Tecno’s latest entry-level smartphone is now available on sale in the country through online retail platform Jumia Kenya for a price of Kshs 11,299.
According to Tecno Mobile Kenya, the device will be available through offline channels starting on Monday next week (June 18th).
The Spark 2 is a sequel to the Spark K7 unveiled last year as indicated by its model number, KA7.
Tecno is hoping that several improvements it has made to the second generation of Spark devices be enough to help it stand out in the crowded entry-level smartphone field.
At its price, the Tecno Spark 2 will find itself competing with the likes of Infinix’s Hot 6 (not Pro), the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, which is one of the best-selling smartphones in the whole world, and the HMD Global Nokia 2.
Tecno is counting on its decision to go with Android 8.1 Oreo, Go Edition, instead of regular Android to help with the performance issues that some users complained about in the first generation Spark devices. Android Go is a fitting choice since the base model Spark 2 has 1GB memory (there is a 2GB RAM variant, as well).
A big battery and improved cameras are the other draws that the Chinese device maker is counting on in addition to the pricing, to draw users to the device.
Like every other 2018 smartphone worth its name, the Tecno Spark 2 also has face unlock to complement the fingerprint sensor on its back and an 18:9 display. The latter is not only bigger, at 6-inches but also, according to Tecno, “12.5% brighter than any regular smartphone”.
The Spark series of devices becomes the second from Tecno to be powered by Android Go. Two months ago, the company announced three new smartphones running Android Go: F1, F2 and POP1 (aka F3). Both the F2 and the F3 are available through Jumia for between Kshs 6,500 and 8,500 with the better-specced F3 costing more.
In the market, the Spark 2 will be joining other Android Go-powered devices besides its F series siblings like the itel A32F and the Nokia 1.
The Tecno Spark 2 comes in four colour options: Bordeaux Red (I loved this colour on the Camon X Pro), Midnight Black, Champagne Gold and City Blue (well, since Tecno supports English Premier League club Manchester City).
