After two months with the Tecno Pova Slim 5G, it’s clear that Tecno has built one of the sleekest budget phones around—focused on design and balance, not raw performance.
Design and build After nearly two months with the Tecno Pova Slim 5G, it’s the design that continues to stand out. At just 5.95mm thick and weighing 156 grams, this is easily one of the slimmest and lightest phones under Rs 20,000. The curved edges and polycarbonate body feel premium in hand, and while the glossy finish can be a bit slippery, Tecno includes a protective case that solves the problem nicely. The Sky Blue variant, in particular, catches light beautifully and adds personality to what might otherwise be a simple design. The vertical camera module is accentuated by Tecno’s “Dynamic Mood Light,” which glows for notifications, calls, and alarms. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that gives the phone some flair without feeling gimmicky. The IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance is another welcome addition—something rarely seen in this price range. Despite its thin frame, the build feels solid with no creaks or flex. This is a phone built to look good, feel light, and still endure everyday use without compromise.
Display The 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display is one of the highlights of the Pova Slim 5G. It’s bright, crisp, and well-calibrated for multimedia use. Watching videos on Netflix or YouTube is enjoyable, with Widevine L1 certification ensuring HD playback and accurate color tones. Tecno claims a 144Hz refresh rate, though the phone typically runs between 60Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz depending on the task. Even then, scrolling feels smooth and responsive. Outdoor visibility is good, and the slim bezels make the viewing experience immersive. The pill-shaped cutout at the top—reminiscent of Apple’s Dynamic Island—adds a layer of interaction for ongoing activities like calls or charging. It’s not as polished as Apple’s version but works well enough for quick glances. The in-display fingerprint sensor is reliable, if not the fastest. Overall, this is a display that feels well above its price category—perfect for streaming, casual gaming, and day-to-day use.
Performance The Pova Slim 5G runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 6400 chipset, which handles daily tasks with ease. In my time with it, the phone managed social media apps, messaging, calls, and video streaming smoothly without noticeable lags. Even multitasking between a few apps felt steady, showing good optimization on Tecno’s part. Gaming performance is respectable for casual titles like BGMI and Asphalt 9, though demanding games like Genshin Impact do push the limits of the hardware. The good news is that the device remains cool even during long gaming sessions or charging—something not all slim phones manage. The HiOS skin based on Android 14 looks clean and fluid, with Tecno promising one major OS update and two years of security patches. While that’s shorter than what some competitors offer, it’s adequate for users not overly focused on long-term software longevity.
Battery and charging Battery life is another area where the Pova Slim 5G shines. Despite its sleek frame, it houses a 5,100mAh cell that easily lasts over a day with mixed use. From streaming and browsing to light gaming, the phone consistently delivered reliable endurance during my testing period. The bundled 45W fast charger fills the battery in a little over an hour, and the phone stays cool throughout the process. Power management feels refined—standby drain is minimal, and you never feel anxious about charging midway through the day.
Cameras The dual-camera setup on the back performs well for the segment. In daylight, photos look detailed, with accurate color reproduction and balanced exposure. Portrait mode adds nice background blur for objects, though human subjects sometimes show slight edge softness. While there’s no ultra-wide lens, the main sensor covers everyday needs confidently. Low-light shots are usable, with fair detail retention and minimal noise. The front camera captures natural-looking selfies that most users will be happy with. This isn’t a photography powerhouse, but for casual users, it captures shareable photos without much effort.
Verdict After living with the Tecno Pova Slim 5G for two months, it’s clear that this phone is built for balance. It’s thin but strong, stylish but practical, and modestly powered yet dependable. The combination of a vivid AMOLED screen, solid battery life, and refined design makes it one of the most comfortable phones to carry and use daily. While it doesn’t aim for gaming dominance or long-term software support, it nails the essentials with confidence. For users seeking a slim, attractive, and reliable 5G phone under Rs 20,000, the Tecno Pova Slim 5G is an easy recommendation—and a reminder that good design and sensible performance can coexist without breaking the bank.
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