The new SPARK 50 and SPARK 50 5G redefine durable entry tech by combining massive batteries, military-grade toughness, and practical AI features for the young, always-on generation.

HONG KONG, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global innovative technology brand TECNO today announced the launch of the first two models in its latest SPARK 50 Series: the SPARK 50 5G and SPARK 50. Built on the core aim of “Massive Power & Durable,” this new lineup sets a fresh benchmark in its category by democratizing flagship-level Practical AI. Seamlessly blending industry-leading battery capacity in its class—an astounding 7000mAh on the SPARK 50 and 6500mAh with 45W fast charging on the SPARK 50 5G —with intelligent features designed to make a tangible difference in daily life, both devices are crafted to become the ultimate productivity and creativity boosters for young users navigating work, study, and everything in between.

Unleash the Power: Monster Battery Life with Lightning-Fast Charging

Power users know that endurance isn’t just about capacity—it’s about how long a phone lasts and how quickly it bounces back. The SPARK 50 5G and SPARK 50 deliver on both fronts with a revolutionary approach to battery longevity and charging speed.

The SPARK 50 5G serves as the all-round 5G pioneer in its class, packing a massive 6500mAh battery complemented by 45W super-fast charging that powers the device from zero to full in just one hour. Its advanced battery system supports an incredible 1,800 charging cycle, maintaining over 80 percent health for up to six years of reliable use. The SPARK 50, meanwhile, stands as the endurance champion of its segment, boasting a colossal 7000mAh mega battery that enables up to 48 hours of continuous talk time, with intelligent power management ensuring the battery retains over 80 percent health even after five years of consistent use.

This commitment to longevity extends well beyond the battery. The SPARK 50 5G has been certified by TECNO Lab for six years of lasting fluency, lag-free performance, ensuring both devices remain fast and responsive for the long haul. Built to withstand the rigors of daily life, both models feature IP64 dust and water resistance and Wet Touch 2.0 technology, allowing for accurate touch control even with wet or oily fingers.

The SPARK 50 5G further raises the bar with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification for enhanced toughness, while the SPARK 50 is certified to survive drops from up to 1.8 meters. From physical structure to smart touch interaction, the SPARK 50 Series is fortified against accidental drops, splashes, and humid environments, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures and daily commutes alike.

Flagship-level Practical AI at Your Fingertips

Raw power is only half the story; the intelligence within is what truly sets the SPARK 50 Series apart. With TECNO AI, both models transform from simple smartphones into intuitive companions that anticipate and adapt to user needs.

They come equipped with the Ella AI voice assistant and introduce AI FlashMemo, a feature that instantly captures on-screen content while automatically generating summaries, titles, and tags for easy recall via the AI MindHub—a private, searchable knowledge base that grows smarter with use. For crystal-clear communication in any environment, the SPARK 50 5G features all-scenario AI noise cancellation for calls, and recordings, while the SPARK 50 utilizes AI voice cancellation to ensure voices cut through, whether on a crowded street or in a windy park.

Both models also prove themselves as a versatile creative tool, featuring a 50MP AI main camera with AI FlashSnap to freeze fast-moving action and BestMoment to automatically capture the perfect shot just as the moment unfolds. Users can bring their memories to life with LivePhoto support, preserving not just images but the seconds of motion and sound that surround them. Adding to its everyday utility, an integrated IR blaster can control over 2,000 home appliance brands across 15 categories, turning the phone into a universal remote that manages entertainment and home devices with effortless ease.

Unbreakable Connectivity for Every Scenario

The SPARK 50 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 5G+ processor, achieving an AnTuTu score of 450,000+, delivering beyond-class performance across every connected experience. With 5G Carrier Aggregation technology, it offers download speeds of up to 200% faster than standard 5G . It has also received the TÜV Rheinland High Network Performance Certification (available in selected markets) and supports smooth gaming at up to 90 frames per second, delivering zero-lag entertainment for mobile gamers who demand the best.

