REVIEW: Spectra J1 Pro smartphone costs R1,999 and 'delivers where it counts'

CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit speaks to the author of `The Hitchhiker's Guide to AI' and Founder of World Wide Worx, Arthur Goldstuck.

Listen below:

Goldstuck reviews the Spectra J1 Pro smartphone...

Spectra is a new local brand, though the playbook isn’t. The formula: take a solid global design, badge it with a fresh name, tweak the software for local needs, and move units through trusted value-for-money retailers. It's a strategy that works better than catchy taglines.

Price tag?

Expect to pay around R1,999 at major retailers, but if you shop around, you may get it for cheaper.

What the J1 Pro delivers:

• It looks the part
• Lasts the day on a single charge
• Comes loaded with Android 14
• Offers 128 GB of storage right out of the box.

Spectra J1 Pro: pros and cons

✅ Pros:

• Big 5,000 mAh battery with 20W fast charging keeps you going from morning to night.
• Ships with clean Android 14, 128 GB storage, and microSD support, with lots of room to grow.
• Solid build quality, clean design, dual-SIM convenience, and a budget-friendly price.
• Hi-definition plus resolution means you'll look good on screen, too.

⛔ Cons:

• Low-light photos fall apart quickly, with softness and noise.
• The HD+ display struggles outdoors, and small text and fine details require extra effort.
• With just 4GB RAM, heavy multitasking puts pressure on the T606 chipset.

Bottom line? The Spectra J1 Pro is a polished entry-level contender that delivers where it counts and keeps your wallet in check.

"It's a starter phone that's dressed for job interviews while keeping the feet in the budget department."

- Arthur Goldstuck, founder - World Wide Worx

Scroll up to the audio player for more.