If you’re a Transformers fan or just someone who loves a phone that doesn’t look like every other slab out there, this one’s going to catch your eye. TECNO has teamed up with Hasbro to give us TECNO Spark 30 Pro Transformers Limited Edition that’s fully decked out in iconic red and blue, all inspired by the one and only Optimus Prime.
Now, while it’s dressed up to celebrate Transformers, the Spark 30 Pro has more than enough features to hold its own against other mid-range phones. And yes, we’ll get into all the good stuff (and maybe a couple of nitpicks). If you’re on the hunt for a unique phone that delivers value beyond just looks, this one might just have your name on it. So, let’s dig in and see if its lives up to its Transformers-worthy design!
Unboxing Experience
Right from the start, TECNO makes it clear this isn’t your average unboxing. The TECNO Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Transformers Edition arrives in a special Transformers-themed box that feels almost like a collector’s item. You’ll notice the Optimus Prime artwork all over the packaging, and it’s not just for show—TECNO’s put real thought into making this unboxing memorable for fans. Slide off the sleeve, and the box opens right down the middle, like it’s revealing something epic inside.
Inside, you get more than just the phone. TECNO throws in all the essentials and then some: a 33W charging brick (yes, it’s included!), a USB-C cable, and even a pair of wired earphones. These little extras are becoming rare, especially in budget and mid-range phones, so it’s nice to see TECNO taking care of their customers here. There’s also a hard-shell protective case designed with the same Transformers flair.
Then there’s one more cool surprise: the inside of the box has some hidden artwork featuring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. It’s like getting a mini poster as part of the package, which is a nice touch for collectors.
Design & Build Quality
Now, let’s talk about the design because the TECNO Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Transformers Edition doesn’t look like anything else on the market. Right off the bat, this phone grabs your attention with its bold Transformers-inspired theme. The back is where the Transformers theme truly shines. The phone is decked out in Optimus Prime’s iconic red and blue color scheme, with a high-gloss finish that gives it a metallic look.
The Transformers logo is prominently placed, along with subtle details like small Hasbro and TECNO logos, making it feel like a true collector’s piece. The glossy plastic back may look like metal, but don’t let that fool you—it’s actually plastic, which helps keep the weight down.
The frame is finished with a chrome-like shine. At around 7.4mm thin, TECNO has managed to keep it lightweight and easy to grip, despite the phablet size. On the right side, you’ll find the power button and volume rocker. The left side houses the SIM tray, which supports dual SIM cards along with a dedicated microSD card slot.
At the bottom, the Spark 30 Pro includes a USB-C charging port, the main speaker grille, a microphone, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The top of the device houses the secondary speaker and an additional microphone for noise cancellation.
The camera module is housed on the upper left corner, laid out in a square formation that gives it the appearance of a quad-camera setup. However, it actually consists of a 108MP primary sensor and an auxiliary depth sensor, alongside two additional faux lenses included purely for aesthetics.
Holding the phone, you’ll notice it’s surprisingly slim and comfortable, especially for a device with a large 6.78-inch display. On the front, the Spark 30 Pro features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with slim bezels around the screen, achieving an impressive screen-to-body ratio. At the top center of the display, there’s a punch-hole cutout for the 13MP selfie camera incorporates Dynamic Port notifications within the punch-hole cutout, providing quick alerts for charging status, incoming calls, and media controls, enhancing functionality while keeping the main display clear and unobstructed.
In terms of durability, the Spark 30 Pro comes with IP54 dust and splash resistance, which is a nice bonus at this price. While it’s not waterproof, it can handle a little rain or splash without a problem, so you don’t have to worry too much if you’re caught outside in a drizzle. The phone also has an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, which is convenient and pretty responsive, though you will might find its placement a bit lower than expected.
Display Quality
The display on the TECNO Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Transformers Edition is definitely one of its standout features, especially in this price range. You’re looking at a 6.78-inch AMOLED panel that’s bright, vivid, and ideal for everything from gaming to binge-watching shows. TECNO has also pushed the limits on brightness here, maxing out at a solid 1700 nits. This means you’ll get a clear view, even in direct sunlight.
With a resolution of 1080 x 2436 pixels, the display delivers crisp and sharp visuals with a pixel density of about 393 PPI. This gives you enough detail to enjoy Full HD content without any noticeable blurriness.The AMOLED technology also brings in those deep blacks and vibrant colors that you just don’t get with LCD screens, which makes a difference in both low-light and bright environments.
Add to that the Widevine L1 certification, which supports HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video, and you’ve got a display that’s optimized for media consumption.
Another huge plus here is the 120Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and a snappier experience overall. If you’re coming from a 60Hz display, you’ll notice the difference right away—the 120Hz gives it a smooth, fluid feel that’s especially great for gaming and fast-paced action.