Beyond traditional networks, both models feature FreeLink 2.0, TECNO’s revolutionary off-grid communication technology. It enables free voice calls, texts, and image sharing up to an impressive 1.5-kilometer range when no cellular network is available—a potential lifesaver during outdoor adventures, remote travel, or large crowded events where networks are overwhelmed. The SPARK 50 further enhances this capability with a dedicated SA1 signal-boosting chip, improving call distance by 30% in weak signal environments to keep users connected when it matters most. Additionally, the SPARK 50 5G features NFC which exclusively supports Touch Transfer, enabling lightning-fast, one-touch sharing of Live Photos and large files with iPhones, seamlessly bridging the gap between ecosystems for users living in a multi-device world.

A Fresh Iconic Design Language with Premium Durability

The SPARK 50 Series debuts a fresh, stylish look that doesn’t compromise on durability. The SPARK 50 5G features a premium six-series aviation-grade aluminum design, which is 1.4 times harder than five-series aluminum, providing a sophisticated metallic sheen and robust lens protection that feels as good as it looks.

Both models are available in a dynamic palette of trend-forward colors to suit every personality and style preference. The SPARK 50 5G comes in Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Fantasy Purple, Mint Green, and Champagne Gold, with Midnight Blue and Ripple Green to follow in select markets. The SPARK 50 is offered in Dynamic Orange, Ink Black, Titanium Grey, Halo Blue, Aurora Purple, and Flowery Pink. While availability may vary by country and region, the goal remains the same: ensuring a perfect match for everyone, from the understated professional to the bold trendsetter.

Availability

The TECNO SPARK 50 5G is now gradually becoming available in the markets, while SPARK 50 will be available from early April. With cutting-edge technology, exceptional durability, and practical AI at an unbeatable value, they represent TECNO’s commitment to empowering young consumers with lifestyle tools built for a generation that refuses to compromise.

About TECNO

TECNO is an AI-driven innovative technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kwang Mo Koo, Chairman and CEO of LG Corp., recently visited the United States to review the Group’s future growth strategies, focusing on energy infrastructure as a backbone of the AI era.

The visit reflects Chairman Koo’s commitment to securing a proactive lead in the Energy Storage System (ESS) market, which has emerged as a critical infrastructure component due to the rapid growth of AI industries. During his tour, Koo called for the pre-emptive acquisition of market leadership in energy infrastructure to keep pace with the surge of AI data centers and physical AI.

On March 30, Chairman Koo visited LG Energy Solution Vertech, a subsidiary specializing in ESS System Integration located in Westborough, Massachusetts.

“We must establish a resilient business foundation that remains unshaken by any external environment,” Koo stated during the visit. “Beyond simply supplying ESS battery hardware, we must enhance our integrated solution capabilities to provide high value-add to our customers, securing an overwhelming position to lead the market.”

His remarks underscore that as demand for batteries skyrockets—driven by AI data centers and physical AI—the ability to combine hardware with software-driven integrated solutions will become a core competitive advantage.

LG aims to achieve qualitative growth in the battery business by pairing its world-class manufacturing competitiveness with software-based operation and management expertise, specifically targeting the energy infrastructure market of the AI era.

The ESS market is experiencing explosive growth due to the expansion of AI data centers, industrial electrification, and the transition to renewable energy. In high-performance computing environments like AI data centers, ESS has evolved beyond simple storage to become a vital infrastructure for power load optimization and supply stability.

According to energy market research firms, the global ESS market is projected to grow nearly 2.5 times, from approximately 300GWh last year to 750GWh by 2030.

LG is responding proactively to these market shifts. LG Energy Solution has introduced Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries at the opportune time, aligning with their emergence as the global mainstream for ESS. Furthermore, the company is converting five of its North American production bases into ESS-dedicated lines to meet surging local demand. Currently, LG Energy Solution is the only company producing and supplying ESS batteries in North America.

