Tecno Spark 30 5G vs Tecno Spark 30C 5G: Affordable 5G Phones With Impressive Features

Design and Build

The Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G sport very similar designs, with both featuring a sleek look and practical builds. They are available in the same color options: Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, and Midnight Shadow. These colors provide an eye-catching aesthetic that feels modern without being overly flashy, appealing to those who like a phone that stands out in style without costing a fortune. Here are the relevant specs:

When it comes to the body and build, both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G have been designed to strike a balance between size and comfort. They are almost identical in size, making them quite manageable for most users. Their thin 7.8 - 8 mm profile ensures they're easy to hold for long periods, whether you're browsing, gaming, or watching videos.

The width, hovering around 77 mm, makes them comfortable to grip without feeling too bulky, though people with smaller hands may find them slightly wide for single-handed use. Overall, the compact depth makes both devices slim enough to slide into a pocket or a bag without causing too much of a bulge. While Tecno has not specified their weights, given the other specs, I'd assume they remain in a light to medium range, making them easy to carry for long sessions without discomfort.

The Tecno Spark 30C 5G, in particular, features a plastic back and frame - a common choice in budget-friendly smartphones. Plastic may not have the premium feel of glass or metal, but it has its advantages, especially in terms of durability and weight. The plastic back keeps the phone lightweight, making it easy to hold during extended sessions. It's also less prone to shattering compared to glass, which is a bonus if you're prone to accidental drops.

However, plastic can be more susceptible to scratches, though this can be mitigated by using a protective case.

The color options for both phones - Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, and Midnight Shadow - each have their own distinct personality, which makes these devices appeal to a broad range of users:

• Aurora Cloud: This color screams playful elegance. With its bright, almost mystical vibe, it's perfect for users who want their phone to be a bit of an attention grabber. If you're the kind of person who likes to stand out with vibrant accessories or enjoys a tech device that can double as a fashion statement, Aurora Cloud is for you. It suits creatives, trendsetters, and people who are always on the lookout for something different.
• Azure Sky: This option feels more calming and serene, with a fresh and uplifting feel. If you're into minimalism or prefer something that doesn't demand attention yet still has a unique character, Azure Sky is your color. It's great for those who want a phone that has personality without being too bold - perfect for everyday users who appreciate subtle sophistication.
• Midnight Shadow: The classic black look of Midnight Shadow is for the understated, professional, and sleek. If you value elegance with a hint of mystery, or if you prefer to keep things low-key without sacrificing style, this is the way to go. Midnight Shadow is ideal for business users, professionals, or anyone who wants one's phone to look sharp and refined in all situations.

In summary, the bodies of both phones are slim and of average size, making them comfortable to hold and carry. The plastic back and frame of the Spark 30C 5G offers durability and a practical grip, though it might not feel as premium as glass or metal.

When it comes to colors, Aurora Cloud is for the bold, Azure Sky for the calm and collected, and Midnight Shadow for the sleek and sophisticated. Whether you're sliding your phone into your pocket or flaunting it at the coffee shop, Tecno has designed these phones to fit a wide variety of styles.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

Both Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G are IP54 rated for dust and splash resistance, making them resilient enough for everyday accidents.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating of a device provides valuable insights into its resistance against environmental elements. In this case, the rating is IP54, and breaking it down helps us understand its significance.

The first digit (5 here) indicates a moderate level of protection against dust. While not completely dust-tight, the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G are designed to resist the entry of dust to an extent that it would not interfere with their normal operation.

The second digit (4 here) signifies protection against water splashes from any direction. These phones can handle light splashes and rain but are not fully waterproof. Submersion is not recommended.