Audio Performance
The TECNO Spark 30 Pro doesn’t just look and feel great—it also delivers when it comes to sound. This phone is equipped with dual stereo speakers one speaker at the top and another at the bottom, provides balanced sound, though the bottom speaker does carry a bit more weight.
And with support Dolby Atmos, will giving you a clear and immersive audio experience. Having true stereo sound is a big plus, especially in this price range, and the audio quality is impressive. And for those who enjoy their bass, these speakers don’t disappoint. The sound remains clear even at higher volumes, with only minimal vibration on the back, which is barely noticeable with a case on.
Another nice touch is that TECNO has kept the 3.5mm headphone jack. It’s increasingly rare to see, so if you’re a fan of wired headphones or need the jack for specific accessories, this phone has you covered.
Performance & Hardware
Under the hood, the TECNO Spark 30 Pro packs some serious power for a phone in this range. The device is equipped with MediaTek’s Helio G100 processor, a capable mid-range chipset designed to handle gaming, multitasking, and everyday apps without a hitch. While it may not compete with high-end processors, the Helio G100 is a nice step up from the previous generation’s G99, with improved support for higher-resolution displays and better 4G connectivity.
This edition comes with 8GB of RAM paired with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is more than sufficient for keeping apps open in the background, smooth switching between tasks, and storing plenty of games, photos, and videos. And if you need even more storage, TECNO has included a dedicated microSD slot alongside the dual SIM slots, allowing for up to 1TB of expansion.
The Helio G100’s performance is backed by a solid GPU that can handle popular games like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile with ease. While it may not hit the highest graphics settings, it delivers smooth gameplay at HD graphics and maintains good frame rates, giving a steady 40fps, which is impressive for a mid-range processor. If you’re a casual or mid-level gamer, this phone will give you a reliable and enjoyable gaming experience without excessive lag or heating issues. Plus, the high refresh rate display and responsive touch panel make the gaming experience feel even smoother.
TECNO has also packed in some useful extras, like bypass charging—a feature aimed at gamers that allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger without stressing the battery. This reduces heat buildup and can be a real asset for long gaming sessions.
Popular Benchmarking Tests
Geekbench 5
On Geekbench 5, the TECNO Spark 30 Pro scored around 500-600 in single-core performance and 1600-1700 in multi-core performance. These scores place the Spark 30 Pro comfortably within the mid-range smartphone segment, showing that the MediaTek Helio G100 is well-equipped to handle everyday tasks. However, it’s worth noting that while the Helio G100 is competent, the Geekbench 5 scores indicate it won’t match the speeds of higher-end processors like the Snapdragon 778G or Dimensity 1080, particularly for resource-heavy applications or high-end mobile gaming.
AnTuTu Benchmark
In the AnTuTu Benchmark, the TECNO Spark 30 Pro scored between 420,000 and 450,000. This overall score reflects the combined capabilities of the CPU, GPU, memory, and UX performance—a good indicator of balanced, all-around performance. For a mid-range device, this AnTuTu score suggests the Spark 30 Pro can comfortably manage day-to-day tasks without slowdowns. This AnTuTu score also confirms the Spark 30 Pro as a solid choice for casual gaming, as it performs well in titles like PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings.
User Interface & Software
Running on HiOS 14.5 layered over Android 14, the TECNO Spark 30 Pro provides a custom software experience that’s packed with features and customization options. HiOS has been designed with a focus on functionality and style, and for Transformers fans, this special edition doesn’t disappoint—it ships with a fully Transformers-themed interface right out of the box. This includes Optimus Prime wallpapers, custom app icons, and even a few animations that add to the Transformers vibe. Of course, if this isn’t your style, you can easily switch to a more standard Android theme in the settings.
HiOS 14.5 brings a variety of unique features to enhance usability and customization. Dynamic Port is one such feature, located in the punch-hole cutout, which provides quick, pop-up notifications for calls, charging status, and music controls—similar to the dynamic features seen in some flagship phones. It’s especially helpful when multitasking, as you can keep track of battery life or incoming messages without fully interrupting what you’re doing.
App Management in HiOS is designed to be comprehensive, but you might notice some pre-installed apps, or “bloatware,” that are common in budget and mid-range phones. While these apps can sometimes push notifications or suggestions, the good news is that they can be uninstalled or disabled for a cleaner experience. HiOS also has a built-in App Freezer to help manage background apps, which can be especially useful for keeping the device running smoothly if you’re multitasking frequently.
HiOS 14.5’s customization options are also worth noting—you can adjust almost every aspect of the home screen, icons, fonts, and even animations. For who enjoy a more personalized setup, the software provides a lot of flexibility. And for gamers, TECNO includes a Game Mode with specific settings to improve gaming performance and reduce interruptions. Game Mode allows for settings like Do Not Disturb, enhanced touch sensitivity, and resource optimization while gaming.
