 |
| Tecno Pova Slim 5G Review |
You’ve probably seen thin smartphones before, but the Tecno Pova Slim 5G takes this obsession to a whole new level. It claims the title of world’s slimmest curved-display 5G smartphone, measuring just 5.95 mm thick and weighing 156 g, Priced at ₹19,999 for the 8 GB + 128 GB variant, this phone enters the mid-range segment with flair but also trade-offs.
This in-depth review examines whether the Pova Slim 5G is more than just a bold design statement. We'll cover design, display, performance, cameras, software, battery life, and value for money. By the end, you'll know if this ultra-thin marvel suits your needs or if it’s all style and no substance.
Design & Build: Strikingly Slim, Slightly Dangerous
The Pova Slim 5G’s standout feature is its razor-thin profile. At 5.95 mm of thickness and 156 g, it’s noticeably lighter and sleeker than most mid-range phones. Materials: Both the frame and back are polycarbonate, with a matte finish that helps hide fingerprints.
-
Durability: The phone has IP64 resistance (dust and light splash protection) and MIL-STD 810H certification, offering some peace of mind around rough handling.
-
Mood Lighting: Around the dual rear cameras sits the Dynamic Mood Light an RGB-style LED ring that pulsates for notifications, calls, and battery status. You get three preset patterns.
Pros:
-
Attention-grabbing, premium look in its price segment.
-
Lightweight and pocket-friendly.
Cons:
-
Thinness makes it feel fragile; you’ll likely use the included case.
-
Plastic build, while robust on paper, lacks the heft of glass/metal.
Display: Smooth & Bright, With Flair
Tecno didn’t cut corners here:
-
6.78-inch curved AMOLED
-
1.5K resolution (~1224 × 2720 px)
-
144 Hz refresh rate
-
240 Hz touch sampling
-
Peak brightness of ~4500 nits
-
Gorilla Glass 7i protection
You get crisp visuals and buttery smooth scrolling. The curved edges make for immersive experiences, whether browsing, gaming, or watching media. Sun-light legibility also impresses, especially with the high brightness.
Eight thousand nits is well-balanced and color accuracy adjusts via display modes if AMOLED vibrancy feels too much.
Pros:
-
Fluid 144 Hz experience.
-
Excellent contrast, vivid colors, and brightness outdoors.
Cons:
-
Curved panels feel more fragile.
-
In-display fingerprint sensor is slightly sluggish.
Performance: Modest, Not Exceptional
-
SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 6400 (6 nm)
-
GPU: Mali-G57 MC2
-
Memory: 8 GB LPDDR4X RAM, 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage
-
No microSD slot; only one configuration available.
This chipset is typically found in smartphones under ₹10,000 yet here it’s powering a phone priced around ₹20,000.
In daily use calling, browsing, YouTube, social media it performs adequately. Casual gaming like BGMI runs reasonably well. But with demanding games like Genshin Impact, you’ll notice frame drops and thermal warming.
Storage is non-expandable and limited to 128 GB, which could be restrictive for heavy users.
Pros:
-
Handles everyday tasks fairly well.
-
Virtual RAM support may offer minor boosts.
Cons:
-
Underwhelming processor for this price.
-
Limited storage, no expansion.
Cameras: Daylight Strength, Night Weakness
Rear Cameras:
-
50 MP primary (main)
-
2 MP secondary sensor (depth/AI).
Front Camera:
-
13 MP.
-
Daylight: Shots are crisp with accurate white balance and good dynamic range great for casual social posts.
-
Portraits: Edge detection works passably, better on non-human subjects. Occasionally inconsistent with human portraits.
-
Zoom: Limited only digital. Slight softness at 2x magnification, but usable.
-
Low Light: Struggles when lighting drops. Dawn/dusk shots are passable, but night mode performance is underwhelming.
-
Selfies: Detailed, but apply soft beautification by default.
-
Video: Up to 2K at 30 fps. No EIS at this resolution; for 1080p video, EIS is present.
Pros:
-
Reliable daylight performance.
-
Sufficient for social media sharing.
Cons:
-
Low-light and night photography are weak spots.
