Wileyfox Spark+ (Plus) (SIM Free/UK)
Expect the unexpected.
The Spark+ is every bit the little pocket rocket that the Spark provides, with a slightly improved camera, storage and power for more advanced users.
SIM Free /Unlocked UK Stock
Wileyfox smartphones are sold by Clove SIM Free and unlocked, no contract required.
Every Wileyfox Spark+ (Plus) is fully compatible with UK and EU network providers. For those outside the EU, please confirm the specification lists with your network provider for 3G and 4G/LTE compatibility.
Reasons to buy the Wileyfox Spark+ (Plus)
- Updated version with Android 7 and full access to Google Play store
- 1.3 GHz quad core processor / 2 GB RAM
- 5" HD screen with Dragontrail Glass
- 16 GB storage / micro SD support (up to 32GB)
- 13 MP main camera / 8 MP front camera
- Wi-Fi / GPS / Bluetooth 4 / LTE
- 2,200 mAh removable battery
- DUAL SIM (dual standby)
Box Contents
- Wileyfox Spark+ (Plus) SIM Free Smartphone
- USB charging & data cable
- Documentation
Overview
Wileyfox are fast trying to corner the entry-level smartphone market for themselves. Last year's Swift & Storm phones were very well-received and, in 2016, this British-based brand wants to be the go-to name in Europe and beyond for affordability.
The cheapest entry-level phone is the basic Spark. At just £89.99, the price alone is enough to turn heads. The specifications do make for a very simple phone though, so if you want a little extra power, then the Spark+ is the way to go.
Very similar to last year's Swift, the Spark+ provides a 13MP camera, 16 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM. These are all key upgrades over the basic Spark and make for a much more versatile phone.
Whereas the the sub-£100 Spark should be seen as a true entry level phone for young teens, novices or first-time smartphone owners, the Spark+ has the extra power required to keep the majority of modern users happy.
Performance
Many manufacturers create software for a single phone then rarely update it.
Cyanogen has been developed and worked on daily for well over 5 years. The system has been optimised by skilled and passionate developers whose goal is to create something they would be happy to use every day.
One of the most obvious positives from this work is increased battery life, along with the ability for you, as the user, to adjust & modify battery use to individual apps to eke out extra hours if necessary.
Security
Built in to the system is Privacy Guard. This app gives you deep control over the system features that other applications can access.
This builds on from Android 6.0's updates to the system permissions. With these an app will always ask before it can access a system feature for the first time. Privacy Guard grants you the ability to revoke access to system features, at any time, to any app that is coded to ask for them.
PIN scramble is another simple security addition. If you use a PIN to lock your screen then this nifty feature randomises the number grid you put the PIN in on! With this people won't be able to reconstruct your PIN from smudges on the screen or watching where your fingers go.
Remote tracking and wiping of your phone is possible from your (optional) Cyanogen account.
You can use Protected Apps to lock certain applications behind a PIN or pattern lock, even after you're on the home screen. Put apps and shortcuts inside secure folders to avoid data leak or just plain, old-fashioned embarrassment if someone picks up your phone or you pass it to them.
Cyanogen OS also features a built-in Blacklist to permanently block numbers from ever calling or texting you again.
Screen
The Wileyfox Spark+ has a large 5.0 inch HD IPS LCD screen that provides 294 pixels per inch. This is a fully laminated display with high-quality colour reproduction with excellent viewing angles.
Dragontrail glass has also been used for the screen covering. More resistant to scratches and impacts than other competing technologies at this price point, the Spark+ will stay looking good for longer, even if you like to carry it in a crowded bag!
Camera
The Spark+ features a high-fidelity 13 MP Samsung sensor as the main camera and comparitively high-resolution 8MP sensors on the front for taking selfies and video-calls.
Cyanogen's camera app offers deep access to camera controls, so you can control burst mode, exposure time and compensation, white balance and many other features. Normally this level of control would be out of reach on cheaper smartphones.
Slow motion video recording is available, as well as the option to save your photos in uncompressed raw format (.DNG), perfect for those looking to complete highly detailed editing post-capture.