The smartphone world is crowded. Every brand claims it has the perfect blend of style, performance, and price. However, TECNO has consistently led the way, by showing that having a high-performance gadget shouldn’t come at a cost that would make a lasting dent in your account. They have found a way to make you rethink what a so-called “budget-friendly gadget” should look and feel like. TECNO’s Spark 40 Pro and the sleek Spark 40 Pro+, are evidence to back up this claim.
These aren’t just incremental upgrades, they’re bold and sophisticated machines with a focus on beautiful design, everyday usability, and features that should belong to high -end devices. After spending time with both devices, here’s why we believe that the Spark 40 Series is set to light up the midrange gadget category in 2025-2026.
What’s in the Box?
Unboxing the Spark 40 Pro+ feels like a mini celebration. You get:
• The phone itself (mine was in the Moon Titanium finish, a silver-grey shade that looks futuristic without being flashy).
• A 45W fast-charging brick.
• USB-C cable.
• SIM ejector tool.
• Curved screen protector (not pre-applied, but included).
Unlike certain “premium” brands that make you buy basics separately, TECNO still believes in giving you the full starter kit. No need to raid your drawer or shop online for basics accessories before you even switch the phone on. The Spark 40 Pro also comes with nearly the same kit, making both devices feel like complete packages from the jump.
Design and Build: Slim, Sleek, and Ready to Flex
Pick up the Spark 40 Pro+, and the first thing that hits you is just how impossibly slim it is. At only 6.49 mm thin, this phone is practically featherweight, to the point you sometimes forget it’s in your pocket.
The matte finish on the back not only resists fingerprints but also makes the phone grippy. This is a small but important detail if you’re the type who scrolls with sweaty hands.
The Spark 40 Pro is slightly chunkier, but that gives it an advantage: it feels sturdier and has a bit more room for cooling during intense gaming sessions. Both phones carry IP64 dust and water resistance, and their fronts are shielded with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. TECNO even claims they can survive drops of up to 2 meters. Although I wasn’t bold enough to test that theory outside, except dropping from a ceiling fan height on my living room sofa.
In short: The Pro+ is the fashion model, impossibly thin and stylish, while the Pro is the athlete, still sleek but with extra grit.
Software and Security: HiOS Gets Serious:
Both devices ship with Android 15 layered with HiOS 15.1.1, TECNO’s custom skin. If you’ve earlier used TECNO models, this feels like a more refined, less cluttered version.
Setting up required a TECNO ID! Yes, that extra step can feel like a speed bump, but it does enhance security. From there, you’re treated to features like motion-based photo capture, tons of customization options, and smoother multitasking.
What stood out to me is how fluid the UI feels. No noticeable lags, no awkward pauses, and app switching is snappy. On the Pro+, animations felt a touch smoother, thanks to slightly better hardware optimization.
Display: A Treat for the Eyes
Let’s talk screens.
The Spark 40 Pro+ rocks a 6.78-inch 3D AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 144 Hz refresh rate. Translation: scrolling is buttery smooth, colors are punchy without looking cartoonish, and binge-watching Netflix feels indulgent. The curved edges add a premium vibe usually reserved for higher-end flagships devices.
The Spark 40 Pro, meanwhile, comes with a flat AMOLED panel at 120 Hz. Not flashy, but still crisp, vibrant, and eye-friendly. Both displays are tuned with advanced eye-comfort modes, automatically adjusting brightness and color temperature for late-night online night crawling.
In practice: If you’re into gaming, cinematic streaming, or just love a “wow” display, the Pro+ is your pick. But if you prefer something flatter and easier to grip (especially with a case), the Pro’s screen won’t disappoint.
Cameras: More Than Just Megapixels
Cameras can make or break a midrange phone, and here’s where TECNO excels.
Both models come with electronic image stabilization (EIS), which means your videos won’t look like they were shot on a trampoline. On the Pro+, the added software smarts make night shots pop without blowing out highlights. There’s also a quirky but useful notification that tells you when your lens is dirty. Just a small touch of finesse that saves you from blurry photo regret.
Selfies? Both phones handle them well, balancing skin tones without over-smoothing. Social-media-ready, straight out of the camera.
Are they going to beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in raw camera power? No. But for this price bracket, the results are impressive, reliable, and more than Instagram-worthy.
Performance: Everyday Power with Some Punch
Under the hood, both the Spark 40 Pro and Pro+ are powered by the Helio G200 processor, which is built for smooth multitasking and casual gaming.
During my tests:
• Pro+ handled Call of Duty Mobile and Asphalt 9 with ease, though you’ll have to keep the settings on medium to avoid heating.
• Pro performed similarly, with slightly more throttling under extended gaming sessions.
Both phones also juggle social media, streaming, and productivity apps without breaking a sweat. This isn’t a “gaming beast,” but it’s more than enough for 90% of users.
Battery and Charging: The Real MVP
If there’s one area where TECNO flexes hard, it’s battery life.
The Spark 40 Pro+ packs a 5,200 mAh battery life that TECNO claims will stay healthy for up to five years. In practice, I got two full days on light use and comfortably over a day with heavier multitasking.
The kicker? It supports 45W wired fast charging and even 30W wireless charging—a rarity in this price range.
The Spark 40 Pro offers similar endurance but skips wireless charging, sticking to the same 45W wired charging. Still, it’s more than enough to get you from zero to 50% in under 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts: Two Sparks, One Bright Choice
So, which one should you buy?
• Go for the Spark 40 Pro+ if you want something ultraslim, stylish, and just a little more “premium.” Its curved AMOLED display and wireless charging give it a flagship feel.
• Choose the Spark 40 Pro if you prefer a sturdier flat design, care less about wireless charging, and want to save a little cash without losing out on core features.
Both deliver excellent value in a midrange market that often asks you to compromise. Here, TECNO proves you can have design flair, solid performance, and reliable battery life without paying prices that are over the edge.
In a world where midrange phones often feel like watered-down flagships, the Spark 40 Pro and Pro+ feel like superiority, its slim, stylish, heavy on performance, and smart.