-
No optical stabilization.
Software & Features: Flashy but Limited
-
OS: Android 15 with HiOS 15 skin
-
Updates: Only one Android version upgrade promised.
HiOS brings themes, customization, and AI tools like Ella AI for noise cancellation, object removal, and translation. The Dynamic Mood Light adds a visual flourish, but only offers three patterns.
Bloatware remains an issue; you’ll need to spend time uninstalling extras. For a phone priced at ₹20K, long-term software support is underwhelming.
Pros:
-
Fun AI features.
-
Customization options are plentiful.
Cons:
-
Heavy bloat.
-
Weak update policy.
Battery & Charging: Long-lasting in a Thin Body
-
Battery: 5,160 mAh impressive given the device’s thinness.
-
Charging: 45 W wired fast charging. Full charge takes around 60+ minutes; 0–50% achieved in about 40 minutes.
-
Usage:
-
Casual use: 1.5 to 2 days of battery on a single charge.
-
Heavy use: At least a full day, with 8.5–11 hours of on-screen time.
-
Impressive endurance for such a slim package.
Pros:
-
Exceptional battery life.
-
Fast charging helps regain power quickly.
Cons:
-
No wireless charging.
-
Charging is good but not industry-leading.
Value for Money: Style with Trade-offs
What you get for ₹19,999:
Advantages:
-
Unmatched slimness (5.95 mm) and light weight (156 g).
-
Gorgeous 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display, 144 Hz, 4500 nits.
-
Long-lasting 5,160 mAh battery with decent fast charging.
-
IP64 and MIL-STD durability, Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
-
Unique Dynamic Mood Light design.
-
AI features built for modern users.
Drawbacks:
-
Underpowered Dimensity 6400 below expectations for this price.
-
Only one-year OS update; competitors offer more.
-
Limited 128 GB storage, non-expandable.
-
Average low-light camera and missing advanced stabilization.
-
Plastic build feels less premium in hand.
In the competitive ~₹20K segment, there are better-paid rivals when it comes to performance or camera prowess. But none match the Pova Slim’s bold design and battery endurance.
Conclusion
Should you buy the Tecno Pova Slim 5G?
If design, portability, and battery life are your top priorities, yes. This phone is a show-stopper. It combines ultra-thin engineering with long battery life and a stunning display that few others in the mid-range can rival.
But, if performance, software updates, and camera versatility matter more to you, then this may not be the best fit. The chipset, storage, and update policy betray the phone’s aesthetic-first approach.
Final Thoughts (at a glance):
| Aspect | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Design | Exceptional for style and ergonomics |
| Display | Best-in-class for its price range |
| Performance | Average; sufficient but not powerful |
| Cameras | Strong in daylight; weak in low-light |
| Battery | Outstanding longevity |
| Software | Fun features, but update support is weak |
| Value | Great if you value aesthetics and battery |
Recommended For:
-
Users who prioritize a sleek form factor and long battery life.
-
Those who want to stand out in their social circle.
-
Media watchers or casual gamers who benefit from AMOLED and 144 Hz.
Not Recommended For:
-
Power users who need sustained performance or gaming.
-
Users wanting long-term software support and frequent updates.
-
Photography enthusiasts seeking pro-level night or video capture.
Final
The Tecno Pova Slim 5G presents a daring proposition: a phone that looks and feels ultra-premium at a mid-range price. It excels in turning heads with thin engineering, vivid display, and battery life to boot. Yet it arrives with compromises. Performance and software support lag behind and they’re compromises you’ll feel over time.
If you're buying on style and endurance, it’s a worthy pick. For those focused on performance or camera capabilities, it might be worth exploring alternatives like the Realme P4 5G, Vivo Y500, or the CMF Phone 2 Pro.
Are you ready to stand out with the world’s slimmest 5G smartphone? If the Pova Slim 5G’s bold design and unmatched battery impress you, you can check deals and availability on Flipkart or official Tecno channels today. But if you’re unsure, take a look at comparisons to Realme and Vivo models for a more performance-oriented balance.
Take a look at this Pova Slim 5G (Sky Blue, 128 GB) on Flipkart