“The TECNO Spark was the best selling device in Kenya in 2017”, we should have led with this title as this is a big deal, especially to Transsion-owned TECNO, which has made a name for itself as Kenya’s leading mobile phone vendor.
The company says that the recently launched Spark series of smartphones that saw them take-to-market TECNO Spark (K7) and TECNO Spark Plus (K9), were the best selling device in Kenya by the end of 2017. Well, take this information with a pinch of salt since we don’t have an actual source with figures to quote. However, at price of Kes.12,000 and the specifications the Spark Plus offered, topped up by that lovely blue colour, I see why it is easier to believe the announcement rather than dismiss it.
The Spark series was brought in by TECNO as a measure to curb their sibling’s (Infinix) seemingly hostile takeover in the budget market. The Spark offered decent specifications at a friendlier price without compromising on design, that was the whole philosophy and it seems Kenyans bought into it.
The company is now gearing up to launch their next Spark, obviously named Spark 2. Little is known of the device, however, speculation points to two variants just like we saw with the predecessors. We also have reason to believe that the Spark 2 will feature face unlock and a 6-inch 18:9 aspect ratio display, which have become the latest features to take the mobile market by storm.
Android Oreo (Go Edition)?
The new Spark is also said to feature Android 8.1 Oreo and cocky Kaluka over at TechArena says that the smaller variant of the two will have 1GB RAM and run on the Android Oreo (Go Edition) platform while the Plus variant will boast of traditional HiOS UI and 2GB RAM. Apparently, both devices will have 16GB internal storage expandable via MicroSD.
Did we mention Face Unlock? So the feature will be made possible thanks to an 8MP selfie shooter on the front of the device that will feature a dual-flash setup and the inclusion of software-induced portrait mode. No worries, leaked images of the Spark 2 show that there is a fingerprint reader on the back, just in case you are not a fan of facial unlock.
Other specifications that you would care about include:
- a MediaTek MT6580WP Quad-Core processor
- 13MP main camera
- and a 3500 mAh battery
The Spark 2 is scheduled to launch next month and going by the pricing of the predecessors, we don’t expect to see a price tag of more than Kes.15,000 for the larger model.
