Tecno Pova Slim 5G Review

POVA Slim 5G Review

World’s slimmest 5G phone with 144Hz AMOLED and premium design

The TECNO POVA Slim 5G redefines slim smartphone design with its revolutionary 5.95mm thickness – making it the world’s slimmest 5G phone. Featuring a stunning 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED curved display, MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, and comprehensive AI features, this device combines premium aesthetics with cutting-edge performance in an incredibly sleek package.

4.2/5

TECNO POVA Slim 5G

Key Specifications

Design & Build
5.95mm thickness (World’s slimmest 5G), 156g, Military grade durability
Display
6.78″ AMOLED Curved, 144Hz, 1.5K, 92.6% screen-to-body, Gorilla Glass 7i
Battery & Charging
5160mAh, 45W fast charging, All-day battery life
Performance
Dimensity 6100+ 5G, Mali-G57 MC2, 8GB+8GB RAM, 128GB storage
Camera System
50MP AI main camera, 16MP front, AI scene optimization
AI Features
ELLA AI assistant, AI writing, Circle to Search, Game mode
Connectivity
5G++, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, IP64, 4×4 MIMO, VoWiFi Dual Pass
Security
In-display/side fingerprint, Face unlock, AI privacy protection

Key Overview

Features Specification
Processor MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G
CPU Configuration Octa-core (Up to 2.4GHz)
GPU Mali-G57 MC2
Display Size 6.78 inches AMOLED Curved
Display Resolution 2712 × 1220 pixels (1.5K)
Refresh Rate 144 Hz
Touch Sampling Rate 240 Hz
Thickness 5.95 mm (World’s slimmest 5G)
Weight 156 g
Screen-to-Body Ratio 92.6%
RAM 8GB physical + 8GB extended (Memory Fusion)
Storage 128GB UFS 2.2 (expandable up to 1TB)
Rear Camera 50MP AI main sensor
Front Camera 16MP AI selfie camera
Video Recording 1080p
Battery 5160 mAh
Charging 45W fast charging
Operating System Android 16 (HiOS 14 based)
Protection IP64 dust & splash resistant

Strengths

  • World’s slimmest 5G phone at just 5.95mm thickness
  • Stunning 6.78-inch 144Hz AMOLED curved display
  • High 1.5K resolution with 92.6% screen-to-body ratio
  • Lightweight design at only 156g for excellent portability
  • MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G with efficient performance
  • 16GB total RAM (8GB physical + 8GB extended)
  • Comprehensive AI features including ELLA AI assistant
  • Military grade durability with IP64 rating
  • 5160mAh battery with 45W fast charging
  • Advanced 5G++ connectivity with carrier aggregation

Limitations

  • Limited to 1080p video recording
  • Single 50MP rear camera without ultra-wide or telephoto
  • UFS 2.2 storage instead of faster UFS 3.0/3.1
  • No wireless charging capability
  • No audio jack due to ultra-slim design
  • 45W charging slower than some competitors
  • HiOS interface may not appeal to stock Android users
  • Limited availability in some markets
  • No mention of OIS for camera stabilization
  • Basic Mali-G57 MC2 GPU for gaming

Final Verdict

The TECNO POVA Slim 5G represents a remarkable achievement in smartphone engineering, combining the title of world’s slimmest 5G phone with premium features typically found in much thicker devices. At just 5.95mm thick and weighing only 156g, this device offers an exceptionally comfortable and premium in-hand feel while packing a substantial 5160mAh battery that defies its slim profile. The engineering accomplishment of maintaining such battery capacity in this form factor is particularly impressive and addresses one of the traditional compromises of ultra-slim smartphones.

The display is an absolute standout feature, featuring a 6.78-inch AMOLED curved panel with 144Hz refresh rate, 1.5K resolution, and an impressive 92.6% screen-to-body ratio. The combination of high refresh rate, excellent color reproduction, and curved edges creates an immersive viewing experience that rivals flagship devices. The inclusion of 2160Hz PWM dimming ensures comfortable viewing in low-light conditions, while the Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection provides durability against everyday wear and tear.

Performance is handled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ 5G processor, which provides reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming while maintaining excellent power efficiency. The octa-core configuration paired with the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU delivers smooth performance for most applications and games. The 8GB of physical RAM combined with 8GB of extended RAM through Memory Fusion ensures excellent multitasking capabilities, while the 128GB UFS 2.2 storage provides adequate space for apps and media, with expandability up to 1TB via microSD.

The camera system focuses on quality over quantity with a single 50MP AI main sensor that captures detailed photos in various lighting conditions. The AI scene optimization and low-light enhancement features help maximize the camera’s potential, while the 16MP front camera ensures high-quality selfies and video calls. While the absence of additional lenses like ultra-wide or telephoto may be noted by some users, the focus on a quality primary sensor aligns with the device’s slim design philosophy.

The TECNO POVA Slim 5G successfully carves out a unique position in the smartphone market as the world’s slimmest 5G device that doesn’t compromise on essential features. Its combination of revolutionary slim design, premium AMOLED display, capable performance, and comprehensive 5G connectivity makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and aesthetics without sacrificing modern smartphone capabilities. While it makes some understandable compromises in camera versatility and charging speed to achieve its slim profile, these trade-offs are reasonable given its unique selling proposition. For consumers seeking the ultimate in slim smartphone design with 5G connectivity and premium features, the POVA Slim 5G represents a compelling and innovative option that stands out in a crowded market.

Disclaimer: This review is based on specifications for the TECNO POVA Slim 5G. Actual performance may vary based on usage patterns and regional variations.