The synergy with Vertech is also being strengthened. Vertech possesses comprehensive SI capabilities, including ESS design, installation, maintenance, and software-based operational management. This allows LG to provide a “one-stop shop” for customers, covering everything from battery supply to installation and long-term technical support.

About LG
LG is a technology innovator and global leader in consumer electronics, advanced materials, and automotive components. Founded in 1947, LG was a driving force behind South Korea’s modernization. The company produced South Korea’s first radio and television sets and today is a global leader in organic light-emitting displays (OLED), electric car batteries, and advanced industrial plastics. The LG group of companies operates in more than 60 countries that together generate USD 140 billion in annual revenue. LG Corporation (LG Corp.) is the holding company for industry-leading LG subsidiaries, such as LG Electronics, LG Display, LG Energy Solution, LG Chem, to name a few. For more information about the LG group of companies, visit lgcorp.com.

– Domestically, accommodation searches for Goyang and Busan following the announcement of the BTS world tour increased by 8x and 47%, respectively

– Internationally, Kuala Lumpur saw the highest increase in searches among South Korean travelers for a BTS concert hosting city in APAC

SEOUL, South Korea, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has witnessed a rise in travel demand to South Korea’s Goyang and Busan, as well as to several destinations across APAC hosting BTS concerts, among South Korean travelers following the announcement of the K-Pop group’s world tour dates. This marks BTS’s first tour in four years, with fans ready to “spring day” into action to catch their favorite group live.

The day of the announcement, Agoda observed a nearly 8x increase in accommodation searches to Goyang, where BTS’s tour will kick off on April 9 and continue April 11-12, compared to the week before. Busan, where the concert will take place on June 12-13, also saw a 47% increase, as fans prepare to “run” to these iconic concert destinations.

The announcement ignited a wave of excitement among BTS fans across Asia, with the highest demand for South Korean tour destinations coming from Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and China. Notably, searches to Goyang and Busan from the Philippines increased by over 7x, while Hong Kong recorded a 145% rise. Meanwhile, searches from China more than doubled, with fans “burning up” to experience BTS live, given the absence of a planned stop in their market.

Beyond Goyang and Busan, other APAC cities also experienced a “mic drop” in search activity among South Korean travelers. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) topped the list with a 22% rise in accommodation searches after the announcement, followed by Melbourne (Australia) (16%), Bangkok (Thailand) (15%), Kaohsiung (Taiwan) (10%), and Singapore (9%), rounding out the top five.

BTS concert fever was not limited to the announcement day. Agoda’s data also shows that accommodation searches for Goyang for the actual concert dates rose nearly 185x among fans in the region, with the strongest demand driven by travelers from Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. Searches from domestic travelers for the Goyang concert dates also increased nearly 44x, underscoring the scale of the BTS effect in South Korea.

Jay Lee, Regional Director, North Asia at Agoda, said, “Following the announcement of BTS’s world tour, we are seeing a ‘dynamite’ increase in both inbound and outbound travel demand, as fans are willing to travel far and wide to see the group reunite after a four-year hiatus. Agoda is thrilled to help them experience the ‘euphoria’ of catching the K-pop group live at these exciting tour destinations. With Agoda, fans can easily plan their trips and ensure they don’t miss a beat of the BTS magic, all while enjoying great deals on accommodations and flights.”

As fans prepare to “go go” on their BTS journey, Agoda offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. For the best deals, fans are encouraged to check out Agoda’s mobile app or visit Agoda.com.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Upbit, a world-class digital asset exchange operated by Dunamu Inc., today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indonesia Crypto Exchange (ICEx), a licensed digital asset bourse in Indonesia. The MOU establishes a strategic framework for technical and operational collaboration aimed at accelerating the development of Indonesia’s regulated crypto ecosystem and supporting the growth of a sustainable, well-governed market.

