Few smartphones from named brands will come in at under R1,500, but that’s just what Tecno’s new Spark Go 2S handset supplies. Newly launched in South Africa, the handset is available at TFG (The Foshini Group) stores for only R1,400. What do you get for your cash?

A surprising amount, at least on paper. The Spark Go 2S talks a pretty big game, promising AI-supported writing and translation features in addition to its hardware. How that’ll go in practice is something we’ll only be able to judge when we’ve seen one in action.

Reigniting the Spark Go 2S

Tecno has always had lofty ambitions, though that’s not highly represented at this price point. Still, the Go 2S will give users a 120Hz 6.67in display to play with. It’s not AMOLED at this price, but the TFT LCD features a 720 x 1,600 resolution to go with its refresh rate.

Behind the screen, users will find a Unisoc T7250 chipset supported by up to 4GB of RAM. The packaging will claim 8GB, in that case, but some of the storage will fill in as a page file in that case. We’re not sure what storage/RAM combinations are here, as listings aren’t live at the time of writing, but expect either 3GB/64GB or 4GB/64GB pairings. If Tecno has chosen to ramp storage up to 128GB at this price point, the Spark Go 2S is definitely worth considering.

Other highlights include an IP64 rating — it’ll handle minor water excursions but not immersion — and a 5,000mAh battery. The latter, according to Tecno locally, features a 10W recharge speed, but international documentation reckons it’s 15W.

Corners have definitely been cut, if the Unisoc chipset isn’t a clue. The cameras are solidly single — a 13MP effort occupies the rear, with an 8MP sensor up front. We don’t expect much from either of them, but they’re there. It has a USB-C charge port, because this is 2025 after all.