Smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, owned by Transsion Holdings, is not holding back in efforts to cement its market share in Africa, and its recently released Spark 8C device reflects this. Most notably is the device’s integration and application of artificial intelligence to bolster user experience, specifically in terms of camera functionality and use.

Retailing at R3 299, the 8.95mm thick device features all the hallmarks of TECNO mobile solutions, but with enhancements that speak to an emerging young and data-intensive ‘now’ generation of mobile device users.

It connects with GSM/HSPA/LTE with dual SIM, and its technical specifications include HD+ 6.6-inch Dot Notch display (720 x 1612 pixels), It is powered by Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS 7.6 operating system and also has microSDXC, with a 13MP AI-Dual-LED Flash, HDR main camera, as well as an 8MP, LED Flash selfie camera.

With HDR mode on, the user can take photos in backlit scenes and still retain details in bright and dark areas, the company stated.

TECNO has also integrated AI scene recognition technology which means the camera can optimise photos according to different scenes and “improve clarity and realism of photos with a scene recognition rate of up to 90%.”

Additional specs include loudspeaker, 3.5mm jack, WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS (with A-GPS), NFC, FM radio, and micro-USB 2.0, USB On-The-Go.

TECNO underlines extended battery life with a 5000 mAh long-Lasting battery, and Soplay 2.0 music producer/mixer (no internet required), as well as a 90Hz refresh rate.

Brand growth

In November 2021, TECNO referred to a report from Counterpoint Technology Market Pulse service which showed that the Transsion Holdings-owned brands grew from 16% to 32% in Q2 of 2021.

The brand also beat off dominant force Samsung on the number of devices sold in the fourth quarter of 2020 - despite a 6.7% year-on-year fall in Africa’s smartphone shipments in 2020 due to COVID-19.

TECNO released the Spark 7 Series to the South African market in September last year, and signalled its intent to bridge the gap between advanced technology and the younger generation, who also generally make up the lower-income earning segment in the Southern African country.

The company expects an equally strong response from the SA market to the Spark 8C device.

A statement from the company reads, “For the young smartphone user, the creative or the student, recording video has become the modern-day equivalent to keeping a diary. In true TECNO fashion, the Spark 8C features an 8MP front camera with a flash and a 13 MP AI-Enhanced Dual Camera as well as a host of innovative features including AI Scene Recognition and HDR mode, enabling users to create memorable photography content with ease.”

“Moreover, TECNO's innovation in multiple algorithms translates to photos that are full of vivid details even when users zoom into them. These exclusive innovations cater to the diverse camera needs of the younger generation and ensure that you can get what you want in one clear and decisive shot.”

Zikona Captain, TECNO PR Manager, SA, added: “With “Stop At Nothing” as its brand essence, TECNO is passionately unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals and bringing them innovative stylish smart devices with the latest technologies.”