TECNO Spark 9T Review: Discover the Affordable and Stylish Android Phone that Delivers

We have had the Spark 9T for over a week now, and used it extensively. It is a budget smartphone that combines sleekness with getting the job done. Come along for the details in our TECNO Spark 9T review.

At first glance, the Spark 9T grabs your attention. Perhaps it is the specific colour our review unit has (Burano Blue, which is a reflective, blue plastic finish). Or perhaps this attention-grabbing look applies across the board. The back of the Spark 9T is mirror-like and glossy.

Specs

The Spark 9T uses a Helio G37 Octa-core chipset, 4 GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery capacity. The display on the Spark 9T is 6.6 inches (16.76 cm). It has a 64 GB storage variant and a 128 GB variant. For photography, we have a 13MP AI-Enhanced triple rear camera with Quad flash, and a 32MP front camera with dual flash. There is a fingerprint sensor built in the power button by the side. It uses Android 12 and supports 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks. The Spark 9T comes in four colour options: Quantum Black, Particle silver, Burano Blue, and Vitality Green.

Let’s have a look at the full specs:

TECNO Spark 9T specifications

Mobile Wireless Network and Software

• 2G mobile network bands: GSM, GPRS, EDGE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz.
• 3G mobile network bands: UMTS, WCDMA, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 MHz
• 4G mobile network bands: LTE.
• 5G mobile network bands: No
• SIM Type: Nano-SIM, Dual SIM
• Software / OS: HiOS 8.6 based on Android 12

Design, Form Factor, Appearance

• Dimensions: 160 x 77.25 x 9.3 mm
• Weight: g
• Display: 6.6 inches, 720 x 1560 pixels, 90 Hz refresh rate, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, IPS LCD screen
• Colours: .
• Physical Build: Plastic.

Internal Hardware Specifications

• Processor Type: 64-bit, 2.3 GHz Octa-core
• Processor Name: MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm)
• Graphics Processor: PowerVR GE8320
• RAM: 4 GB
• Extended/Virtual RAM: 3 GB
• Internal Storage: 64 GB / 128 GB
• External Storage: microSD, up to 256 GB (dedicated slot)

Photography, Video Recording

• Main Camera: 13 MP main sensor + 2 MP depth sensor, autofocus, dual LED flash, 1080p@30fps video recording
• Front Camera: 32 MP, fixed focus, Face Recognition, 1080p@30fps video capture

Audio, Video Playback

• Music Support: PCM, AAC / AAC + / eAAC + / MP3 / AMR – NB / WB / APE
• Audio: 3.5 mm audio jack
• Loudspeaker: Mono speaker
• Video Support: H.264/MP4/MPEG4 player
• FM Radio: Yes.

Phone Sensors

• Digital Compass: No.
• Accelerometer: Yes.
• Proximity Sensor: Yes.
• Ambient Light Sensor: No.
• Barometer: No.
• Pedometer: No.
• Heart Rate Monitor: No.
• Gyroscope (G-Sensor): No.
• Fingerprint Scanner: Yes; side-mounted.
• Face Unlock: Yes.
• Iris Scanner: No.
• Motion Sensing / Gesture Control: No.
• Voice Control: No.
• Intelligent Digital Assistant: Yes; Google Assistant.
• Infra-red Blaster: No.

Connectivity Options

• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Bluetooth Profiles: A2DP
• WiFi: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot
• GPS: Yes, A-GPS,
• USB: microUSB v2.0. Type-C. .
• NFC: No.

Miscellaneous Specs and Features

• Battery Type and Capacity: Non-Removable Lithium-Polymer 5000 mAh
• Battery Charging: 10W charging
• Wireless Charging: No.
• Reverse Charging: No.
• Model Version/Number:

Launch/Release Dates and Information

• Announced: June 2022
• Release Date: June 2022

With the specifications out of the way, let us dive into the unboxing and the detailed review from the period we have used the phone.

Unboxing

The TECNO Spark 9T comes with a standard 10W charging block and a USB-C charging cable. In the box, there is a free transparent phone case and a screen protector already applied on the phone. There is a SIM card ejector pin and a data deal card for MTN users. There is also one for 9mobile users on the box. Lastly, it comes with wired earbuds and a warranty card. Enjoy our unboxing video:

Design 

The back panel of the Spark 9T has a mirror-like plastic finish. It is shiny, glossy, and highly reflective. You can see your reflection when looking at it, which makes it quite hard to leave your face out when taking a picture of it. But then, it might make it a good choice for people who need a mirror on the go. The front of the phone is glass, and the sides have a plastic frame. 

Display & Multimedia

The display is 6.6 inches in size, diagonally, and uses an LCD panel. There is 90Hz refresh rate. The display is bright and clear and sharp. If you are not a fan of the higher refresh rate, for any reason, there is an option in the phone settings to switch to regular 60Hz.

Software

TECNO Spark 9T runs HiOS v8.6.0, which is not much different from the v8.0.0. There were a few differences in the colour of the app icons, but nothing much. The icons are good, and it generally looks more mature. HiOS v8 still has all the traditional TECNO bloatware – scores of pre-installed apps. Some can be deleted; some cannot be. If the barrage of notifications annoys you, you can turn them off in the notifications menu buried in the phone’s Settings.

Cameras and Sample Photos

The Spark 9T has a 13-megapixels triple camera at the back. But looking at the camera module from a distance, you could easily think you are looking at two cameras instead. There is a 32-megapixel camera in front. We wonder if it is the same camera in the Camon 19 Pro. Anyway, here are some sample photographs taken with the Spark 9T:

In general, the Spark 9T takes okay photos. Sometimes, the colours appear a little washed, but it mostly does a good job. This is true for both cameras – front and back. But again, this is normal behaviour for cameras at this price point, so it isn’t a score against the phone. The video recording supports 1080p@30fps. 

Performance

Does the phone run smoothly or lag? During my time using TECNO Spark 9T, I did not experience any lagging or stutters. It works well for everyday tasks. I imagine, though, that if you push it with much heavier tasks, it will protest.

There is 128 GB of internal storage for your videos and photos and other files. If you somehow use up all of that space and need more, there is a microSD slot available, so you can add a memory card for extra storage. I like the side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Your finger is on the Power button many times, and it just feels natural that the unlocking of the screen happens there.

Battery Life

The Spark 9T’s battery life is solid. If it had been poor, that would have been a shock, considering the 5000mAh capacity. We got a good day’s use out of it, even with the display at 90Hz refresh rate. Charging is a mere 10W affair, so don’t expect any quick top-ups.

Conclusion

The Spark 9T is a good budget phone with good battery life, performance, and camera. If you are looking for a good budget phone, I would recommend the Spark 9T. For ₦81,500, you get the 4/64 GB variant, and for ₦89,500, the 4/128 GB variant can be yours. 

Early buyers are getting an instant headset gift, 180 days broken screen warranty, and can also pick the phone up for a down payment as low as ₦22,999, and the balance spread over 6 months. Simply walk into an authorized TECNO store to get yours.

Author: dawn