Tecno Pova Slim review: Thin, light and capable
Rating: 3.5/5
The smartphone industry has spent years convincing us that thinner is better, then pivoted to bigger batteries, and now seems determined to have both. The Pova Slim smartphone is an attempt by Tecno to balance this act. The company claims this phone is the world's slimmest mid-range smartphone, with a 5,160mAh battery in its 5.95mm-thick frame.
Compared to most mid-range phones that often give up on sleek profiles for higher battery capacity, the Pova Slim 5G is significantly slimmer. The smartphone is priced at Rs 19,999, which puts it squarely into the crowded mid-range segment where buyers expect solid performance, good cameras and reliable battery life.
Now, the question is whether this focus on thinness affects battery life, performance, and durability. Can a slim phone deliver all these features without compromise, or is it just a design gimmick?
We spent several days with the Pova Slim to find out whether Tecno has really cracked the code or if this is yet another case of promising more than it can deliver. We used the phone across various scenarios, and here’s what we think about it:
Design and build
Pick up the Pova Slim, and the first reaction would be surprise at how light it feels and how sleek and modern it looks. Weighing in at a mere 156 grams, it's significantly lighter than most smartphones in this category. Measuring 5.95mm thick, it feels comfortable to hold for extended periods, while slipping it into a pocket is a breeze compared with thicker devices.
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display gives the phone a more premium feel. The curves flow naturally into the frame, and the overall aesthetic feels more premium than what the price tag suggests. We tested the Sky Blue option, which has a clean finish and a plastic back panel that doesn't attract many fingerprints.
Tecno includes a Dynamic Mood Light Design, a notification light that changes based on calls and notifications. In practice, it's a nice visual touch and claims to be inspired by human emotions, but it's not particularly useful.
These lights are on the rectangular dual-rear-camera island, which is in a single line. The light patterns are visible when the phone is face down on a table, though most users will probably disable this feature after the novelty wears off to save battery life.
Despite its slim profile, the phone doesn't feel fragile. There's Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protecting the display, and its Military Grade MIL-STD 810H rating suggests it can withstand reasonable wear and tear.
The IP64 rating provides basic protection against dust and water splashes. We used it in light rain with no issues, though this certainly isn't a phone you'd want to drop into a puddle.
The placement of the buttons is standard and easy to reach. It's comfortable to use one-handed, thanks to its relatively lightweight build, though the curved screen occasionally registered unintended touches when gripping the edges.
Display
The 6.78-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers vivid colours and smooth scrolling, giving you confidence in its quality for daily content consumption. During outdoor use, the high brightness ensures content remains clear, fostering trust in its usability in various environments.
The curved edges add to the aesthetic but don't serve much practical purpose. A few find curved displays look nice; others think they're unnecessary. During our testing, the curves didn't interfere with regular use, though they make applying screen protectors more challenging.
Gaming on this display felt smooth for casual titles. We tested several games, and the 144Hz refresh rate coupled with the 240Hz touch sampling rate made the controls pretty responsive. The screen size makes watching videos a delight, while the AMOLED panel churns out deep blacks to further enhance the viewing experience.
The 2160Hz PWM dimming further reduces eye fatigue when one uses this display for extended periods. We have binge-watched a lot of content and played games for extended hours, and the display didn't cause significant eye fatigue. However, some phones in this price range offer higher resolution displays, so those who want absolute sharpness might notice the difference.
Performance and Software
The MediaTek Dimensity 6400 processor, with 16GB RAM (including virtual RAM via Memory Fusion), and 128GB UFS storage, is more than enough to handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Apps open quickly enough, and multitasking works well for the most part.
The Pova Slim is an OK performer for casual gaming. We played BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 on the device and frame rates remained broadly stable at medium settings. Push the graphics settings to high, and there are some noticeable frame drops during intense scenes, but nothing that really affects gameplay. The phone also heats up during longer gaming sessions, though it never becomes uncomfortably hot.
Multitasking works fine in typical usage patterns. We tested running multiple apps simultaneously, like social media, messaging, web browsing, and music streaming, and the phone handled the load without noticeable lag. Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive applications does slow things down once in a while, but it's expected at this price point.
