Tecno Spark 30 Pro Review

Bored of the same old phone designs? The Tecno Spark 30 Pro might be a fresh option, especially since it's teamed up with Transformers. Released in January 2025, this collaboration isn’t just for show, it’s a rare find, especially for a budget phone.

Besides its special edition design, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro brings some solid features to the table. It packs the Helio G100 for smooth performance, a sharp 108 MP main camera, and an immersive 120 Hz AMOLED display. Curious about what else it offers? Check out the full review below.

Unboxing – All Things Transformers

First up, let’s check out what’s inside the Tecno Spark 30 Pro box. Tecno has a good track record of including complete accessories, so expectations are high. The unit I have is the Limited Edition version, featuring the Transformers collaboration.

Right from the packaging, the effort put into this edition is clear. The box itself stands out with a mix of blue, red, and silver, colors inspired by Optimus Prime.

Unlike regular phone boxes, this one has a unique opening mechanism. Lift the cover, and you'll see images of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. On the top, the Autobot logo is proudly displayed, something Transformers fans will love.

The box itself has a unique opening mechanism that adds to the futuristic feel, perfectly fitting for a collaboration with Transformers. I was already impressed with the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Limited Edition, but there was one more surprise: a subtle yet detailed design around the Autobot logo, something I only noticed later.

Now, let's move on to what’s inside. As expected, everything you need is included. There’s the Tecno Spark 30 Pro unit, a protective case, a SIM ejector, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a 33W charger head, and of course, the user manual and warranty card, which, let’s be honest, usually gets set aside.

Before getting into the phone itself, the case deserves a mention. It’s not just a plain transparent one, it has blue accents that match the phone’s design. On the back, there’s also the word Optimus Prime, another sign that this collaboration was taken seriously.

With a full set of accessories included, it’s clear that Tecno put effort into making this package complete.

On top of that, I also received a Limited Edition TWS (True Wireless Stereo) bonus, which was also part of the Transformers collaboration. These earbuds are quite exclusive, Tecno doesn’t even sell them separately anymore, making them a rare extra for Spark 30 Pro owners.

Transformers-Inspired Design with IP54 Certification

Like its packaging, this Limited Edition model comes in a bold mix of red, blue, and silver, a color scheme that closely resembles Optimus Prime.

The body also features a mechanical-style pattern that has a futuristic look. Personally, I think it looks cool, but it might not be for everyone. This design is clearly meant for Transformers fans or maybe younger users.

At the bottom of the phone, you’ll find the Autobot logo along with the Tecno Spark/Transformers branding. The text and logo blend into the body, only becoming visible when light hits them at certain angles.

If you prefer something simpler, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro also comes in two other colors: Obsidian Edge (black) and Arctic Glow (white). These variants have a minimalist look, with only a subtle granite texture near the camera module.

Speaking of the camera module, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro now features a circular design in the upper left corner. Inside, you’ll see four small circles, but don’t be fooled, not all of them contain cameras. In reality, this phone relies on just one main camera.

The primary camera is located in the circle with the blue frame. If you look closely, you’ll notice some small text that reads "Optimus Prime Altruistic Protective", though its meaning isn’t entirely clear. Below that, there’s another red-framed detail that houses the AI camera.

As for the other two circles, they are just decorative, except for one that contains the quad-LED flash. The flash is bright enough to work as a flashlight in the dark.

The body of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro is made of polycarbonate plastic with a glossy finish. This gives it a metallic look, in line with the Transformers theme, but it also makes it a fingerprint magnet.

I recommend using the included case, not only to keep it clean but also to protect the camera module from scratches and bumps. Plus, it still maintains the robotic aesthetic of the phone.

The Tecno Spark 30 Pro has an ergonomic design, with slightly curved edges that make it comfortable to hold. It’s also just 7.4mm thick, which is relatively slim for its price range.

The frame has a shiny finish similar to the back panel. At the bottom, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille. There’s also another speaker at the top with Dolby Atmos branding, confirming that this phone comes with stereo speakers for a better audio experience.

On the left side, there’s a SIM and microSD card slot. The good news? It has a dedicated microSD slot, so you can expand storage without sacrificing a second SIM card.