Another standout feature is Ella, TECNO’s AI-powered smart assistant, which helps with tasks like setting reminders, answering questions, and making simple suggestions based on your usage. Additionally, HiOS includes AI Battery Lab and Smart Charging features that optimize battery usage based on your daily habits, helping to extend battery life throughout the day. There’s also AI Gallery, a feature that sorts and categorizes your photos, making it easier to organize your media library.
Camera System
The TECNO Spark 30 Pro Transformers Edition isn’t just about looks—it comes equipped with a 108MP main camera, which is impressive for a device in this price range. The rear camera array also includes a depth sensor for enhanced portrait effects, along with some faux elements that give the appearance of a quad-camera setup. Don’t be fooled, though; the actual imaging sensors are limited to the primary and depth lenses, while the other elements are design-based.
In well-lit environments, the 108MP primary sensor captures sharp, vibrant images with good detail. Thanks to TECNO’s AI Cam features, the camera can recognize scenes and adjust settings automatically to deliver the best results. Colors tend to be a bit more saturated than natural, which adds some pop to the photos, especially when shooting landscapes or colorful objects. The high resolution also allows for 3x lossless zoom, which maintains image quality when zoomed in—a rare feature at this price.
Low-light performance on the Spark 30 Pro is decent, though there are some limitations. The AI-enhanced Super Night Mode helps reduce noise and improves detail in low-light shots, but results can still be hit or miss. In dim lighting, the sensor struggles a bit with graininess, though the dual LED flash does help when taking close-up photos at night. For a device at this price point, the nighttime performance is acceptable but not groundbreaking, and you’ll get the best results when there’s at least some ambient light available.
The selfie camera is a 13MP sensor with a dual LED flash, which is a great touch for taking selfies in low-light conditions. During the day, selfies come out with good detail and accurate colors, and in low light, the flash is soft enough not to be harsh, which helps keep your skin tones natural. The front camera can also capture portrait selfies with a decent background blur effect, and TECNO’s AI optimization can enhance skin tones and facial features, which some users may find appealing.
When it comes to video recording, the rear camera can shoot up to 1440p (2K) at 30fps. This is a step up from standard 1080p, giving you higher clarity for video capture. However, video stabilization is missing at this resolution, so handheld footage can appear shaky, especially while moving. For smoother video, sticking to 1080p at 60fps is recommended, as it provides a balance between clarity and stability. The front camera maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, which is suitable for basic vlogging or social media posts.
Battery Life & Charging Speed
Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartphone, and the TECNO Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Transformers Edition is well-equipped in this department. With a 5,000mAh battery, this phone can easily support a full day of usage. This capacity has become standard for mid-range and budget devices, and TECNO has optimized power consumption to make sure you get the most out of each charge.
When it’s time to recharge, TECNO has included 33W fast charging support, which gets you from 0% to around 50% in just under 30 minutes. This speed is impressive for a device in this price range and ensures you won’t be tethered to the wall for too long. A full charge takes around 75–90 minutes, which is quick given the battery size and charging technology. TECNO has also included a 33W fast charger in the box, which is becoming a rare convenience as many brands now exclude chargers from budget and mid-range devices.
One notable feature is bypass charging—designed with gamers in mind. This option allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger without using the battery, which reduces heat buildup during gaming sessions and prevents unnecessary battery drain. This feature can extend the battery’s lifespan, as it reduces charging cycles while keeping the device cool during intensive use.
Final Verdict
The TECNO Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is more than just a phone with a flashy design; it’s a well-equipped mid-range device that offers impressive value for money. TECNO has gone all out with this Transformers-themed edition to make it feel unique and even collectible.
But the Spark 30 Pro doesn’t rely on looks alone—it backs up the aesthetic with solid specs and features across the board. Starting with the 6.78-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and for gaming enthusiasts, the MediaTek Helio G100 processor delivers reliable performance for popular games at medium to high settings, aided by the 8GB of RAM.
In terms of everyday use, the 5,000mAh battery holds its own, lasting through the day even with moderate to heavy usage, and the 33W fast charging means you’re never waiting long for a quick top-up. Additionally, the camera setup—while not flagship-level—offers a respectable 108MP primary camera that shines in well-lit environments.
The HiOS 14.5 interface on top of Android 14 provides a feature-rich experience with extensive customization options, the Dynamic Port, and extra touches like the AI-powered assistant, Ella.
That said, it’s important to keep in mind this phone’s limitations. The camera struggles a bit in low light, and while the processor is capable, it won’t match the performance of high-end devices. There’s also a bit of pre-installed bloatware, though most of it can be disabled.
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