The phone runs HiOS , an Android skin based on HiSilicon, with Ella AI , Tecno's smart assistant that supports Indian languages. Some AI features include writing assistance, image editing, and Circle-to-Search functionality. These features work as advertised; however, they aren't exactly revolutionary. The writing assistant helps when composing messages and emails, while Circle to Search makes it easy to find information without switching apps.
The interface feels relatively clean, though it does come with some pre-installed apps. Most of those can be uninstalled or disabled if they're not needed. Software experience is user-friendly enough for those familiar with Android, though it lacks the refinement of near-stock Android implementations.
That emphasis on the network also plays out in real usage with Tecno. The 5G+ Carrier Aggregation, 4x4 MIMO technology, and the Intelligent Signal Hub System generally combine to ensure consistent signal strength. Using this phone in areas with inferior network coverage, dropped calls are fewer, and data speeds are better than on some competing devices. It also supports N28 bands to help it maintain its connectivity in really hard places.
Camera
The back of the Pova Slim features a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary unit. The front camera is also 50MP. The camera system is basic, but it will help users capture their regular moments.
The primary camera captures a pretty detailed image with accurate colour representation in good lighting. Photos are sharp enough for social media sharing, and AI enhancements automatically optimise settings. We took a variety of shots outdoors during daylight hours, and the results were consistently good for a phone in this price range.
Low-light performance is adequate but not impressive. The camera struggles somewhat in challenging lighting, introducing visible noise and losing detail in shadows. Night mode does improve results, although it requires steady hands and a few seconds to process. Indoor shots under artificial lighting are acceptable, provided they achieve reasonable colour reproduction and detail. Here are camera samples:
The lack of ultra-wide-angle or telephoto lenses limits photographic flexibility. For users who take only standard photos, this will not make much of a difference. Photography enthusiasts who love trying out perspectives will find the dual-lens arrangement quite limiting.
The 50MP front camera takes solid selfies, showing good detail with fairly accurate skin tones. The camera performs reasonably well in variable lighting conditions, making it suitable for video calls and social media content. AI features such as portrait mode and beauty enhancements work without going overboard.
Both cameras support 4K video recording, which is helpful for casual content creators. The quality is quite decent under good lighting conditions, though stabilisation could be improved. Without optical image stabilisation, the phone tends to produce shaky handheld video unless you're really careful.
Battery and charging
Especially considering its slim profile, the highlight of the Pova Slim is a 5,160mAh battery. With moderate use of messaging, social media browsing, some photography, and casual gaming, the phone consistently lasted through a full day with battery remaining. Heavy users who stream video extensively or game for hours might find themselves needing to charge by evening, but most folks will see the battery life as more than adequate.
We tested the battery with a day of heavy use: two hours of gaming, extensive social media scrolling, video streaming, and regular communication. The phone finished the day with around 25% battery left. If you are a moderate user who uses your phone only for messaging, calls, and light browsing, you can get 2 days of battery life.
The 45W fast charger takes roughly 80 minutes to charge the battery from empty to full. This is reasonable considering the battery capacity, though not particularly fast compared to some competitors offering 60W or higher charging speeds. In practical terms, 30 minutes of charging provides enough power for several hours of use, which is helpful on busy days.
Verdict
The Tecno Pova Slim 5G has successfully delivered on its most basic promise: combining a slim, lightweight build with practical features at an accessible price. The amazingly slender profile doesn't affect battery life, and the bright AMOLED display is an excellent addition for daily use. Performance is acceptable for everyday tasks and casual gaming, and the camera handles typical photography duties competently.
Indeed, at Rs 19,999, it occupies an interesting position in the mid-range market. The slim design sets it apart from competitors with thicker builds, and addressing network connectivity is a very valid pain point users face. Military-grade protection and an IP64 rating add to the durability assurance that buyers in this segment value.
It's not all perfect with the phone, though: the camera setup isn't exactly versatile with its dual rear lenses; charging speeds could be much faster; some pre-installed apps clutter the experience; and features such as the Dynamic Mood Light are more of a marketing addition than actually helpful.
With reliable battery life, the Pova Slim will appeal to buyers who love a slim, lightweight phone and do not need high-end camera capabilities. It does not aim to be a flagship phone in every sense, but it focuses on a few key selling points that are good enough to consider for its price.
