android experience. On the plus side, Tecno includes useful features like Game Mode, which optimizes performance for gaming, and Smart Panel for quick access to frequently used apps.

Camera Performance

The Tecno Spark 8T comes equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor and a secondary AI lens. In good lighting conditions, the main camera captures decent photos with acceptable detail and color reproduction. However, dynamic range is limited, and highlights can sometimes appear blown out. The AI enhancement feature tries to boost colors, but the results can look oversaturated.

Low-light photography is where the Spark 8T struggles. Images taken in dimly lit environments tend to be noisy and lack detail, even with the dedicated Night Mode. The 8MP front-facing camera is adequate for selfies and video calls, though it tends to soften details excessively. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and footage is passable but not exceptional, with noticeable stabilization issues.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Tecno Spark 8T is its 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with prolonged screen-on time, the device manages to stretch into a second day for lighter users. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize battery life over other features.

Charging, however, is a different story. The included 10W charger is sluggish, taking over two hours to fully replenish the battery. In a world where fast charging is becoming the norm, this feels like a significant drawback. A faster charger would have greatly improved the overall user experience.

Final Verdict

The Tecno Spark 8T is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks. Its large display, long battery life, and stylish design are definite highlights, while the performance and camera capabilities are adequate for the price. However, the lack of fast charging and mediocre low-light photography hold it back from being a standout in its category.

If you’re looking for a no-frills device that covers the basics without costing a fortune, the Spark 8T is worth considering. But if you can stretch your budget slightly, there are alternatives that offer better performance and more refined cameras.

Key Specifications of Tecno Spark 8T:

Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels), 20:9 aspect ratio

Processor: MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB, expandable via microSD (dedicated slot)

Rear Cameras: 50MP primary, AI lens

Front Camera: 8MP (waterdrop notch)

Battery: 5000mAh, 10W charging

Operating System: HiOS 7.6 based on Android 11

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS

Dimensions: 164.8 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm

Weight: 194g

Colors: Turquoise Cyan, Atlantic Blue, Iris Purple