TECNO Spark 30C Review, Sample Camera Shots, Unboxing and Actual Unit Photos

The TECNO Spark 30C brings a host of features that resonate with young Filipinos, especially those who want a reliable device without splurging on high-end models.

This smartphone provides a smooth and capable experience for students, budding content creators, mobile gamers, and young professionals who value duraibility, reliability, and affordability on a handset with a premium touch. 

Let's delve into what makes the TECNO Spark 30C a standout in its class and why it might just be the perfect fit for your needs, if you're on a tight budget.

Price and Availability in the Philippines

The Spark 30C comes with an affordable price tag that’s hard to ignore. At PHP 4,839 for the 128GB model and PHP 5,499 for the 256GB version, this phone provides excellent value for the Filipino market. I believe TECNO has smartly positioned this device as a budget-friendly option, which is especially attractive to young consumers who are constantly on the lookout for phones that won’t drain their wallets but will still keep up with their day-to-day lives.

For students and young professionals, this price range allows for flexibility without compromising on the essentials. Instead of spending on more expensive models, you can invest in a device like the Spark 30C that covers all the basics with a touch of premium features. 

For me, TECNO’s decision to keep the price below PHP 6,000 shows that they’re genuinely focused on making technology accessible.

Quick Unboxing and Package Contents

Unboxing the TECNO Spark 30C is an experience in itself. 

TECNO x Transformers Collab featuring The Legendary Villain, Megatron

As you pull out the phone, you’re greeted by a vibrant purple box that feels playful yet premium. If you’re a fan of the Transformers series, you’re in for a treat with this special edition packaging featuring Megatron on the outer sleeve. 

Personally, seeing this collaboration with Transformers adds a unique, almost nostalgic touch that makes the Spark 30C feel like a collectible item. I found myself wondering if other iconic characters, like Optimus Prime or Bumblebee, might join in future collabs.

TECNO had conveniently listed down the main technical specifications of TECNO Spark 30C on the side of the sleeve so potential buyers can instantly get an idea of what the handset has to offer.

Inside the box, TECNO provides all the essentials: a USB Type-C cable, a sturdy 18W charger, a SIM ejector tool, a free clear silicone case, and a warranty card. For the price, this is an impressive package, as many budget models skimp on extras. 

Including a clear case is a thoughtful addition, especially for students and young professionals who want to keep their phones protected from daily wear and tear.

Design

The design of the Spark 30C gives it a modern yet understated look. With its subtle iridescent back panel, the phone catches the light beautifully, creating a premium feel that’s rare at this price point. 

Don't let TECNO Spark 30C's handsome looks fool you. This phone is incredibly tough too!

Its IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance ensures durability, making it a good choice for young people on the go. 

This handset has a tank-like build but it still feels fairly sleek with its curved corners.

The build, which includes a glass front, a plastic back, and a silver-painted mid-frame, feels sturdy and refined. 

On the right side, you will find the power button with an integrated fingerprint scanner and above that, you'll see the volume up and down buttons.

The rounded corners make it comfortable to hold, a detail I appreciate in a world of bulky, sharp-edged phones.

On the left side, you'll find the tray with Dual nanoSIM card slots as well as a dedicated microSD card slot. You can eject this using the provided metal pin.

Personally, I believe this design caters to the needs of young consumers who appreciate aesthetics as much as functionality. 

On top, there's a row of holes for one of the loud speakers of this model.

It’s stylish without being too flashy, which is perfect for students and professionals who want something elegant yet practical.

Finally, at the rear, we have the 3.5mm audio jack - which has become a rarity on smartphones these days, a microphone pinhole, the USB Type C charging port, and another row of holes of the secondary loudspeaker.

Durability

The TECNO SPARK 30C is designed with durability in mind, making it a solid choice for those who need a smartphone that can withstand the demands of daily life. Built to handle everyday bumps, scratches, and accidental drops, the SPARK 30C feels robust and well-constructed. Its sturdy build is particularly notable for a budget-friendly device, where durability often comes at a premium. TECNO’s commitment to quality is evident in the design, which doesn’t just focus on aesthetics but also on ensuring that the phone can handle the rigors of regular use without compromising its structure.

Adding to its appeal, TECNO Mobile Philippines claims that the SPARK 30C is optimized for “long-lasting fluency” for up to four years. This promise is aimed at users who seek more than just durability—they want a smartphone that remains smooth and responsive over time. With this model, TECNO positions itself as a brand that values both longevity and performance. The promise of sustained usability without noticeable slowdowns or wear on the device's performance makes the SPARK 30C an attractive option for users looking for a dependable smartphone that stays in peak condition for years.

Display

The 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz Refresh Rate is a standout feature at this price range. The smoothness this high refresh rate brings to basic scrolling and gameplay is hard to ignore.