The smartphone industry has spent years convincing us that thinner is better, then pivoted to bigger batteries, and now seems determined to have both. The Pova Slim smartphone is an attempt by Tecno to balance this act. The company claims this phone is the world's slimmest mid-range smartphone, with a 5,160mAh battery in its 5.95mm-thick frame.
Compared to most mid-range phones that often give up on sleek profiles for higher battery capacity, the Pova Slim 5G is significantly slimmer. The smartphone is priced at Rs 19,999, which puts it squarely into the crowded mid-range segment where buyers expect solid performance, good cameras and reliable battery life.
Now, the question is whether this focus on thinness affects battery life, performance, and durability. Can a slim phone deliver all these features without compromise, or is it just a design gimmick?
We spent several days with the Pova Slim to find out whether Tecno has really cracked the code or if this is yet another case of promising more than it can deliver. We used the phone across various scenarios, and here’s what we think about it:
Design and build
Pick up the Pova Slim, and the first reaction would be surprise at how light it feels and how sleek and modern it looks. Weighing in at a mere 156 grams, it's significantly lighter than most smartphones in this category. Measuring 5.95mm thick, it feels comfortable to hold for extended periods, while slipping it into a pocket is a breeze compared with thicker devices.
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display gives the phone a more premium feel. The curves flow naturally into the frame, and the overall aesthetic feels more premium than what the price tag suggests. We tested the Sky Blue option, which has a clean finish and a plastic back panel that doesn't attract many fingerprints.
Tecno includes a Dynamic Mood Light Design, a notification light that changes based on calls and notifications. In practice, it's a nice visual touch and claims to be inspired by human emotions, but it's not particularly useful.
These lights are on the rectangular dual-rear-camera island, which is in a single line. The light patterns are visible when the phone is face down on a table, though most users will probably disable this feature after the novelty wears off to save battery life.
Despite its slim profile, the phone doesn't feel fragile. There's Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protecting the display, and its Military Grade MIL-STD 810H rating suggests it can withstand reasonable wear and tear.
The IP64 rating provides basic protection against dust and water splashes. We used it in light rain with no issues, though this certainly isn't a phone you'd want to drop into a puddle.
The placement of the buttons is standard and easy to reach. It's comfortable to use one-handed, thanks to its relatively lightweight build, though the curved screen occasionally registered unintended touches when gripping the edges.
Display
The 6.78-inch 1.5K curved AMOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate offers vivid colours and smooth scrolling, giving you confidence in its quality for daily content consumption. During outdoor use, the high brightness ensures content remains clear, fostering trust in its usability in various environments.
The curved edges add to the aesthetic but don't serve much practical purpose. A few find curved displays look nice; others think they're unnecessary. During our testing, the curves didn't interfere with regular use, though they make applying screen protectors more challenging.
Gaming on this display felt smooth for casual titles. We tested several games, and the 144Hz refresh rate coupled with the 240Hz touch sampling rate made the controls pretty responsive. The screen size makes watching videos a delight, while the AMOLED panel churns out deep blacks to further enhance the viewing experience.
The 2160Hz PWM dimming further reduces eye fatigue when one uses this display for extended periods. We have binge-watched a lot of content and played games for extended hours, and the display didn't cause significant eye fatigue. However, some phones in this price range offer higher resolution displays, so those who want absolute sharpness might notice the difference.
Performance and Software
The MediaTek Dimensity 6400 processor, with 16GB RAM (including virtual RAM via Memory Fusion), and 128GB UFS storage, is more than enough to handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Apps open quickly enough, and multitasking works well for the most part.
The Pova Slim is an OK performer for casual gaming. We played BGMI, Call of Duty: Mobile and Asphalt 9 on the device and frame rates remained broadly stable at medium settings. Push the graphics settings to high, and there are some noticeable frame drops during intense scenes, but nothing that really affects gameplay. The phone also heats up during longer gaming sessions, though it never becomes uncomfortably hot.
Multitasking works fine in typical usage patterns. We tested running multiple apps simultaneously, like social media, messaging, web browsing, and music streaming, and the phone handled the load without noticeable lag. Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive applications does slow things down once in a while, but it's expected at this price point.
