Smartphones are no longer about ranks; it is now a competitive world where budget Android devices run after each other and compromises often feel inevitable. Right there, the Tecno Spark Slim bursts onto the scene like a breath of fresh air—or more accurately, a whisper of innovation.
This 4G LTE powerhouse clocks in at a mind-boggling 5.93mm thick, earning it the title of the world’s slimmest curved-screen smartphone. Priced rather affordably, it’s a statement that premium aesthetics and solid performance don’t require a flagship price tag.
Remember: TECNO is launching the World’s Thinnest Tri-Fold concept – the PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold
Design and build
At its core, the Spark Slim’s excitement stems from defying the laws of physics—or at least smartphone engineering norms. Measuring 164.2 x 75.9 x 5.93mm and weighing a mere 156g, it slips into pockets with the ease of a credit card, making one-handed use a joy rather than a chore.
This slimness isn’t achieved through flimsy materials; the front boasts Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for scratch resistance (surviving keys and coins in a bag without a mark), while the back opts for a fingerprint-repellent fiberglass or recycled aluminum finish that’s cool to the touch even after hours of use.
The stainless-steel frame adds a premium heft without bulk, and the nearly flush pill-shaped camera module eliminates the wobble that plagues thicker rivals.
Durability is where it truly shines as “antifragile”: An IP64 rating wards off dust and splashes (think accidental coffee spills or rainy commutes), and MIL-STD-810H certification means it endures 1.5m drops onto concrete with only cosmetic scuffs—testers report the screen staying intact after 10 such falls. But the real showstopper is the “Mood Light,” a customizable LED ring encircling the camera module. This pulses in sync with music beats for immersive listening, glows softly for notifications (customizable via HiOS for colors per app), or even signals charging progress with a rainbow fade.
In low light, it doubles as a subtle fill light for selfies, adding a playful, almost animated personality reminiscent of a sci-fi companion. Slippery? Absolutely—pair it with the included transparent case to avoid butterfingers moments. Early adopters rave about its “futuristic design,” calling it “sleek and solid” while highlighting how the curved edges enhance grip without feeling awkward.
Display
The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel is a visual feast, blending vibrant colors with buttery-smooth motion courtesy of a 144Hz refresh rate. Resolution hits 1.5K (1224 x 2720 pixels, ~440 ppi), delivering sharp text for reading e-books or scrolling feeds without pixelation. HDR10+ support means Netflix binges explode with dynamic range—deep blacks in space scenes feel infinite, while peak brightness of 4500 nits (1600 nits HBM) crushes direct sunlight, making outdoor navigation a non-issue. The subtle curved edges wrap around the sides for an immersive edge-to-edge feel, ideal for gaming or panoramic videos, though they can trigger accidental palm swipes during typing (mitigated by software tweaks in HiOS).
What elevates it? Always-On Display with customizable AOD styles, including dynamic wallpapers that react to time or weather via AI integration. In real-world tests, colors stay accurate (Delta E under 3 for sRGB), and the 20:9 aspect ratio suits vertical video consumption perfectly. It’s not just bright; it’s eye-friendly with DC dimming to reduce flicker, a boon for late-night scrollers.
Performance and software
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G200 (6nm process) octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A76 at 2.2GHz for heavy lifts, 6x A55 at 2.0GHz for efficiency) paired with Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles the daily grind with aplomb. Benchmark scores hover around 350,000 on AnTuTu, translating to lag-free multitasking—think 15+ Chrome tabs, Spotify, and Instagram without hiccups. Gaming? Titles like PUBG Mobile run at medium settings with 40-50 FPS, thanks to a vapor chamber cooling system that dissipates heat in this ultra-thin body, keeping temps under 42°C during 30-minute sessions (versus 48°C on bulkier rivals).
RAM is 8GB physical + up to 5GB virtual (total 13GB), ensuring apps reload minimally, while 256GB UFS 2.2 storage flies for app installs. No microSD slot is a bummer for hoarders, but cloud integration via Google helps. Software-wise, Android 15 with HiOS 15 is a clean, bloat-light experience promising 2 years of OS updates and 3 of security patches. AI shines here: Ella AI auto-edits photos (e.g., sky replacement or object removal in seconds), suggests smart replies in chats, and even summarizes articles via Google Gemini. Circle to Search lets you long-press for instant Google lookups on-screen, while the IR blaster turns it into a universal remote for your TV or AC—niche but delightfully practical. NFC enables tap-to-pay, a rarity at this price.
Camera system
The rear setup—a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8, PDAF for quick focus) + 50MP ultrawide (120° FOV, f/2.2)—delivers punchy daylight shots with natural tones and ample detail, rivaling pricier phones in portraits (AI edge detection separates subjects flawlessly). The 2x lossless zoom crops intelligently from the main sensor, avoiding the softness of digital tricks, while the ultrawide captures expansive landscapes without the barrel distortion common in budget cams. Dual-LED flash aids low-light, but night mode introduces some noise and softer edges—expect usable but not stellar moonlit selfies.
Video hits 1440p@30fps with electronic stabilization for smooth walks, and 4K downsampling adds cinematic flair. Up front, the 13MP selfie cam (f/2.0) nails skin tones in natural light, with beauty modes that enhance without overdoing it. AI features like scene optimization auto-adjust for food or pets, and the Mood Light fill works wonders for group shots. Overall, it’s versatile for social media creators, though low-light purists might crave OIS.
Audio and connectivity
Dual stereo speakers tuned by Dolby Atmos pump out room-filling sound with balanced mids and punchy bass—ideal for YouTube or podcasts at 85dB without distortion. LDAC codec support means hi-res Bluetooth audio for wireless earbuds shines, though the lack of a 3.5mm jack (USB-C adapter included) is a minor gripe. Connectivity is robust: Wi-Fi 5 for stable streaming, Bluetooth 5.2 for low-latency gaming, and GPS with multi-band support for pinpoint navigation. The under-display fingerprint scanner unlocks in 0.2 seconds (99% accuracy), and face unlock via the selfie cam is speedy in daylight.
Battery life
Squeezed into a 4mm-thick cell, the 5160mAh battery (some variants list 5200mAh) achieves ~800Wh/kg density through silicon-anode tech, lasting 6-7 hours of screen-on time for mixed use (social, video, light gaming) or up to 2 days on standby. Standout: 45W wired charging zips to 50% in 25 minutes and full in 57, with smart thermal management preventing overheat. Reverse 10W charging juices up earbuds, and “bypass charging” mode for gaming routes power directly to components, extending battery health.