Here are some practical tips for protecting your Spark 30 5G or Spark 30C 5G from the elements:

• Avoid Submersion: While the device can handle light splashes, it's crucial to avoid submerging it in water. Keep it away from pools, sinks, and other bodies of water to prevent potential damage.
• Use in Moderate Conditions: Exercise caution when using the phone in extreme environmental conditions. Avoid exposing it to heavy rain or dusty environments for extended periods.
• Cleaning: Gently clean the Spark 30 5G or Spark 30C 5G with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the device's finish.
• Protective Case: Consider investing in a protective case to add an extra layer of defense against accidental drops and impacts. A case designed for the Spark 30 5G or Spark 30C 5G's form factor ensures a snug fit without hindering access to ports, cameras, and buttons.
• Screen Protector: Applying a tempered glass or plastic screen protector can safeguard the display from scratches and minor impacts. It's a small investment that can go a long way in preserving the integrity of the screen.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically check the condition of your Spark 30 5G or Spark 30C 5G, especially the ports and seams, to ensure that they are free from dust and debris. Clean as needed to maintain optimal performance.

While the IP54 rating offers a level of protection, it's always wise to take additional precautions to safeguard your investment. A combination of responsible usage, a protective case, and a screen protector can significantly enhance the durability of your device, ensuring a longer lifespan and a smoother user experience. After all, a little care goes a long way in keeping your tech companion in top-notch condition!

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

Both Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G come equipped with a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and fluid animations - an impressive feature at this price point. The resolution on both is 720x1600 pixels, giving them a 263 PPI density. While this isn't the sharpest resolution in the market, it's decent for their price range. If you're not obsessed with Full HD resolution, this display will serve you well for everyday tasks.

Tecno Spark 30 5G. Image credit: Tecno

Here are the relevant specs:

The IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display) is a well-established technology known for offering good color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to older TFT LCDs. This means that no matter which angle you're looking at your phone from - whether you're holding it straight on or at a tilt - the colors and brightness will remain consistent.

However, while IPS panels generally deliver solid performance, they don't offer the deep blacks and high contrast ratios that OLED or AMOLED displays are known for. This difference is mostly noticeable when watching darker scenes in videos or when using the phone in dim lighting conditions. Still, for a midrange device, IPS LCD offers an excellent balance between quality and cost-effectiveness.

At 6.67 inches, both devices offer a large screen that's perfect for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking. The decent screen-to-body ratio means you get minimal bezels, which adds to the immersive feel when viewing content. The 20:9 aspect ratio is standard for most modern smartphones, giving you plenty of vertical space when browsing or reading and a cinematic experience when watching videos.

The inclusion of a 120 Hz refresh rate is a major highlight for both devices. This feature allows the display to refresh 120 times per second, resulting in smoother animations, faster response times, and an overall snappier user experience. This is especially beneficial for gaming; the higher refresh rate significantly improves the responsiveness of games, making fast-paced games like shooters, racing games, and action titles feel smoother and more immersive.

Whether you're browsing social media feeds, scrolling through websites, or swiping between apps, the 120 Hz refresh rate ensures everything feels fluid and responsive. In terms of video playback, while most videos are produced at 24 - 60 fps (frames per second), the higher refresh rate can make transitions between scenes feel smoother. (Not all apps or games support 120 Hz natively, so you might not always notice a difference, but when you do, it's a treat for the eyes.)

For the price segment the Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G are targeting, a 120 Hz display is a rare and impressive feature, and it's definitely one of the standout elements of these phones.

At a 720×1600 pixel resolution with a 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of around 263 PPI (pixels per inch), the display on the Tecno Spark 30 5G and 30C 5G is decent for most everyday tasks, but it comes with some trade-offs. Most content will look good on the 720p resolution, including:

• Social Media: For browsing apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the 720p resolution is more than adequate. Images, text, and videos look crisp enough that you won't feel like you're missing out.
• Web Browsing and Reading: The resolution is perfectly fine for text-heavy tasks like browsing websites, reading emails, and messaging. Text appears sharp enough, and unless you're comparing it side-by-side with a higher-resolution display, you likely won't notice much of a difference.
• Streaming Services: Watching content on YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming platforms in 720p resolution will generally be smooth and enjoyable. Most video streaming services automatically adjust the resolution based on your network speed, and many users won't notice the difference between 720p and higher resolutions, especially on a phone screen of this size.

