Tecno has recently unveiled two new additions to its Pova Series in India – the Pova 5 5G and Tecno Pova Pro 5G. We had the opportunity to test the Tecno Pova 5 Pro model, which boasts a glass finish design and is priced at under 15,000 INR. Tecno has made an effort to give the Pova 5 Pro 5G a unique LED design on the rear panel, adding a touch of premium aesthetics to this budget-friendly device.

The Pova 5 Pro 5G is equipped with a MediaTek 6080 chipset, a 120Hz display, a 50MP primary camera, and more. With these specifications, the question arises: is this smartphone truly versatile, or are these specs merely impressive on paper? Let’s dive into our Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G review to find out.

Specifications:

• Software: Android 13 with HiOS 13.1
• Display: 7.68-inch FHD+ IPS LCD panel with a 120Hz refresh rate
• SoC: MediaTek Dimensity 6080
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: Up to 256GB
• Rear Cameras: 50MP + AI Camera
• Front Camera: 16MP
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Charging: 68W
• Thickness: 9mm
• Weight: 214 grams
• Connectivity: 5G SA/NSA, Bluetooth 5.2, dual-band WiFi 6, GPS, Type-C port, dual SIM slot, 3.5mm headphone jack, side fingerprint sensor, and more.

What’s Inside the Box:

• Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G handset
• Protective case
• 68W charger
• Type-C cable
• User manual
• Warranty card
• SIM ejector

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G flaunts a fresh and distinctive design. Its flat design exudes a premium feel, especially when viewed from the rear panel. The rear panel is adorned with four LED lighting strips, with three forming a triangle and the fourth running straight down the middle. These LEDs come to life during calls, music playback, and when there are notifications, adding a dash of style to the smartphone. However, it’s worth noting that the glass back attracts smudges quite easily, and they are prominently visible.

In addition to its style, the Pova 5 Pro is robustly built. It provides a solid grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips. The front boasts a spacious display with slim bezels and a punch-hole camera cutout for the selfie lens. The metal frame runs around the sides, with the left edge housing a SIM slot. On the right edge, you’ll find the power button and volume rockers, while the bottom edge houses a speaker grille, Type-C port, audio jack, and microphone. The top edge features the secondary speaker.

However, one downside is its weight, tipping the scales at 214 grams. In a market where most smartphones weigh under 200 grams, the Pova 5 Pro might feel a tad heavy. Nevertheless, it doesn’t feel overly bulky when held.

Tecno has named the backlit strips as the “Arc Interface.” These LEDs change colors during charging, calls, and other events. Users can customize these colors through the settings menu. Indoors, they appear bright, but their visibility diminishes outdoors.

Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G Review: Display

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G features a 6.78-inch FHD+ LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Our experience with this display was largely positive. Colors are sharp and vibrant in each frame. Despite the absence of HDR support, videos on Netflix and Prime Video look pleasing. The color temperature might seem a bit too warm, and the dynamic range is average, but considering the price point, the display is quite decent.

One standout feature of the display is its brightness. It remains clearly visible even under bright sunlight, ensuring good outdoor usability. The 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a smooth and responsive display experience.

Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G Review: Camera

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is equipped with a dual-camera setup at the rear, comprising a 50MP primary sensor and a secondary AI camera, accompanied by dual flash LED lights. In daylight, photos taken with the primary camera exhibit accurate colors and ample detail. Low-light photography produces decent results.

However, the drawback is that the secondary lens is an AI camera without ultrawide or depth sensors. This camera can record 30fps videos at 2K and 60fps videos at Full HD resolution, which is acceptable given the smartphone’s price range.