On the right, you’ll find three buttons: the volume up and down buttons and the power button. Since the Tecno Spark 30 Pro has an in-display fingerprint sensor, the power button looks just like the volume buttons.

When it comes to durability, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro isn’t the most rugged phone out there. It’s IP54-rated, meaning it can handle dust and minor water splashes, but it’s not waterproof. So, while it can survive light exposure to water, you’ll still need to be careful around rain, spills, or moisture.

Bright and Smooth AMOLED Display with a 120Hz Refresh Rate

Before diving into the screen details, I was pleasantly surprised when I first powered on this phone. Tecno made the experience feel special by displaying the “Tecno | Transformers” logo along with the Autobot symbol right after its own branding.

Once the device was fully turned on, I noticed plenty of Transformers-themed accents, from the wallpaper to the custom icons. It was a nice touch that added to the overall aesthetic.

Tecno Spark 30 Pro features a 6.78-inch screen with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels. This resolution provides sharp visuals, making it great for daily use. One thing that stood out to me was the bezel design, it’s not the thinnest, but it still offers a spacious and comfortable viewing experience.

One key feature of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro’s display is its AMOLED panel. This type of screen is well known for its brightness and vibrant colors. Compared to IPS LCD panels, AMOLED delivers deeper blacks and richer contrast.

During my time using this phone for watching videos and playing games, I found the colors to be vivid and enjoyable. However, when I tried playing some 4K videos on YouTube, I noticed that the maximum resolution was limited to 1440p. Additionally, there was no option to enable HDR.

When it comes to smoothness, scrolling animations in various apps felt incredibly fluid. The Tecno Spark 30 Pro supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, meaning it can adjust its speed based on what you’re doing.

To test this, I used the FPS Meter app to check how the refresh rate changed. While scrolling through home screens, social media, and apps, the display remained at 120Hz. However, when watching videos or even pulling down the control center, it instantly dropped to 60Hz.

This adaptive refresh rate technology helps save battery life by reducing screen power consumption when high refresh rates aren’t needed.

However, I didn’t find any instance where the refresh rate dropped below 60Hz, except when using the Always-on Display (AoD) feature. While this phone does include AoD, it isn’t truly “always-on.” The display only stays on for 10 seconds after locking the device.

For brightness, Tecno claims that the Tecno Spark 30 Pro can reach a peak brightness of 1700 nits. What I can say for sure is that, when using the phone outdoors at maximum brightness, the screen remains clearly visible, even under direct sunlight.

One thing worth mentioning is screen durability. I couldn’t find any details about the type of screen protection used on the Tecno Spark 30 Pro. Because of this, I’ve been extra cautious when handling the phone to avoid scratches, drops, or accidental impacts.

Helio G100 Performance with Large Memory Support

For a smartphone priced at around $150, the Helio G100 chipset is an interesting choice. It is the successor to the Helio G99, a popular chipset for mid-range devices that's often marketed as a gaming processor. However, its specifications and capabilities are still quite similar to the Helio G99.

Aside from the chipset, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro also comes with a large memory capacity, which helps maximize performance. Here’s what you need to know about the Helio G100 and how it performs.

Helio G100 Benchmark Test Results

As mentioned earlier, the Helio G100 is a mid-range chipset designed for smooth performance at an affordable price. Its main upgrade over the Helio G99 is its ability to support camera resolutions up to 200MP, compared to the previous 108MP limit. That being said, this phone does not come with a 200MP camera.

In terms of architecture, the Helio G100 is built on a 6nm fabrication process and features eight CPU cores. It consists of two Cortex-A76 cores (2.2GHz) for handling demanding tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores (2GHz) for power efficiency. The GPU remains the Mali-G57 MP2, running at 1000MHz.

Performance is further supported by ample memory capacity. The Tecno Spark 30 Pro is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM, with an option to expand it virtually. For storage, it offers 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 internal memory. The unit I’m testing is the 256GB variant.

Additionally, this phone includes a dedicated microSD slot which allows users to expand storage up to 1TB. This is a great feature for a device in the said price range, providing plenty of space for apps, media, and files.

In AnTuTu v10, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro scored 439,660 points. Meanwhile, on GeekBench 6, it recorded 734 points in single-core performance and 1992 points in multi-core performance.