However, there are tasks where this resolution might fall short, such as:

• Detailed Photography or Video Editing: If you're a photography enthusiast or someone who enjoys editing high-resolution photos or videos directly on your phone, the 720p resolution might feel limiting. You won't be able to see the finer details of your images, and zooming in on high-resolution pictures may result in visible pixelation.
• Media Consumption (HD / 4K Content): For users who consume a lot of high-definition (1080p or 4K) content, such as movies or high-res gaming, a 720p display may feel a bit underwhelming. The lower pixel density can make fine details in videos look less sharp, especially if you're used to higher resolution screens.
• High-Res Gaming: While the 120 Hz refresh rate is great for gaming, the 720p resolution may not show games in their full visual glory. Games with intricate textures and fine detail could appear slightly washed out or pixelated compared to how they'd look on a 1080p or higher display.

In conclusion, the displays on both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G hit the right notes for users looking for smooth performance and decent visuals in a mid-tier smartphone. The 120 Hz refresh rate elevates the experience significantly, making everyday tasks like scrolling and gaming feel fluid.

However, the 720p resolution is where these displays cut corners. For most users, this resolution will be fine for social media, messaging, and video streaming, but if you're someone who values high-definition media consumption or does a lot of photo editing, you might feel the need for a sharper display.

In essence, the displays on these phones are more than capable for day-to-day tasks but might leave power users and media enthusiasts wanting more in terms of sharpness and detail.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

On the cellular connectivity front, the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G support GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, offering seamless connectivity and faster data speeds.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) setup keeps you connected, making the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G ideal companions for those on the go.

Chipset - Performance

Both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6-nm architecture. This midrange processor includes an octa-core CPU featuring two types of cores. Paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, these phones can handle daily tasks like app browsing, light gaming, and multitasking with ease. Here are the relevant specs:

MediaTek's Dimensity series is known for providing a decent level of performance in smartphones without drastically increasing their price, making it a common choice for affordable 5G devices. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6-nm process, is designed to deliver a solid performance in budget and mid-range smartphones. This is a modern and capable chipset, tailored for 5G connectivity while keeping the overall cost of the device low.

One of the key advantages of the Dimensity 6300 chipset is its 6-nm process, which is quite efficient for a budget-to-midrange device. The smaller the manufacturing process, the more transistors can fit on the chip, leading to better performance and lower power consumption. In practical terms, the 6-nm process ensures that the chipset draws less power for the same level of performance, helping the 5000 mAh battery last longer, even with regular use.

The CPU in both phones is an octa-core setup, which means it has eight cores working together, but they are divided into two distinct types:

• Cortex-A76 - The Performance Cores: The Cortex-A76 cores are the workhorses of the CPU, designed for performance-intensive tasks. These two cores are clocked at 2.4 GHz, which means they can run at higher speeds when needed to handle tasks that demand more power. These cores come into play when running games, handling multiple apps at once, and heavy browsing and video streaming. In short, the A76 cores are where the heavy lifting happens, making sure that the phone can perform well under pressure.
• Cortex-A55 - The Efficiency Cores: The six Cortex-A55 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, are designed for efficiency, meaning they handle less demanding tasks while using less power. These cores come into play when you're doing things like making phone calls and browsing through the settings, background processes, and pushing notifications. Since these cores are designed to use less power, they contribute to overall battery efficiency, helping the phone last longer on a single charge, especially during moderate usage.

Together, the combination of performance and efficiency cores ensures that the phone can deliver power when you need it but also preserve battery life when you don't.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is the graphics processor responsible for handling all the visual elements on the phone, from rendering UI animations to playing games. While this isn't a flagship-level GPU, it's more than capable of providing a smooth experience in the mid-tier segment.

The Mali-G57 MC2 is designed to handle moderate gaming quite well. You'll find that most casual games and even more graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile and Asphalt 9 will run fairly smoothly at medium graphics settings. However, don't expect to push the settings to ultra without experiencing some frame drops.

