Tecno has announced two new budget phones, the Spark 50s 5G and the Spark 50C. Both focus on battery life and toughness rather than headline camera specs.

The Spark 50s is the more capable of the two. It has a single 50MP rear camera with an LED flash and an 8MP selfie camera. That’s modest by today’s standards, but it’s typical of phones at this price, where the money goes on battery and build.

On that front the 50s is well equipped. It has a 6,500mAh battery with 45W charging, plus reverse wired and bypass charging. It’s rated IP64 and MIL-STD-810H. The screen is a 6.78-inch HD+ 120Hz LCD, and it runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6400 with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and microSD expansion up to 2TB.

Tecno has also added a “No Network Communication” feature that lets two phones call and message each other at up to 1.5km without mobile signal. It’s a niche feature, but useful for walkers, festivals or remote shoots where coverage drops out.

The Spark 50C is a 4G entry model with a 13MP rear camera, an 8MP front camera, a MediaTek Helio G81 chip and a 5,200mAh battery with 15W charging. Unusually for a phone at this level, it’s rated IP68 and IP69. It also has dual stereo speakers and an IR blaster.

Neither phone is aimed at photographers, and neither has been confirmed for the UK. They do show how much durability and battery life now come as standard at the budget end.

Tecno Spark 50s and Spark 50C specifications

Tecno Spark 50s and Spark 50C price and availability

The Spark 50s goes on sale in India on 20 October, priced at INR 19,999 (6GB/128GB) and INR 22,999 (8GB/128GB). Colours are Breeze Blue and Burgundy Red. Spark 50C pricing and availability haven’t been announced, and neither phone has been confirmed for the UK. More details are on Tecno’s Spark 50s 5G and Spark 50C product pages.