The phone runs HiOS , an Android skin based on HiSilicon, with Ella AI , Tecno's smart assistant that supports Indian languages. Some AI features include writing assistance, image editing, and Circle-to-Search functionality. These features work as advertised; however, they aren't exactly revolutionary. The writing assistant helps when composing messages and emails, while Circle to Search makes it easy to find information without switching apps.
The interface feels relatively clean, though it does come with some pre-installed apps. Most of those can be uninstalled or disabled if they're not needed. Software experience is user-friendly enough for those familiar with Android, though it lacks the refinement of near-stock Android implementations.
That emphasis on the network also plays out in real usage with Tecno. The 5G+ Carrier Aggregation, 4x4 MIMO technology, and the Intelligent Signal Hub System generally combine to ensure consistent signal strength. Using this phone in areas with inferior network coverage, dropped calls are fewer, and data speeds are better than on some competing devices. It also supports N28 bands to help it maintain its connectivity in really hard places.
Camera
The back of the Pova Slim features a 50MP primary camera and a 2MP secondary unit. The front camera is also 50MP. The camera system is basic, but it will help users capture their regular moments.
The primary camera captures a pretty detailed image with accurate colour representation in good lighting. Photos are sharp enough for social media sharing, and AI enhancements automatically optimise settings. We took a variety of shots outdoors during daylight hours, and the results were consistently good for a phone in this price range.
Low-light performance is adequate but not impressive. The camera struggles somewhat in challenging lighting, introducing visible noise and losing detail in shadows. Night mode does improve results, although it requires steady hands and a few seconds to process. Indoor shots under artificial lighting are acceptable, provided they achieve reasonable colour reproduction and detail. Here are camera samples:
The lack of ultra-wide-angle or telephoto lenses limits photographic flexibility. For users who take only standard photos, this will not make much of a difference. Photography enthusiasts who love trying out perspectives will find the dual-lens arrangement quite limiting.
The 50MP front camera takes solid selfies, showing good detail with fairly accurate skin tones. The camera performs reasonably well in variable lighting conditions, making it suitable for video calls and social media content. AI features such as portrait mode and beauty enhancements work without going overboard.
Both cameras support 4K video recording, which is helpful for casual content creators. The quality is quite decent under good lighting conditions, though stabilisation could be improved. Without optical image stabilisation, the phone tends to produce shaky handheld video unless you're really careful.
Battery and charging
Especially considering its slim profile, the highlight of the Pova Slim is a 5,160mAh battery. With moderate use of messaging, social media browsing, some photography, and casual gaming, the phone consistently lasted through a full day with battery remaining. Heavy users who stream video extensively or game for hours might find themselves needing to charge by evening, but most folks will see the battery life as more than adequate.
We tested the battery with a day of heavy use: two hours of gaming, extensive social media scrolling, video streaming, and regular communication. The phone finished the day with around 25% battery left. If you are a moderate user who uses your phone only for messaging, calls, and light browsing, you can get 2 days of battery life.
The 45W fast charger takes roughly 80 minutes to charge the battery from empty to full. This is reasonable considering the battery capacity, though not particularly fast compared to some competitors offering 60W or higher charging speeds. In practical terms, 30 minutes of charging provides enough power for several hours of use, which is helpful on busy days.
Verdict
The Tecno Pova Slim 5G has successfully delivered on its most basic promise: combining a slim, lightweight build with practical features at an accessible price. The amazingly slender profile doesn't affect battery life, and the bright AMOLED display is an excellent addition for daily use. Performance is acceptable for everyday tasks and casual gaming, and the camera handles typical photography duties competently.
Indeed, at Rs 19,999, it occupies an interesting position in the mid-range market. The slim design sets it apart from competitors with thicker builds, and addressing network connectivity is a very valid pain point users face. Military-grade protection and an IP64 rating add to the durability assurance that buyers in this segment value.
It's not all perfect with the phone, though: the camera setup isn't exactly versatile with its dual rear lenses; charging speeds could be much faster; some pre-installed apps clutter the experience; and features such as the Dynamic Mood Light are more of a marketing addition than actually helpful.
With reliable battery life, the Pova Slim will appeal to buyers who love a slim, lightweight phone and do not need high-end camera capabilities. It does not aim to be a flagship phone in every sense, but it focuses on a few key selling points that are good enough to consider for its price.
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