The 120 Hz refresh rate on the display is also complemented by the GPU's capabilities, ensuring that if the game supports it, you'll enjoy smoother animations and transitions. But for demanding titles like Genshin Impact at high settings, the GPU may struggle a bit.

For day-to-day use, such as watching YouTube and Netflix, the Mali-G57 MC2 handles video playback efficiently, offering good-quality visuals for 1080p content (though the 720p display resolution of these phones will limit the sharpness of higher-resolution content).

In summary, the combination of the MediaTek Dimensity 6300, octa-core CPU, and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensures that both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G deliver solid, reliable performance for their price segment. These devices are well-suited for users who need a capable phone for day-to-day tasks, casual gaming, and media consumption, without expecting flagship-level performance.

The split between performance and efficiency cores allows the phones to balance power and battery life, while the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensures that midrange gaming and graphics tasks are handled smoothly. For users who want to experience the benefits of 5G without breaking the bank, this chipset configuration provides an excellent middle ground between performance and affordability.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the areas where the Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G differ is their memory configurations. The Spark 30 5G offers more variety with higher 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM, giving it a noticeable advantage for users who need extra multitasking capability or storage space for media. However, both phones feature a microSDXC slot for storage expansion.

Cameras: From Decent to Impressive

The Tecno Spark 30 5G ups the ante in the camera department with a 108 MP triple-camera setup. The main camera has PDAF, ensuring clear, crisp shots in various lighting conditions. Selfie lovers will appreciate the 8 MP front camera with a dual-LED dual-tone flash for well-lit selfies, even in dim environments.

Meanwhile, the Spark 30C 5G opts for a 48 MP dual-camera setup with autofocus, supported by an auxiliary lens. Though it's a step down from the 108 MP sensor of its sibling, it still delivers solid image quality, especially for casual photography. The selfie camera on the Spark 30C 5G is also 8 MP and features a dual-LED flash for decent selfies in low light.

Rear Camera

Tecno Spark 30C 5G. Image credit: Tecno

The Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G come with slightly different camera setups, but both focus on providing solid camera performance for their price segments, appealing to users who value everyday photography. Let's dive into the main camera setups of each phone, highlighting the roles of the lenses and important features. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Tecno Spark 30 5G	Tecno Spark 30C 5G
Number of Cameras	3 (Triple)	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	108 MP (wide), N/A (unspecified), N/A (unspecified)	48 MP (wide), N/A (auxiliary lens)
Aperture	f/1.9, N/A, N/A	N/A, N/A
Sensor Size	N/A, N/A, N/A	1/2.0″, N/A
Pixel Size	N/A, N/A, N/A	0.8 μm, N/A
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A, N/A	AF, N/A
Video Recording	Yes	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	Triple-LED flash	Triple-LED flash

The highlight of the Tecno Spark 30 5G is its impressive 108 MP wide-angle lens, which stands out in this price segment. A sensor of this resolution offers highly detailed shots, perfect for users who want to capture images with lots of detail, whether it's landscapes, cityscapes, or family photos. The wide-angle lens allows for a broader field of view, ensuring that you can fit more into a single shot - ideal for group photos or wide scenes.

A 108 MP sensor can capture images with greater detail and sharpness, especially in well-lit conditions. It also allows for cropping without losing too much detail, making it versatile for editing. The f/1.9 aperture helps in gathering more light, which is especially useful in low-light scenarios. While it's not the fastest aperture out there, it does a decent job of letting in enough light to improve clarity in dim environments.

The 48 MP wide-angle camera on the Spark 30C 5G is a step down in resolution compared to the Spark 30 5G's 108 MP camera, but it's still solid for a phone in this segment. A 48 MP sensor offers more than enough detail for most users. Like its higher-resolution sibling, it's great for capturing wide shots, fitting more of a scene into a single frame.

With a slightly wider f/1.8 aperture, this camera may perform slightly better in low-light environments compared to the Spark 30 5G's main camera, allowing a bit more light to hit the sensor for clearer shots in dimmer settings.

