After giving up on slimming down smartphones, the industry is back again by introducing “Air” phones. But instead of using that branding, TECNO decided to think outside the box by using “Slim.” The TECNO Spark Slim is the brand’s entry in this trend. But instead of aiming at the high-end market, the device is positioned in the entry-level market, so everyone can enjoy it. Obviously, having a trimmed-down budget phone will come with compromises. In our TECNO Spark Slim review, we’ll see if the radically thin design has any drawbacks, or if it’s really just that good. Let’s find our. TECNO Spark Slim Specs Android 15, HiOS 15 Dual SIM, Dual Standby 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 2720 x 1224 pixel resolution, ~440ppi 144Hz refresh rate 4,500-nit peak brightness Corning Gorilla Glass 7i 2.2GHz MediaTek Helio G200 octa-core processor 8GB RAM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU 256GB internal storage, non-expandable 13-megapixel front camera 50-megapixel rear camera, PDAF IP64 dust and water res...
After giving up on slimming down smartphones, the industry is back again by introducing “Air” phones. But instead of using that branding, TECNO decided to think outside the box by using “Slim.”
The TECNO Spark Slim is the brand’s entry in this trend. But instead of aiming at the high-end market, the device is positioned in the entry-level market, so everyone can enjoy it.
Obviously, having a trimmed-down budget phone will come with compromises. In our TECNO Spark Slim review, we’ll see if the radically thin design has any drawbacks, or if it’s really just that good. Let’s find our.
TECNO Spark Slim Specs
- Android 15, HiOS 15
- Dual SIM, Dual Standby
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 2720 x 1224 pixel resolution, ~440ppi
- 144Hz refresh rate
- 4,500-nit peak brightness
- Corning Gorilla Glass 7i
- 2.2GHz MediaTek Helio G200 octa-core processor
- 8GB RAM
- Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- 256GB internal storage, non-expandable
- 13-megapixel front camera
- 50-megapixel rear camera, PDAF
- IP64 dust and water resistant
- Mood Light LED
- HSPA+, 4G LTE
- WiFi
- Bluetooth
- GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
- USB-C
- Thickness: 164.2 x 75.9 x 5.9 mm
- Weight: 156g
- Colors: White, Blue, Black
- 5,160mAh non-removable battery, 45W wired, 10W reverse wired charging
Design and Build Quality
It’s in the name. The main reason you’d consider the TECNO Spark Slim is its incredibly thin design at just 5.9mm. In comparison, the iPhone Air is only marginally thinner at 5.6mm.
After holding both devices, we can say the Spark Slim feels more compact and lighter, since it only weighs 156g. The iPhone Air comes in at a slightly heavier 165g.
The Spark Slim feels very thin, even with the acrylic case on, which does a decent job at providing a buffer to the screen and the rear cameras from the ground. It is also IP64 dust and water-resistant.
Not that using the case is a necessity. What really impressed us is how sturdy the frame is. It feels really solid in daily use, and we didn’t hear any squeaks when we tried a couple of light bend tests.
Adding to its sleekness is the curved display and rear panel. In fact, TECNO claims that it is the “World’s Slimmest 3D-Curved Phone.” The screen has Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. But unlike others, you have to install the included screen protector yourself.
The rear has a sturdy yet light fiberglass material.
TECNO didn’t stop there. As if having a slim design isn’t enough to be enticing, they included extra flair in the form of Dynamic Lighting Effects in the camera section.
There are lights within the camera island that look like the face of Disney character Baymax. More on its functions later.
Taking a tour, we have the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen on the front with the 13-megapixel selfie camera inside a punch-hole cutout. It doesn’t have the thinnest bezels we’ve seen, but it’s small enough. We also have the fingerprint scanner here.
The left side is clean while the right has the tactile volume controls and power button.
We got the noise-isolating microphone, speaker vent, and Dolby Atmos branding on the top.
The bottom has the loudspeaker, USB-C, primary microphone, and the dual SIM slot. Sadly, no space for a microSD card for storage expansion. 256GB is plenty, though, so it won’t be much of an issue.
On the back, we have the horizontal camera island. The main camera is on the left, adjacent to the depth sensor on the other side, and the pill-shaped LED flash in the middle.
Well, it goes without saying that the TECNO Spark Slim impressed us in this category. Apart from its incredibly sleek design, we appreciate TECNO going to great lengths by adding attractive LED lights and reliable durability.
Display and Audio
The TECNO Spark Slim has a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display, with a 2720 x 1224 pixel resolution, ~440ppi, 144Hz refresh rate, 2160Hz instantaneous sampling rate, 1600-nit at High Brightness Mode, 4500-nit peak brightness, Wet Touch Technology, and Pro XDR mode.
No complaints with the display. It is large, sharp, smooth, colorful, and gets very bright for outdoor use and very dim when scrolling at night.
We appreciated having stereo speakers for the price, even though it’s quite underpowered. Volume is lacking, and the quality lacks oomph. Bass is almost non-existent. This could really benefit from all the 200% volume boosters other phones have. But overall, it’s still very usable.
Hardware and Performance
The TECNO Spark Slim is powered by a 2.2GHz MediaTek Helio G200 octa-core processor, Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of non-expandable storage.
TECNO Spark Slim Benchmark Scores
We were mindblown by the power we got from this ultra-thin and affordable smartphone. It’s surprisingly fast and responsive. Apps open quickly, pictures can be taken in a snap, and social media browsing is a breeze.
