Tecno Pova Slim 5G Review: The Tecno Pova Slim 5G is making waves in the budget smartphone market as one of the slimmest 5G phones available, promising a premium feel without the high price tag. Priced at around Rs. 19,999 in India, this device targets young users, students, and casual gamers who want a stylish gadget that lasts through the day.
Its standout feature is the surprisingly long battery life packed into an ultra-thin body, but there’s a notable downside that could affect heavy users. Launched in September 2025, it runs on Android 15 with Tecno’s HiOS skin and brings modern touches like a vibrant display and AI tools. If you’re eyeing an affordable 5G phone under Rs. 20,000 with good endurance, this review breaks down its strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance in simple terms.
Design and Build: Ultra-Thin and Eye-Catching
Tecno has nailed the slim design trend with the Pova Slim 5G, measuring just 5.95mm thick and weighing only 156 grams—making it one of the lightest in its class. The body uses a glossy plastic back that comes in attractive colors like Aurora Green and Metallic Black, giving it a premium look that turns heads. The frame is flat with rounded edges for comfortable one-handed use, and it includes a Dynamic Mood Light on the back that glows for notifications, calls, or charging status, adding a fun, personalized vibe.
Durability is decent with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, plus military-grade certification (MIL-STD-810H) to handle drops and rough use. However, the glossy finish attracts fingerprints easily, and there’s no wireless charging due to the thin profile. Overall, it’s pocket-friendly and stylish, but the slimness means it can feel a bit flexible under pressure—nothing major, but worth noting for clumsy users.
Why the Slim Design Matters
In a world of bulky phones, the Pova Slim 5G stands out for portability. It slips easily into tight pockets or bags, ideal for on-the-go lifestyles, but this thinness comes with trade-offs in battery and performance that we’ll cover later.
Display: Vibrant and Smooth for Everyday Viewing
The 6.78-inch AMOLED screen is a highlight, delivering sharp visuals with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2436 pixels) and deep blacks for movies or scrolling. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate for buttery-smooth animations, making gaming or social media feeds feel responsive. Brightness peaks at around 1,300 nits, so it’s visible outdoors, and Widevine L1 certification allows HD streaming on Netflix and Prime Video.
The slim bezels give an immersive feel, and features like always-on display let you glance at notifications without unlocking. However, the high refresh rate can drain the battery faster during intensive use, which ties into the phone’s main strength—and catch.
Performance: Decent for Basics, But Not for Power Users
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset (an octa-core processor on a 6nm process) handles daily tasks like browsing, video calls, and light apps without issues. Paired with 8GB RAM (expandable virtually to 16GB) and 128GB storage, multitasking is smooth for casual users. It scores around 500,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks, putting it on par with rivals like the Realme Narzo 70x.
For gaming, light titles like Candy Crush run fine, but heavier ones like BGMI or COD Mobile show stutters and heat up after 30 minutes, dropping about 19% battery. The single speaker delivers clear audio but lacks bass for immersive sound. Tecno’s HiOS 15 adds AI perks like Ella assistant (supports Indian languages) and smart suggestions, but the software feels bloated with pre-installed apps.
The Major Catch: Weak Software Support
Here’s the big downside: Tecno promises only one major OS update (to Android 16) and two years of security patches. This is disappointing in 2025, where competitors offer three to four years. It means the phone might feel outdated sooner, with potential security risks after 2027. For budget buyers, it’s a reminder to prioritize long-term support.
Camera Setup: Good in Daylight, Struggles at Night
The rear features a 50MP main camera with AI enhancements for sharp, colorful daytime shots—great for social media portraits or landscapes. The 2MP depth sensor helps with background blur, but there’s no ultra-wide lens, limiting versatility. Videos record up to 1080p at 30fps, which is basic but stable.
The 13MP front camera takes decent selfies with beauty modes, but low-light performance is average, with noise and washed-out details. Overall, it’s serviceable for casual photography but not for enthusiasts expecting pro results.
Battery Life and Charging: The Star Feature
Despite the slim body, the 5,160mAh silicon-carbon battery (a high-density type that stores more power without bulk) shines bright. It lasts 8-10.5 hours of screen-on time, easily handling a full day of mixed use like streaming, calls, and browsing—often stretching to 1.5 days on lighter loads. PCMark tests show about 10 hours of endurance, and gaming drains 19% in 30 minutes.
Charging is solid at 45W wired, reaching 50% in 40 minutes and full in 80 minutes—no wireless option, though. An AI system learns your habits to optimize power, and the battery retains over 80% capacity after 2,000 cycles (about five years). This makes it a champ for users tired of frequent plugs.
Here’s a quick table of battery performance in tests:
| Test Type | Duration/Drain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 10 hours 2 minutes | Simulated daily tasks |
| YouTube Streaming (HD) | 4% drain per hour | Wi-Fi, brightness at 50% |
| Gaming (BGMI + COD) | 19% in 30 minutes | Medium settings, some heating |
| Standby | 1-2% overnight | Minimal background apps |
| Full Charge Time (45W) | 80 minutes | From 0-100% |
This table shows reliable endurance, but heavy gaming pushes it harder.
Conclusion
The Tecno Pova Slim 5G excels as a stylish, battery-focused budget phone that delivers all-day power in a remarkably thin package, making it ideal for casual users who prioritize portability and screen quality. However, the major catch—short software support—could leave it feeling dated quickly, so it’s best for those not needing long-term updates or intense performance. If you’re upgrading from an older 4G phone and want 5G on a budget, this slim powerhouse is a solid pick under Rs. 20,000. For gamers or shutterbugs, look elsewhere like the Moto G85. Overall, it balances style and endurance well, but choose wisely based on your needs.
FAQ
Q1: What is the battery life like on the Tecno Pova Slim 5G? A: It offers 8-10.5 hours of screen-on time, lasting a full day or more on moderate use, thanks to the 5,160mAh silicon-carbon battery.
Q2: How thin is the Tecno Pova Slim 5G? A: At just 5.95mm thick and 156 grams, it’s one of the slimmest 5G phones available.
Q3: What is the major drawback of this phone? A: Limited software support, with only one major OS update and two years of security patches.
Q4: Does the Tecno Pova Slim 5G support fast charging? A: Yes, it has 45W wired fast charging, reaching 50% in about 40 minutes.
Q5: Is the camera good for low-light photos? A: It’s average; the 50MP main sensor performs well in daylight but struggles with noise in dim conditions.