The auxiliary lens on the Spark 30C 5G is likely for enhancing portrait mode or macro shots, helping to create better depth perception or allowing you to focus on small details.

The 108 MP camera on the Tecno Spark 30 5G is equipped with PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus), a technology that helps the camera focus faster and more accurately, especially in dynamic environments. PDAF ensures that the camera can lock onto subjects quickly, reducing the time it takes to focus, which is especially helpful for moving subjects like pets and kids. It also boosts focus precision, making sure that the intended subject is sharp, whether it's a person in a portrait shot or an object in the foreground.

Unlike the Spark 30 5G, the Spark 30C 5G has a more traditional autofocus (AF) system. While not as fast as PDAF, it still does the job for most casual photography scenarios, ensuring that the subject of your photo remains sharp and in focus.

Both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G come with a triple-LED flash, which offers more brightness and even distribution of light compared to a traditional single LED flash. This is particularly useful in low-light scenarios where natural light isn't sufficient.

The triple-LED setup helps to reduce shadows and overexposed highlights, ensuring a more evenly lit photo. For night shots, this flash will illuminate subjects more effectively, making it easier to capture decent shots in dark environments.

In conclusion, the Tecno Spark 30 5G clearly offers a more premium camera experience with its 108 MP sensor, PDAF for quicker focus, and potential versatility from the other two (unspecified) lenses. It's great for users who want to capture a lot of detail in their photos and have more flexibility in shooting modes.

The Tecno Spark 30C 5G, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly option with a 48 MP camera that should still satisfy the needs of most users for everyday photography. Its camera is ideal for casual shots, social media posts, and general use.

Both phones are equipped with triple-LED flash to assist in low-light situations and have decent video recording capabilities, though they won't match the performance of higher-end smartphones. For users in need of a reliable camera setup for everyday needs, both models deliver solid performance at an affordable price point.

Battery and Charging

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Both phones are powered by a 5000 mAh battery, which should easily last a full day with moderate use. They also support 18 W wired charging, which, while not lightning-fast by today's standards, is still a respectable speed for budget phones.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Audio-wise, both the Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G boast stereo speakers and support for 24-bit, 192 kHz audio, ensuring a richer sound experience for media consumption and gaming. They both retain the trusty 3.5 mm headphone jack, a must for those who still prefer wired headphones.

Hi-Res Audio (High-Resolution Audio) is an audio technology that goes beyond the limitations of standard audio formats, delivering a richer, more immersive listening experience. Its higher bit depth can capture more detail in the sound, and its higher sampling rate (standard CD-quality audio often has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz) allows the audio system to capture more nuances in the music. In essence, Hi-Res Audio transforms your listening experience from ordinary to extraordinary. It's about hearing your favorite tunes and audio content in a way that's truer to the artist's vision. With the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G supporting Hi-Res Audio, you're not just listening; you're diving deep into a sonic universe, where every note, every beat, and every whisper comes alive in exquisite detail.

Connectivity

The Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G tick all the connectivity boxes. The Spark 30 5G supports dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and the Spark 30C 5G supports Wi-Fi, ensuring you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Spark 30 5G boasts Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights. The Spark 30C 5G also features Bluetooth, though the version is unspecified.

The Tecno Spar 30 5G supports the GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS positioning systems, whereas the Spark 30C 5G features GPS for accurate navigation and location services.

Both the Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G feature NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to share files and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

The Tecno Spark 30C 5G also sports infrared port.

Last but not least, the Spark 30 5G supports the trusty USB-C 2.0 and the Spark 30C 5G supports USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The Tecno Spark 30 5G comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Spark 30 5G.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

And the Tecno Spark 30C 5G features with the following sensor, in addition to other, unspecified ones:

• Fingerprint Sensor: It is side-facing in the Spark 30C 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G release date?

  The Tecno Spark 30 5G and Spark 30C 5G have been announced on the 2nd October, 2024. It is expected to release later in the same month.