If you ask me, this is where the Spark 30C shines, making even routine tasks like navigating through social media feel incredibly fluid. The 720 x 1600 resolution might not be Full HD, but the display’s color reproduction and smoothness more than make up for it.

As part of the TECNO x Transformers collab, TECNO Spark 30C comes with pre-installed Optimus Prime and Bumblebee wallpapers. Sadly, I didn't see any featuring Megatron.

For young professionals and students who spend a lot of time on their phones, the 120Hz refresh rate genuinely enhances the user experience. It’s perfect for catching up on TikTok, watching YouTube, or browsing online articles, providing a level of immersion that’s hard to find on other phones in this price range.

Cameras

The 50MP main camera is quite impressive for a phone at this price. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by how clear and detailed the photos came out, especially in well-lit conditions. The HDR feature adds depth and contrast, enhancing photo quality, which is perfect for those who love taking photos on the go. 

Despite having only one camera at the back, TECNO Spark 30C features this rather large circular module at the back that houses it as well as the LED flash. I like its symmetric placement as well as the iridescent accent framing it.

Here are my sample raw, unedited photos of various subjects taken using the main 50MP AI camera at the back of TECNO Spark 30C. Kindly tap each image for a larger view:

2X Digital Zoom

The 8MP selfie camera, complete with an LED flash, ensures that even selfies in low-light conditions come out clear.

Here are my sample raw, unedited selfies taken using TECNO Spark 30C's front-facing camera. Kindly tap each image for a larger view:

With LED Flash

With No LED Flash

The Spark 30C’s camera set-up is geared toward users who want easy and convenient way to capture photos daily and I think it hits that mark well, considering the price of this smartphone.

Video Recording

With 2K video recording capabilities on both the front and rear cameras, TECNO has added a significant value proposition to this phone. I believe that this is a fantastic feature for young users, especially those who want to document their daily lives or try their hand at vlogging. Video quality is crisp, with minimal noise, and the LED flash on the selfie camera ensures well-lit footage even in dim lighting.

Whether you’re capturing memories or creating content, the Spark 30C’s video capabilities offer a practical, accessible solution for anyone who wants to produce quality videos without spending extra on equipment. For its price, the phone's video performance is solid and will likely satisfy users looking to explore video creation.

This smartphone empowers users to share their stories and experiences without breaking the bank. If you ask me, the TECNO Spark 30C’s video capabilities could be a game-changer for those looking to explore content creation, allowing them to produce engaging videos with just their smartphone.

Internal Hardware (Processor, RAM, Storage)

Powered by a MediaTek Helio G81 processor and 4GB of RAM (expandable by an additional 4GB virtually), the Spark 30C is built to handle multitasking with relative ease. 

TECNO's MemFusion technology allows you to borrow space from the internal storage to "transform" into additional RAM for boosting the multitasking performance of the TECNO Spark 30C.

Personally, I found that switching between light apps was fairly smooth, with no noticeable lag during regular tasks. The storage options of 128GB or 256GB, coupled with a microSD slot for further expansion, ensure that you have plenty of space for apps, photos, and documents.

For young consumers who use their phones for everything from school assignments to work files, this hardware setup is perfect. It strikes a great balance between performance and storage, providing the flexibility to save all the essentials without compromising speed.

Software

Running on Android 14, the Spark 30C offers a streamlined and customizable experience via its HiOS 14.5 UI. I appreciate how smooth and responsive the interface is, with minimal bloatware. For students and professionals alike, having an intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through apps and organize tasks efficiently.

The software is designed to meet the needs of users who appreciate a phone that’s as fast as it is flexible. From multitasking to using productivity apps, this device’s software experience is well-tailored to keep up with a busy lifestyle.

HiOS 14.5 comes with a slew of propriety special functions including Floating Windows, Game Mode, and Smart Hub, among others, which enhance the user experience.

Gaming Performance

The large display's 120Hz Refresh Rate truly shines in gaming, delivering smoother animations and faster response times that make lighter games feel incredibly immersive. 

Personally, I think that this feature alone makes the Spark 30C a fantastic choice for mobile gamers, especially in titles like Mobile Legends Bang Bang. 

While the device handles casual gaming beautifully, it may struggle with more graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact, where you might experience some lag, due to the limitations of the internal hardware.

For those who enjoy lighter titles, this phone offers a solid gaming experience without stuttering or frame drops. If you’re into casual gaming or play games that don’t require heavy resources, the Spark 30C’s high refresh rate enhances gameplay by making the visuals smoother and more responsive.

Mobile Legends Bang Bang gaming experience is fun, lag-free, and enjoyable on the TECNO Spark 30C. Of course, it wouldn't be as great as what you'll get on upper midrange to flagship smartphones but it's still good enough so as not to give you headaches.

Privacy and Security Features

TECNO includes both face recognition and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the Spark 30C, providing options for secure and easy unlocking. 