The partnership was marked by a high-level summit held at Upbit’s Seoul headquarters, where CEO Kyoungsuk Oh hosted a senior Indonesian delegation comprising high-ranking government officials, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, and key industry players to discuss the evolution of regulated digital finance.

The inclusion of the Chamber of Commerce underscores the mission to integrate it into the broader Indonesian commercial landscape. During the meetings, Upbit’s leadership and Kadin representatives discussed future-forward plans to bridge Korean technological prowess with Indonesian market potential, ensuring that the digital asset roadmap aligns with the country’s national economic interests and private sector growth.

Building a Regulated Global Standard

Under this strategic framework, Upbit will support the growth of Indonesia’s digital asset ecosystem by providing core platform technology and operational expertise to build and operate a resilient, compliant trading venue, including key exchange infrastructure such as matching, risk management, and market operations.

The partnership will also explore innovation in areas such as custody solutions while strengthening regulatory technology to enhance oversight, compliance, and reporting. 

ICEx and Upbit have aligned as strategic partners to leverage Upbit’s proven track record as South Korea’s leading exchange and its global reputation for maintaining the highest standards in investor protection and regulatory compliance.

Expanding Upbit’s Regional Footprint

Upbit is positioning itself as a critical infrastructure partner across Asia, supporting the development of secure, transparent, and trusted digital asset market frameworks.

This collaboration marks another milestone in Upbit’s expanding role as a key driver of digital asset development across the region. The company has previously hosted high-level delegations from Vietnam—including senior government and financial leaders such as the Minister of National Defense, Minister of Finance, Chairperson of the State Securities Commission, and the Chairman of Military Bank—to showcase its advanced digital asset exchange infrastructure.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering well-regulated digital asset ecosystems globally,” said Kyoungsuk Oh, CEO of Dunamu, operator of Upbit. “By working closely with ICEx, we aim to share the platform technology and operational expertise that have established Upbit as a market leader in Asia and strengthen the foundational infrastructure of Indonesia’s digital asset sector.”

A New Era for Indonesian Digital Finance

ICEx operates as an important part of Indonesia’s regulated digital asset ecosystem under the supervision of the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Established in line with Indonesia’s three-layer regulatory framework for digital asset transactions, comprising a licensed bourse, central clearinghouse, and supporting an integrated market structure within the country’s regulated framework. Upbit Indonesia is among its founding shareholders, alongside strategic investors including some of Indonesia’s largest conglomerates and global exchanges.

 “Partnering with Upbit brings invaluable global expertise to our local ecosystem,” said Pang Xue Kai, CEO of ICEx Group. “Upbit’s leadership in compliance and technology was a decisive factor for us. We believe this collaboration will contribute to the development of a more secure and trusted market environment in Indonesia.”

Through this partnership, Upbit aims to support ICEx in laying the groundwork for a next-generation digital asset ecosystem in Indonesia while contributing to the broader evolution of regulated crypto markets across the region.

The parties formally announced the MOU at the Korea–Indonesia Business Partnership for Resilient Growth Forum on April 1st, 2026, a landmark bilateral event, attended by ministers and high-ranking officials from both countries. The forum featured the signing of MOUs by major companies from both countries across a range of sectors. The MOU between Upbit and ICEx underscored the strategic and institutional significance of the bilateral collaboration in digital finance innovation.

About Upbit

Upbit is a leading digital asset exchange headquartered in South Korea and operated by Dunamu Inc., a fintech company focused on building innovative financial services powered by blockchain technology. Since its launch in 2017, Upbit has become one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally by trading volume, offering a wide range of digital assets and trading pairs.

Upbit provides a secure and user-friendly platform for trading, investing, and managing digital assets. The company prioritizes transparency, compliance, and investor protection, adopting industry-leading security practices.

Through continuous innovation and strategic partnerships, Upbit aims to drive the adoption of blockchain technology and contribute to a more accessible and efficient financial ecosystem.