When most smartphone makers are racing to make bigger and bulkier devices, Tecno has taken a different path. With the launch of the Tecno Pova Slim, the company has introduced one of the thinnest 5G phones in the market today, measuring just 5.95mm. What’s even more surprising is that it manages to pack a big battery, powerful processor, and an impressive display without feeling fragile in the hand.
At first glance, the Pova Slim doesn’t even look like your usual Tecno device. In fact, the branding on the phone simply reads POVA Slim 5G, giving it a distinctive identity. Let’s dive into what makes this new release stand out and why it’s creating a buzz in the smartphone world.
Design and Build
The highlight feature here is without doubt the design. At just 5.95mm thick and weighing only 156 grams, the phone feels almost feather-light. To put it into perspective, many flagship devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone Pro series are around 8–9mm thick. Holding the Pova Slim feels like holding a concept phone brought into reality.
Despite its slim build, Tecno has ensured durability. The device comes with Gorilla Glass 7i protection, a Military 810H certification, and IP64 rating for dust and water resistance. That’s a rare combination for such a sleek profile. The phone is available in attractive finishes like white, blue, and black, each with a premium frosted look that resists fingerprints.
Display That Shines Bright
Tecno hasn’t cut corners when it comes to the screen. The Pova Slim sports a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The side bezels are nearly invisible, and even the chin is remarkably slim.
One of the most impressive features is the peak brightness of 4,500 nits. This makes the display visible even in harsh sunlight, a spec that rivals and even surpasses some flagship phones. HDR visuals, vibrant colors, and smooth scrolling give the device an edge in multimedia consumption.
Adding to the experience is a notification LED strip at the back. This isn’t just for looks, it works for alerts, charging status, voice assistant activity, and more, bringing a fresh, customizable touch to the phone’s design.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the Pova Slim is the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in the base model. There’s also an option for higher configurations, with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The RAM type is LPDDR4X and storage runs on UFS 2.2, which means fast read and write speeds for apps and multitasking.
On performance benchmarks, the phone scores around 460,000 points on AnTuTu, which puts it in the mid-range performance category. For real-world use, this translates to smooth app launches, stutter-free navigation, and respectable gaming performance. Titles like BGMI can run at 60FPS, though extended sessions may drop frames slightly.
While a Dimensity 7300 would have pushed performance higher, the Dimensity 6400 does a decent job for the target price segment.
Battery Life and Charging
One might assume that such a slim phone would compromise on battery life, but Tecno has pulled off an impressive feat. The Pova Slim packs a 5,160mAh battery, which is larger than what many slim flagships carry.
Charging is handled by a 45W fast charger included in the box. Tecno claims the phone can charge up to 50% in around 20–23 minutes, which is a strong selling point in this price range. Despite the thin frame, users won’t need to worry about running out of power quickly.
Cameras and Photography Features
The camera setup is straightforward yet effective. On the back, you get a 50MP primary sensor paired with an AI lens, while the front houses a 13MP selfie camera.
The phone’s camera app is loaded with modes: AI GC Portrait, Super Night Mode, Dual Video, Vlog Mode, Slow Motion, Panorama, and even AI editing tools. Portrait shots offer 2x zoom for better framing, and the colors look natural with good detail in early impressions.
Both front and rear cameras support 2K video recording at 30FPS, with stable footage and decent dynamic range. While it may not compete directly with flagship-level imaging, for its slim build and price point, it delivers more than expected.
Software and AI Features
The device runs on HiOS 15.1, built over Android 15. The interface feels smooth, responsive, and visually clean. Pre-installed apps are present but can be removed to keep the experience streamlined.
A major highlight is the inclusion of AI tools under the Tecno AI suite. These include AI translation, document assistant, social assistant, note-taking aid, AI gallery, wallpaper generator, recording summaries, and even AI-based writing assistance. Such tools add value to daily tasks and push the device beyond being just hardware-focused.
In terms of updates, Tecno promises 1 year of major OS updates (meaning Android 15 and 16) and 2 years of security patches. While this isn’t as long as some premium rivals, it’s acceptable in the sub-₹20K category.
Audio and Connectivity
Even with mono speakers, Tecno has tuned the Pova Slim with Dolby Atmos, making sound output richer than expected. While dual speakers would have been ideal, the quality is still good enough for watching movies or listening to music.
On the connectivity side, the phone supports 5G on both SIM slots, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, and 4×4 MIMO for stronger network performance. It also supports popular 5G bands like N28, ensuring broad compatibility. Features like dual SIM dual active (DSDA) are present, though NFC support is missing.
In-Hand Experience
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is how the phone feels in the hand. At just 156 grams, it almost feels like holding nothing at all. The slimness, curved display, and lightweight design give it a futuristic touch, while still maintaining practical usability.
This is where the Pova Slim truly sets itself apart; it’s not just about specs, but the experience of holding a phone that feels unlike anything else in its price bracket.
Verdict
The Tecno Pova Slim is more than just another mid-range phone. It’s an experiment in design that has successfully transitioned into a consumer-ready product. For under ₹20,000, it brings together:
- An ultra-slim and lightweight build
- Bright 1.5K curved AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate
- 5,160mAh battery with 45W charging
- Capable cameras with AI features
- Android 15 with Tecno’s growing AI suite
While it lacks dual speakers, NFC, and longer software support, the Pova Slim makes up for it with unique design, solid performance, and excellent everyday usability. For users who value slim and stylish smartphones without sacrificing power, this phone stands out as a strong contender in 2025’s mid-range lineup.
Interested? then click here: Tecno Spark 20 Series: Complete Specs, Features, and Price Guide
FAQs
What is the thickness of the Tecno Pova Slim?
The phone is just 5.95mm thin, making it one of the slimmest 5G smartphones available.
How much does the Tecno Pova Slim weigh?
It weighs only 156 grams, giving it a feather-light in-hand feel.
What processor powers the Tecno Pova Slim?
It runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset for smooth multitasking and gaming.
What is the battery capacity of the Tecno Pova Slim?
It packs a 5160mAh battery with 45W fast charging support.
What display does the Tecno Pova Slim have?
It features a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate.
What cameras are included in the Tecno Pova Slim?
It has a 50MP primary rear sensor with AI features and a 13MP selfie camera.
Does the Tecno Pova Slim support 5G on both SIMs?
Yes, it supports 5G on both SIM cards along with DSDA and multiple 5G bands.