As for gaming, Genshin Impact is not the smoothest, but still playable under the Lowest graphics preset.
Shooter games such as PUBG Mobile had no problems under Balanced graphics and Ultra frame rates. PUBG Mobile under Medium graphics and High frames also worked well. Farlight84 at Smooth graphics with High frame rate setting also didn’t have any issues.
Under HD resolution and Super frame rate setting, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang was enjoyable with no issues, as well as Asphalt Legends Unite under High Quality at 60fps.
Don’t let the thin profile fool you. The TECNO Spark Slim is a serious performer for its size and its price.
| Game | Graphics Settings |
| Genshin Impact | • Render Resolution: Lowest • Visual Effects: Low • SFX Quality: Lowest • FPS: 30 |
| PUBG Mobile | • Graphics Quality: Balanced • Frame Rate: Ultra |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | • Graphics Quality: Medium • Frame Rate: High |
| Farlight84 | • Graphics Quality: Smooth • Frame Rate: High |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | • Resolution: HD • Frame Rate: Super |
| Asphalt Legends Unite | • Visual Quality: High Quality • Frame Rate: 60 |
Cameras
The TECNO Spark Slim has a 50-megapixel main camera, joined by a depth sensor, and a 13-megapixel selfie shooter. There’s also a pill-shaped dual-tone LED flash.
Both the front and rear cameras can shoot 30fps videos at 720p, 1080p, and 2K. 60fps is also available but only at 1080p. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is also supported.
There is slow-motion recording, time-lapse, dual video, Blog mode, Sky Hop, Pro mode, panorama, document scanner, Super Night, and AIGC Portrait.
We were surprised by how good daylight shots are. They are not great, but they definitely exceeded our expectations for the price tag.
Colors are fine, dynamic range is surprisingly balanced, and the details are okay, albeit it could be sharper.
The main camera continues to shine in low light. We got ample details, good exposure, and nice colors. The depth sensor also did a decent job isolating the foreground.
We were also satisfied with the 13-megapixel selfie camera. Skin tones are natural, details are ample, and low-light performance is usable.
The cameras on the TECNO Spark Slim have no business being this good, adding to the reasons why it provides great value for money.
Software and User Interface
The TECNO Spark Slim ships with Android 15-based HiOS 15. Unfortunately, TECNO didn’t confirm how many years it will provide software updates. They did say it is certified by TUV Rheinland to provide a lag-free experience for 5 years.
We applaud TECNO for cleaning up its HiOS interface. Compared to the earlier versions, it’s now cleaner, more intuitive, and pleasing to use. It’s a far cry from previous iterations.
Despite the price, the Spark Slim has a healthy amount of AI features. Its Ask Ella assistant is powered by Google Gemini. Plus, it has AI web summary, AI Search, AI Writer, AI Translator, photo-based problem-solving, AI Call Noise Cancellation, and AI Call Translation.
In the gallery, you get access to AI features such as the AI Eraser, AI Sharpness Plus, and AI Extender.
The Mood Light on the back is a cool party trick. It lights up when you receive notifications, calls, when charging, using the voice assistant, or as a low battery reminder. They could improve the customizability of the lights, though.
Dynamic Port is TECNO’s version of Apple’s Dynamic Island. It’s a dynamic notification bar surrounding the selfie camera and offers compatibility with more functions than others.
Features like Floating Windows, split screen, and smart panel help improve the multitasking experience.
For security, the under-display fingerprint scanner and face unlock were fairly quick, but not the fastest. Nothing really noticeable in day-to-day use.
Overall, we’re big a fan of the new HiOS, and we’re excited to see what they are bringing next.
Battery and Charging
The TECNO Spark Slim comes with a 5,160mAh battery. Not the biggest capacity for the price, but definitely an impressive feat for its size. It has 45W wired charging, and 10W reverse wired charging. It also has support for bypass charging.
It won’t win any awards, but it should still last for an entire day of light to moderate use on a single charge. As you can see from the data below, it was beaten by most of the devices in its category.
Battery life is clearly not its strongest suit — easily the main drawback of being a thin and light smartphone in the budget category.
Charging speeds are decent, too. The 45W adapter provides a full charge in about 1 hour and 6 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge already takes you to 29% from 0. See the full test below:
- 15mins: 0-29%
- 30mins: 52%
- 45mins: 773%
- 1hr: 93%
- 1hr 6 mins: FULL
Verdict
The TECNO Spark Slim was a big surprise for us. An ultra-sleek smartphone that’s affordable, but also fast and reliable? Who would’ve thought that’s possible?
Its thin design worthy of the “Slim” branding gets you in the door, but the reliable performance, durability, packed display, and good battery will make you stay for good.
However, there’s the inevitable battery life as a drawback of having a slim design. The stereo speakers are also a downer, and it would be nice if TECNO confirms how long it will provide software support.
Still, the TECNO Spark Slim is a great, reliable, all-around smartphone. For under Php10k, it doesn’t get better than this.
TECNO Spark Slim pricing and availability
The TECNO Spark Slim has an SRP of Php9,499 in the Philippines. It’s available at physical stores nationwide and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
Pros
- Ultra-thin but solid build
- Good display
- Surprisingly smooth performance
- Good primary camera
Cons
- Uncertain update/support duration
- Lackluster stereo speakers
- So-so battery life
This article, TECNO Spark Slim Review, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.
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