Smartphones today all promise the same thing: style, performance, and affordability. Yet, few manage to balance the three truly. TECNO has built a reputation for doing just that, showing that impressive specs can come without the heavy price tag. The latest proof of this is the Pova Slim 5G, a device that dares to be different by focusing on an impossibly thin frame without cutting back on essentials.
Rather than chasing gimmicks, this phone offers a refreshing take on how slim design and dependable hardware can coexist.
What’s Inside the Box
The Pova Slim arrives with a complete starter kit, a rarity these days. Buyers get:
- The phone (available in sleek finishes like Cosmic Black and Nebula Blue).
- A 45W fast charger.
- USB-C cable.
- SIM ejector pin.
- A protective film for the display.
It’s a straightforward but thoughtful package, ensuring you can start using the phone straight out of the box without needing extra purchases.
Design and Build: Thin Done Right
The headline feature is its body, just 5.95 mm thick, making it the world’s slimmest 5G handset at launch.
Despite that, the build feels solid. The aluminum frame provides rigidity, while the textured rear panel minimizes fingerprints. The phone slips easily into any pocket or bag, but never feels flimsy in the hand.
It’s a device made for those who value portability, but without the fragile feel that ultra-thin phones often bring.
Software and Everyday Use
Running on Android 15 with TECNO’s HiOS 15.1 interface, the Pova Slim delivers a clean, modern user experience.
Setup requires a TECNO ID for added security, after which you can access features such as floating app windows, privacy controls, and gesture navigation. The interface feels light and responsive, with smooth app switching and little sign of slowdown.
Display: Big and Bright
At the front is a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate.
Colours appear vivid, brightness is strong enough for outdoor use, and the slim bezels help maximise viewing space. Whether scrolling through apps, gaming, or streaming, the screen delivers smooth visuals and a premium feel that belies its midrange price point.
Cameras: Reliable for Everyday Shots
The rear setup is led by a 50 MP main sensor supported by AI tools to optimise shooting conditions. Photos in daylight are sharp and well balanced, while low-light images show decent detail with reduced noise.
The 16 MP selfie camera captures natural tones without going heavy on filters, making it a solid pick for social media content. While it won’t challenge the very best in smartphone photography, it more than meets the needs of everyday users.
Performance: Balanced and Efficient
Powering the phone is the MediaTek Dimensity 730 chipset, backed by generous RAM and storage options.
It handles multitasking well, and games like PUBG Mobile or Asphalt 9 run smoothly at moderate settings. Importantly, the phone keeps heat under control, which is notable given its slim profile.
For regular users who want reliability without compromise, the performance feels more than adequate.
Battery and Charging: A Surprise Strength
Slim phones often mean small batteries, but not here. The Pova Slim carries a 5,200 mAh battery, optimised for long use.
It can easily stretch through a day of heavy activity or two days of lighter usage. When it’s time to recharge, the 45W fast charging takes the phone from low to half capacity in under half an hour.
Final Word: Slim, Capable, and Affordable
The Pova Slim 5G stands out in a crowded segment by offering a design that is thinner than anything else on the market, yet still practical.
- Choose it if you want a lightweight, stylish 5G phone that handles everyday needs with ease.
- Look elsewhere only if professional-level photography or high-end gaming is your top priority.
TECNO has proven again that it can push boundaries where it matters. The Pova Slim 5G is both slim and smart, making it one of the most intriguing midrange releases of 2025.