This puts it slightly ahead of the Dimensity 6300 chipset, which powers competing devices like the Infinix Hot 50 5G, which scores around 430,000 on AnTuTu v10.

To further evaluate GPU performance, I ran additional tests. The OpenCL benchmark returned a score of 1466 points, while 3DMark Wild Life scored 1318 points.

In the Wild Life Stress Test, it reached 1370 points, with an impressive 99% stability. These tests were conducted multiple times, and the results remained consistent across runs.

Direct Testing for Gaming and Multitasking

Aside from running benchmark tests, I also tested this phone directly by playing some popular games and multitasking with multiple apps. This gave me a better idea of how well it performs in real-world use.

The first game I tried was PUBG Mobile. The phone supports HDR graphics with an Ultra frame rate, but I personally prefer a higher frame rate over better graphics. So, I set it to Smooth graphics with an Extreme frame rate (60 FPS) for the best experience.

During gameplay, I didn’t encounter any major issues. The game ran smoothly without noticeable frame drops or lag. The gyroscope was also quite responsive, making the experience even more enjoyable.

According to the FPS Meter, the average frame rate remained stable at 60 FPS, and the phone’s temperature stayed at a safe level.

Next, I tested Genshin Impact, a game known for its high graphical demands. The most optimal setting for this phone is Lowest graphics at 30 FPS, but I increased the frame rate to 60 FPS for a smoother look.

There were occasional lags, especially when facing multiple enemies, but they weren’t too frequent. However, I wasn’t a fan of the Lowest graphics setting, as it made the visuals look blurry. After about 30 minutes of gameplay, the phone started to feel slightly warm, though it wasn’t uncomfortable.

Lastly, I played Mobile Legends, which shouldn’t be an issue for the Helio G100. Even weaker chipsets can handle this game well. As expected, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro ran it on Ultra graphics with an Ultra frame rate without any problems.

The visuals were sharp, and the movements were smooth. The average frame rate consistently hit the maximum 120 FPS, providing a seamless gaming experience.

After testing gaming performance, I moved on to multitasking. I opened several commonly used apps at once, including Instagram, TikTok, Chrome, Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify, all running in the background. Switching between them was effortless, and I didn’t experience any slowdowns or app crashes.

108 MP Camera with 2K Video Recording, No Ultrawide Lens

Getting great photo quality on a budget phone is no longer a challenge. Tecno Spark 30 Pro is proof of that, which can offer a solid main camera for its price range. It still carries the same 108 MP resolution as its predecessor, with an f/1.9 aperture.

The main camera features a large 1/1.52-inch sensor, allowing it to handle different lighting conditions well, whether it's bright, backlit, or dim. It performs well for both close-up and distant shots and even supports digital zoom.

However, this phone only relies on its main camera. Instead of including an ultrawide lens, Tecno opted for an AI or depth sensor as a secondary camera.

That said, I have to admit, the main camera delivers impressive results. The sharpness and detail are a step above what you'd expect at this price. There's also some post-processing after capturing a shot, which enhances image quality. But since there’s no ultrawide option, maintaining quality in distant shots can be tricky.

One of my favorite features is the portrait mode. The bokeh effect looks smooth, and the subject separation is quite precise. The sharpness is also noticeably better. I honestly didn’t expect a $150 phone to perform this well.

Main Camera Photo Results

Night shots on the Tecno Spark 30 Pro turn out quite well, though there’s still some noise in darker areas. This phone clearly performs best in good lighting conditions. Below are some sample photos taken with the main camera.

The rear camera supports video recording up to 2K at 30 FPS, which is a step above many other phones in its price range that typically max out at 1080p 30/60 FPS. While it doesn’t reach 4K quality, the recording capability is still quite decent.

One downside is the lack of stabilization. When recording at 2K 30 FPS, videos can look quite shaky, especially if you’re walking while filming. However, switching to 1080p 30 FPS helps reduce the shakiness a bit, making the footage look smoother.

Selfie Camera Photo Results

Moving to the front camera, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro comes with a 13 MP sensor, which is actually a downgrade from the 32 MP front camera on the previous Tecno Spark 20 Pro. Despite this, the photo quality still looks quite similar. Below are some sample shots taken with the front camera.

