Tecno Spark 9 Pro: In a cluttered budget smartphone market where many phones look like clones of each other, Tecno has been quietly building itself a niche.
The brand endeavor is to provide you with features which are not at the cost of a hole in your pocket with its Spark series.
The Tecno Spark 9 Pro is a great example of that philosophy; you get a high-res selfie camera, a big battery, and good-looking design, all for under ₹10,000–₹12,000.
But does it deliver, or is it all Style with no Sub? So let’s delve in to see what this affordable competitor brings to the table.
Design and Build: Stranger than the Sum of Its Parts
While you might not expect anything too great from an entry-level phone, Tecno has upset the apple cart here.
The Spark 9 Pro offers a shiny dual-tone rear panel with gradient shimmer bringing attention in the crowd. The clean layout of the dual-ring camera module looks a bit more premium than you might expect from this price.
It’s plastic, yes — but it’s not a step down from the high-end lines. It’s 7.8mm thick, so it’s fairly slim, but it is a little tall thanks to the large display.
The back is a fingerprint magnet as well, so you may be better off with the included case.
Display: Large and Vivid
The phone sports a 6.6-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate; again, pretty decent for the price tag.
Screen is fairly bright and can be read outdoors, but not in direct sunlight.
Its colors are punchy, and the FHD+ resolution means that text and images appear quite sharp.
It is not AMOLED or super high-end of course, but for the price point, Tecno has managed to include a smooth and sharp display experience.
Performance: for the Price, It’s Pretty Good
The Spark 9 Pro is driven by MediaTek Helio G85 SoC coupled with 4GB or 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage.
This is a proven performer in the budget tier, and it works well enough for typical daily use – browsing, social media and even basic gaming.
Multitasking is fluent if you don’t overdo it, and light games like Subway Surfers or Free Fire run without a hitch.
You will need to lower the graphic settings to play heavier games such as BGMI without lag.
Software: Feature-Rich but Overstuffed
It’s powered by HiOS 8.6 based on Android 12, a feature-packed OS that’s a little bloated, to be fair.
You also get more customisation options, smart panel, and gesture controls that some may prefer.
That said, the UI isn’t the prettiest. There are some bloatware apps and some bloatware notifications, but almost all can be disabled or removed.
Camera: All About the Selfies
Rear Camera: The 50MP primary back camera, when used in daylight, captures decent photos by preserving good details and dynamic range.
Colours are slightly saturated, a desirable trait that appeals to many users. But low-light photos are still hit or miss — even with night mode on your side.
The true star here, however, is the 32MP front camera. It punches way above its weight, taking detailed and vibrant selfies that are perfect for social media. And if you love your selfies, this phone doesn’t disappoint.
Battery and Charging Time: Durable
The Spark 9 Pro lasts well over a full day with a 5000mAh cell. Whether you’re streaming videos, scrolling through Instagram or having video calls, you won’t often find yourself reaching for the charger.
It’s compatible with 18W fast charging, and a full charge takes right around 2 hours, which isn’t blazing-fast, but it’s par for the course when it comes to the price.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Eye-catching design
Full HD+ 90Hz display
Great selfie camera (32MP)
Reliable battery life
Decent overall performance
Cons:
Bloatware in HiOS
Camera a bit average in low light conditions
No ultra-wide lens
Plastic body and back is a fingerprint magnet
Tecno Spark 9 Pro: Final Verdict
While not a name with the same cache as Xiaomi or Samsung, the Tecno Spark 9 Pro has surprisingly muscle for the price.
This one’s definitely worth a look if you’re a selfie lover, student, or casual user looking for a good-looking phone that can take on everyday use with little, if any, complaints.
It’s also far from perfect — but at this price it punches way above its weight. If you’re on a budget and don’t want something that will make you, or look like, feel cheap, the Spark 9 Pro is one phone that deserves your consideration.
