PROS: Fun, eye-catching design for sci-fi buffs Vibrant AMOLED screen Ample internal storageCONS: Single camera setup Underwhelming build qualityRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is a truly one-of-a-kind design thats sure to spark joy for any Transformers fan.Tecno is a smartphone brand that has steadily built a strong presence in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, thanks to its budget-friendly yet feature-packed devices. The brands Spark series has always been a hit with younger users, offering a stylish design and solid performance at an accessible price. With the launch of the Tecno Spark 30 series, the company has taken things up a notch, introducing something truly unique: a collaboration with the iconic Transformers franchise.This collaboration brings two special editions to the Spark 30 lineup: the Bumblebee-themed Spark 30 and the Optimus Prime-themed Spark 30 Pro. We were fortunate enough to get our hands on the Optimus Prime-themed Spark 30 Pro, a device that combines budget-friendly specs with a design that will surely excite Transformers fans. But does this phone live up to the hype? In this review, well dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the Optimus Prime Spark 30 Pro, and see if its worth adding to your collectionor if its just another gimmicky release.Designer: TecnoAestheticsBefore you even pick up the phone, its clear that Tecno didnt just slap the Transformer name on the back of the Spark 30 Pro. Theyve carefully crafted every detail, going far beyond simple branding. It starts right at the packaging, making the unboxing experience a true delight.The phone arrives in a special box with an outer sleeve that unfolds to reveal Optimus Prime or, in the case of the other edition, Bumblebee. The double-door box, adorned with the Autobot logo, opens from the center to reveal the phone, wrapped in a Transformers-themed material. Beneath the compartment that houses the phone is a hidden drawer where the 33W charger brick, a USB-A to USB-C cable, wired earbuds, and warranty paperwork all reside. Unfortunately, these accessories come in plain white without any Transformer-themed details.The phone itself boasts a visually striking design inspired by Optimus Prime. The back cover features a sleek, metallic finish that mirrors the Autobot leaders signature color scheme: deep reds and blues with chrome accents. The design incorporates etched details that add visual depth, though these details are buried beneath a clear plastic panel, making the texture purely visual rather than tactile.The circular camera island, positioned in the top right, houses the camera and LED flash, featuring additional Optimus Prime references with the red and blue color rings and text reading Optimus Prime Altruistic Protective. A silver Autobot symbol sits at the bottom right corner of the phone, while the Tecno Spark and Transformer names are stacked vertically on the opposite side.Overall, the design of the device is a fun and tasteful tribute to the Transformers universe, sure to delight any fan of the franchise. At the same time, the design isnt in your face that only Transformers fans will appreciate it, though few outside that fandom will immediately associate it with the heroic robot. In fact, any fan of sci-fi or metallic aesthetics, with an inclination towards blue, red, and white colors, might also find it quite appealing.ErgonomicsThe Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition features a slim profile, measuring just 7.4mm in thickness, making it lightweight and comfortable to hold. While it offers comfort, the phones plastic construction feels somewhat less durable compared to higher-end models. Ive used plenty of phones with plastic backs, but this one feels, well, very plasticky.The other notable downside is that the back panel is highly prone to fingerprints and smudges. The glossy surface requires frequent cleaning to maintain its pristine look, as even the slightest touch leaves visible marks. While the smooth finish gives the device a sleek appearance, its tendency to attract grime can can definitely take away from its appeal.The side frame is also made of glossy plastic, which, like the back panel, is a fingerprint and smudge magnet. In terms of physical layout, the right side houses the volume rocker and power button, while the left side features a dual-SIM + micro SD card tray. On the bottom edge, youll find the 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port, and primary speaker, with the secondary speaker positioned at the top.One odd thing is the placement of the headphone jack which is not centered and sits very close to the bottom edge. The SIM tray is also a little off-center, which gives the phone a slightly cheap vibe. These minor design quirks, but they do make the phone feel a little less polished.PerformanceAs a special Transformers edition, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro comes loaded with exclusive wallpapers and icon designs, bringing the world of Autobots and Decepticons right to your fingertips. You can choose from two Optimus Prime wallpapers or two Bumblebee wallpapers, along with other non-Transformers-themed options to further personalize your device. If youre feeling creative, theres also an AI Wallpaper Generator that lets you design unique, custom wallpapers to match your style.Under the hood, the phone comes with MediaTek Helio G100 paired with either 128 GB or 256 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM (expandable to 16 GB), offering solid performance for daily tasks including gaming. While it might not compete with flagship devices in sheer power, it gets the job done smoothly, and it comes with a 5-year lag-free performance warranty for peace of mind.The Spark 30 Pro runs HiOS 14.5 based on Android 14. Tecno has brought plenty of AI features including thehese include the previously mentioned AI Wallpaper Generator, AI Artboard for turning sketches into artwork, AI Eraser for photo editing, and the AI voice assistant Ella.When it comes to the display, the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is a huge step up from its predecessor, the Spark 20 Pro, which had an LCD. The new display offers a 1080 x 2436 resolution (Full HD+) and a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and navigation feel smooth. It also gets plenty bright, with a peak brightness of 1700 nits, making it easy to view in direct sunlight.The screen looks vibrant and crisp, and for a more comfortable viewing experience, the phone comes with 2160Hz PWM dimming, which helps reduce screen flickerespecially useful in low light, so your eyes wont get as tired after long sessions. The stereo dual speakers with Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support deliver loud and immersive sound to complement this very capable display.Another neat addition is the under-display fingerprint sensor, which works reliably. And if youre the type who uses your phone around moisture (rain, sweat, or just damp fingers), the Wet Touch Control ensures the screen stays responsive even when its a little wet.A 5,000 mAh battery keeps you going through a full day of average use, and the 33W wired charging capability means you wont be waiting long to top it up. Its definitely not the fastest in the market, but a charging time of around an hour from zero to full is still a lot better than some leading brands.The device features a 108 MP rear camera with up to 10X zoom, capable of capturing decent photos in bright environments. On the front, theres a 32 MP selfie camera with a dual-color LED flash. The flash lets you adjust both the intensity and color temperature across three different levels, giving you more control over your lighting for the perfect selfie.1x3x1x3xCamera output is pretty decent, though it seems to lean more towards oversaturating colors to make a bigger impact. Its biggest flaw is, of course, the fact that theres only one camera doing the work of two or three. You can forget about ultra-wide shots, and zoomed in quality isnt as good as a dedicated telephoto lens. Then again, this is a case of getting what you pay for.1x, Portrait2x, PortraitSustainabilityThe Tecno Spark 30 Pro boasts an A rating for TV SDs 60-month fluency, meaning its designed to perform smoothly for up to 5 years. After 1,000 charge cycles, the battery retains over 80% of its original capacity, suggesting excellent long-term durability. Additionally, the phone features an IP54 rating, offering protection against water splashes and dust. This is a nice upgrade from its predecessors IP53 rating, making it more resilient to everyday wear and tear.That said, while these durability features are a step in the right direction, wed love to see more sustainability initiatives from the brand in the future, such as more eco-friendly materials in both the products and packaging. Given the limited edition design, it might be fine for low production numbers, but its also high time for Tecno to spark some interest in this aspect of its design philosophy.ValueThe Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition, priced around $200 USD (depending on the market), stands out as a unique contender in the budget smartphone space. While the Optimus Prime-themed design is the most obvious draw, its far from the only reason to consider this handset. Like most budget phones, there are a few compromises. Its not going to offer the absolute best processor or camera compared to some competitors. The camera situation, in particular, is a bit disappointing when even an 8MP ultra-wide shooter would do wonders for your dramatic panoramas.But what it does offer is a distinctive design and a well-rounded set of features, including a vivid screen, a large battery, and ample memory. If youre a Transformers fan looking for a budget-friendly device that still packs a punch, the Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is definitely worth a look.VerdictThe Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition is a truly one-of-a-kind design thats sure to spark joy for any Transformers fan. With the bold Optimus Prime branding and thoughtful design details, this phone really brings the iconic character to life. Whether its the sleek, futuristic look or the nostalgic charm, the Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition stands out in a way thats hard to miss.Its a budget-friendly device that gets a lot of things right: a large AMOLED display, solid battery life, a 108 MP rear camera, and a 5-year lag-free performance guarantee. These are all impressive features at its price point, especially for users looking for a phone that offers good value without breaking the bank. If youre a fan of the franchise, this phone offers a unique way to carry a piece of the Transformers universe with you, all while adding a touch of flair to your everyday tech.The post Tecno Spark 30 Pro Optimus Prime Edition Review: Budget-Friendly Solid-Performer, Roll Out! first appeared on Yanko Design.