There’s nothing particularly special about the front camera, except for its 2K 30 FPS video recording. This is a nice touch since it means the front camera gets the same video treatment as the rear camera. While the quality isn’t exactly the same, having video resolution above 1080p is definitely a plus.

AI Features on the Camera

Tecno Spark 30 Pro also comes with several AI-powered features that you can experiment with. One of them is AIGC Portrait, which generates an AI-enhanced image based on your face. The results aren’t perfect, but it’s fun to try out. Below are some sample photos using AIGC Portrait.

Aside from that, there are several other interesting features, such as Vlog Mode, which helps users create vlog-style videos more easily. There are also options like Slow Motion, Time-Lapse, Dual Video, Short Video, Sky Shop, Panorama, Documents Mode, and AR Shot.

Comes with Android 14 and HiOS 14, But No Guarantee of System Updates

At launch, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro runs on Android 14 with the HiOS 14 interface. For a budget phone, this is understandable since Android 14 will still be relevant in early 2025. Only mid-range and flagship phones are expected to get Android 15 right away when it launches in early 2025.

One important thing to note is that there’s no guarantee of future system updates. I tried looking for information about software support, but there were no clear answers. This is quite disappointing, especially for someone like me who doesn’t change phones often and prefers to use one for several years.

What’s ironic is that Tecno promises smooth performance for up to five years on its official website. But in reality, maintaining good performance over time requires regular software updates. Without them, the system will eventually start to slow down.

When first set up, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro comes with some bloatware or pre-installed apps. There’s even a game folder with recommended apps, but luckily, you can uninstall them if you don’t need them.

Some built-in apps also have a unique icon design, making the phone feel a bit more personalized. These include apps like Camera, Gallery, Phone, and Settings. While this doesn’t affect performance, it does make the interface feel a little different from standard Android.

Overall, after using the phone for a week, I didn’t experience any major issues. However, some apps do show ads that last quite a while. Fortunately, you can disable the ads easily, so they won’t be a problem in daily use.

Complete Connectivity and Sensors, Plus Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers

Now let’s talk about connectivity and sensors. Despite its price tag, Tecno Spark 30 Pro comes with quite a lot of features. However, it only supports 4G/LTE networks, unlike some competitors in its price range that already offer 5G.

Even so, this phone includes WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.3, multifunctional NFC, GPS, and an infrared blaster. The NFC feature works from all angles (360 degrees), making it easy to use for things like digital payments, checking or topping up e-money balances, or accessing toll gates.

The infrared blaster is a new addition to the Spark series. The previous Tecno Spark 20 Pro didn’t have it. I tested it as a TV remote, and it worked perfectly. You can also use it to control other electronic devices like air conditioners, projectors, water heaters, and air purifiers.

For security, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro has an under-display fingerprint sensor, taking advantage of its AMOLED screen. The sensor responds quickly and accurately, making it easy to unlock the phone. It also supports face unlock as another secure unlocking option.

This phone also comes with a responsive gyro sensor, which I really love as someone who plays PUBG Mobile. The gyro works smoothly, which allows quick reflexes in-game without any noticeable delay.

Other built-in sensors include an accelerometer for motion detection, a proximity sensor to detect nearby objects, and a compass. However, the haptic feedback isn’t the best, but that’s expected for a phone at this price.

For sound quality, having stereo speakers on a budget phone is already a plus. What’s even better is that the Tecno Spark 30 Pro uses Dolby Atmos for its audio system, delivering good sound clarity and an immersive effect.

The volume can also go beyond 100%, reaching 200% when making calls. This is really useful in noisy places, ensuring you can still hear conversations clearly.

However, I couldn’t find an option to increase the volume to 300%, even though Tecno claims the phone can reach that level for extra-loud audio. Also, the volume indicator only appears as a simple bar or graph, so there’s no way to see the exact volume percentage.

Durable 5000 mAh Battery with 33W Fast Charging and Bypass Charging

For budget smartphones, long battery life is a must, and the Tecno Spark 30 Pro delivers with its 5000 mAh battery. While this capacity is quite standard, battery life depends on more than just size. Factors like chipset efficiency, screen quality, and usage habits also play a big role in how long a phone lasts on a single charge.