As I've shared, TECNO Spark 30C's fingerprint scanner as integrated with the power button that's located on the handset's right panel.

I find it convenient to have both, as face recognition works quickly in bright light, while the fingerprint scanner is reliable in any setting.

For users who store personal data or sensitive information on their phones, having these options adds a layer of security that’s essential in today’s world. This device’s security features provide peace of mind without compromising accessibility.

Battery and Charging Speed

The 5,000mAh battery is perfect for long days on the go. Personally, I’ve found that the battery easily lasts a full day with moderate usage, covering everything from browsing and gaming to streaming and photography. The 18W fast charging is another great touch, allowing you to get back to full power relatively quickly, which is perfect for students and young professionals with busy schedules.

You must use the provided travel charger and USB Type C charging cable in the official retail package to enjoy the phone's 18W Fast Charge Technology support.

A long-lasting battery is a necessity, especially for those who rely on their phones for multiple tasks throughout the day. The TECNO Spark 30C’s battery life and quick-charging capability make it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a phone that can keep up.

Verdict with Pros and Cons

In my opinion, the TECNO Spark 30C delivers exceptional value for its price. The device brings features that are practical, stylish, and useful for everyday life, making it a great choice for young Filipinos seeking a budget-friendly, durable, and reliable phone.

Pros:

120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals

50MP camera with solid quality

Expandable storage with generous built-in options

Impressive battery life with fast charging

Cons:

720p resolution, though smooth, is not Full HD

Limited for heavy gaming titles

Recommendation

To wrap up, I'd say that the TECNO Spark 30C is a fantastic choice for young consumers on a budget. With features that support multitasking, light gaming, and entry-level content creation, this phone is well-rounded enough to be a reliable companion for students, content creators, and young professionals alike. For anyone looking for a solid device that checks all the right boxes without the hefty price tag, the Spark 30C is a smart choice that doesn’t compromise.

I highly recommend the TECNO Spark 30C to young Filipino consumers who want to get the most bang for their buck on a new smartphone that can help them accomplish more in school or work and at the same time, allow them to relax and have fun playing games and watching videos. TECNO Spark 30C is affordable, durable, feature-packed, and reliable -- all at the same time!

TECNO Spark 30C Specs

Model: KL5

BODY

Dimensions: 163.6 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm

Build: Glass Front, Plastic Back, Plastic frame

Design: Subtle Iridescent Back Panel with Pearl Finish, Silver Painted Mid-Frame, Large Circular Camera Module with Symmetric Placement on Upper Portion of the Back Panel, Rounded Corners

Protection: IP54, Dust and Splash Resistant

Colorways: Orbit Black, Orbit White, Magic Skin 3.0

DISPLAY

Size: 6.67 inches

Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels

Type: IPS LCD, 120Hz Refresh Rate, Punch Hole

PLATFORM

Chipset: 12nm MediaTek Helio G81

CPU: Octa-Core

GPU: Mali-G52 MC2

OS: Android 14

MEMORY

Card slot: microSDXC

RAM: 4GB + up to 4GB RAM Expansion

Internal: 128GB, 256GB

MAIN CAMERA

Single: 50 MP, PDAF

Features: LED flash, HDR

Video: 2K, 1080p 30fps

SELFIE CAMERA

Single: 8 MP

Features: LED Flash, HDR

Video: 2K, 1080p 30fps

SOUND

Loudspeaker: Yes, DTS Dual Stereo Speakers

3.5mm jack: Yes

COMMUNICATIONS

SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, Dual Standby)

WLAN: Yes

Bluetooth: Yes

Positioning: GPS

NFC: No

Infrared port: Yes

USB: USB Type-C, OTG

SECURITY

Face Recognition

Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner

Pattern and Passcode Unlock

SENSORS

Accelerometer, Compass, Infrared

BATTERY

Type: 5,000 mAh, Non-Removable

Charging: 18W wired

Product Highlights

Affordable Price Point Matched with Useful Features for Young or Entry-Level Consumers

4 Years Plus Lasting Fluency

IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance

50MP Main Camera

Large Display

Intelligent 120Hz Refresh Rate

DTS Dual Symmetrical Speakers

Infrared Remote Control

Large Battery, 1000+ Recharge Cycles

TECNO Spark 30C Packaging

Box Design - TECNO Transformers Collab Purple Outer Sleeve featuring Megatron, Key Specs neatly listed down on the sides, Internal Orange and White Box with the model name and fine design details

Contents: TECNO Spark 30C unit, 12+1 Months Warranty Card, USB Type C Charging Cable, Travel Charger, Metal Pin for Ejecting SIM Card Tray, Free Soft Transparent Silicone Case

TECNO Spark 30C Price in the Philippines

Official SRP as of November 2024:

128GB - PHP 4,839

256GB - PHP 5,499