Innovative, AI-driven, technology brand TECNO and its sister brand itel had busy years, with numerous product launches, campaigns, competitions, partnerships, and much more. As 2025 draws to a close, we look back at the activities that you may have missed from these tech brands, as well as look ahead to what is in store for 2026.
Two New Smartphone Series
The highlight of 2025 for TECNO was arguably the arrival of two new smartphone series in the country: SPARK 40 Series, and POVA 7 Series. The former is a future generation following on from the SPARK 20 Series, while the latter marked the exciting debut of POVA in South Africa.
While SPARK 40 Series; which comprises of SPARK 40 Pro, SPARK 40S, SPARK 40, and SPARK 40C; features outstanding performance, long-lasting battery life, flagship-grade AMOLED displays, and trendy designs, POVA 7 Series, which comprises of POVA 7 Pro 5G and POVA 7 5G, is built for power users and mobile gamers and leans more towards the mid-range segment. This was an important step for TECNO in marking its ambitions to explore more of the mid-range space, and bring convenient, affordable, and reliable tech options to it.
Both these Series debuted at the 2025 Comic Con Africa event at Nasrec in Johannesburg where TECNO had an exhibition space. Attendees to the event got a first look and hands-on experience of the new smartphones and crowds flocked to the TECNO booth. They were also showcased to media and influencers at an event at Melrose Arch where they got to experience the new phones firsthand.
Aside from SPARK 40 Series and POVA 7 Series, TECNO and itel also brought other new smartphones to SA including SPARK GO 2 and SPARK GO 2S from TECNO, and itel A90 and itel A06s.
Celebrating African Soccer
Another highlight for TECNO in 2025 was the brand’s continued sponsorship of the African Cup of Nations competition. Currently taking place in Morocco, TECNO hosted a competition to give South Africans an all-expenses paid trip to the tournament.
On the ground, TECNO is hosting interactive fan experiences through pop-up stores and engaging zones. TECNO’s Glory Night Awards, which was co-hosted with TikTok Live, celebrated creative African influencers and celebrated the spirit of TECNO’s ‘Power Your Moment’ campaign.
As a brand deeply rooted in the spirit of innovation, connection, and African pride, TECNO’s sponsorship of AFCON underscores its ongoing commitment to empowering young Africans and celebrating the passions that unite the continent.
Recognising, Supporting, and Partnering with Local Excellence
Other activities that TECNO was involved in this year include attendance at the 2025 Durban July; involvement in the 2025 Mayoral Excellence Awards, which was arranged and driven by the INkosi uMtubatuba Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal; participation in school visits with Inkabi Records; being present at the Transport Forum’s Road Safety Summit; and sponsorship of Inkabi Record’s Family & Friends Day Picnic.
In October, TECNO visited several university and college campuses across the country to directly engage with students and bring them interactive experiences with the new smartphones from the SPARK 40 Series and POVA 7 Series.
Throughout 2025 TECNO partnered with many retail partners to co-run campaigns. There was also a plethora of competitions that gave TECNO fans the chance to win a variety of prizes.
Showcasing Innovative Advancements in Technology
At a global level, TECNO revealed some innovative advancements in technology during the year.
Starting at CES 2025 with the debut of its Starry Optical Fiber Technology (combining ultra-fine optical fibres with mini-LED lights, and then seamlessly integrating them into the battery cover of smartphones), the brand followed it up with the unveiling later in the year at MWC of a prototype of the world’s thinnest phone, the SPARK Slim. Then came the world’s thinnest tri-fold phone, the TECNO PHANTOM Ultimate G Fold concept.
These continuous breakthroughs from TECNO highlight the brand’s commitment to providing the most advanced and stylish technology for users who pursue exceptional experiences.
The Year Ahead
TECNO and itel are anticipating that 2026 will be just as busy and exciting as 2025 was. Expect new smartphones to arrive in the country (keep an eye out for full details of the models), more partnerships and sponsorships, and more on the ground engagement with fans. Follow TECNO and itel on social media so that you don’t miss out on all the campaigns, promotions, competitions and much more.
Availability
TECNO and itel’s smartphones are available from select retail partners including Ackermans, Dunns, Edgars, Game, HiFi Corp, Jet, Makro, Mr Price, PEP, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, TFG, Vodacom, and Woolworths (availability varies per retailer, per store, per model, and while stocks last. E&OE).
To stay up to date with all the latest news, updates, happenings, and goings-on from TECNO and itel, follow TECNO’s Facebook page and itel’s Facebook page.