The Helio G100 chipset in this phone is built on a 6nm process, which helps improve power efficiency. The adaptive refresh rate also helps conserve battery by around 3–5%, making it last even longer. To test its real-world battery performance, I ran a few experiments.

First, I played a local video for 10 hours straight. The battery started at 100%, with brightness and volume set to 50%, and both WiFi and mobile data turned off. After 10 hours, the battery had 23% remaining, meaning it used 77% of its power.

I also tested how the battery held up while gaming. Playing PUBG Mobile on Smooth Ultra settings for 30 minutes drained about 6% of the battery. Meanwhile, playing Mobile Legends on the highest settings for 30 minutes used 9%.

When I played Genshin Impact, which is a more demanding game, on Lowest settings at 60 FPS for 30 minutes, the battery dropped by 10%. The phone also got slightly warmer, which is expected since this game pushes the hardware more than the others.

Tecno Spark 30 Pro comes with 33W Super Charge, which is a decent speed for a phone in its class price range. While it’s not the fastest, it performs well compared to other phones in its class.

To get a more accurate result, I tested the charging speed while the phone was turned off. In 15 minutes, the battery reached 28%, and in 30 minutes, it was at 52%. To fully charge from 0 to 100%, it took around 69 minutes.

A little over an hour for a full charge is quite reasonable for a 33W fast charger, especially when the phone can last all day on a single charge.

One of the more interesting features of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro is Bypass Charging, which is usually only found on gaming phones.

This feature allows power to flow directly to the CPU instead of charging the battery while gaming. This helps reduce heat buildup and extends battery lifespan since the battery isn’t constantly being drained and recharged during gameplay.

For a budget-friendly phone, having this feature is a great bonus, especially for gamers who play for long hours. It’s small details like this that make the Tecno Spark 30 Pro stand out in its price range.

Conclusion

The Tecno Spark 30 Pro stands out as one of the most interesting choices in the $150 price range. What makes it even more special is the Limited Edition variant, which doesn’t require an extra budget but offers a unique collaboration with Transformers, specifically Optimus Prime.

Unlike many branding collaborations that are just gimmicks, this one actually delivers exclusive Transformers-inspired touches.

From the packaging design, custom case, and wallpapers to themed icons, ringtones, and even the red, blue, and silver body design, this edition is perfect for Transformers fans or anyone looking for a phone with a unique style.

Beyond its design, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro also offers solid specs in several key areas. With a Helio G100 processor, a Full HD+ AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a 108 MP main camera, and a 5000 mAh battery with fast charging, it delivers good performance for its price. However, there are still a few trade-offs to consider.

Pros of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro:

• Exclusive Limited Edition variant with a well-executed Transformers theme, rare in its class.
• Complete sales package, including a charger and a special case that matches the design.
• Smooth performance with the Helio G100, great for gaming and multitasking.
• Capable of handling popular games like Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and even Genshin Impact.
• Large memory options, with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB storage, plus a microSD slot supporting up to 1 TB.
• Responsive gyro hardware sensor, perfect for FPS games like PUBG Mobile and COD Mobile.
• Bright and vibrant AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, comfortable even in outdoor sunlight.
• Large 6.78-inch screen with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate for smoother visuals.
• High-quality stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, providing immersive sound.
• Good 108 MP main camera, especially in well-lit conditions.
• Front and rear cameras support video recording up to 2K 30 FPS.
• Complete photography features, offering great value for budget phone.
• Strong connectivity options, including multifunctional NFC and an infrared blaster.
• Fast in-display fingerprint sensor with quick response time.
• Long-lasting 5000 mAh battery, suitable for all-day use.
• 33W Super Charge support, taking about 69 minutes for a full charge.
• Bypass Charging feature, typically found in gaming phones, allowing longer gaming sessions without overheating the battery.

Cons of the Tecno Spark 30 Pro:

• The bold body design may not appeal to everyone, as it caters to specific tastes.
• No screen protection like Gorilla Glass, so extra care is needed.
• Lacks an ultrawide camera, relying solely on the main sensor.
• Front camera downgraded compared to its predecessor, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro.
• No stabilization for video recording, making footage shaky while walking.
• No guaranteed OS updates, which may affect long-term performance.
• Still limited to 4G, with no 5G support.