Edward Collins 
Nov 20, 2023
In the fast-paced battleground of the smartphone market, where the affordable category reigns supreme, brands are vying fiercely for consumer attention. TECNO's latest contender, the POVA 5 Pro, enters this competitive arena, challenging recent releases such as the POCO M6 Pro 5G and Realme 11x. But amidst this intense rivalry, does the newcomer truly possess the essence to captivate and carve its niche?
Unboxing
The TECNO POVA 5 Pro is a head-turner, flaunting an attention-grabbing LED strip design. Its remarkable highlights lie in the 68W fast charging, a buttery-smooth 120Hz display, and commendable performance. However, it grapples with low-light photography, a common challenge within this price range. Despite this, the POVA 5 Pro emerges as a solid recommendation for most users.
Design and display
TECNO's attempt to captivate with the "Arc Interface" succeeds in drawing attention. The LED strip design and the unique camera module on the back add flair. While visually appealing, the LED strip's functionality remains limited to aesthetics, lacking customisation options akin to Nothing phones. The phone's large form factor accommodates a massive 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a fluid 120Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution. Though impressive, outdoor visibility under direct sunlight falls short due to modest brightness levels.
Cameras
Equipped with a 50MP primary wide-angle sensor and a 0.08MP depth sensor, the rear cameras excel in well-lit conditions, offering detailed shots with decent colour accuracy. However, like many peers in this price bracket, low-light performance leaves something to be desired. Yet, the "Super Night" mode does elevate the quality slightly. The camera app provides an array of options, from AI CAM for simplicity to beauty filters for social media-ready clicks. The front shooter captures detailed shots in good lighting but struggles in dimly lit environments.
Performance and software
Powered by the 6nm MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G chipset and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, the POVA 5 Pro delivers smooth performance across various tasks and gaming sessions. HIOS 13 based on Android 13 presents several pre-installed apps and features like Game Space for optimised gaming and MemFusion for expanded RAM using internal storage. Benchmarks align this device well within its competitive price range.
Battery life and charging speed
The 5,000mAh battery easily endures a day of regular use and charges swiftly with its standout 68W fast-charging support. It hits 100% in less than 50 minutes, a feat unparalleled in this category.
Final verdict
Priced reasonably at Rs 58,999, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro emerges as a strong contender, boasting a striking design, a smooth display, and lightning-fast charging. However, drawbacks include the absence of an ultra-wide rear camera sensor and a bulky form factor, potentially irking some users. Nonetheless, it's an enticing package, especially for those seeking agility and despising slow charging.
Editor’s Rating: 7 / 10
Reasons to buy:
- Unique design enhancing visual appeal
- Reliable performance
- Vibrant 120Hz display
- Lightning-fast 68W charging
Reasons not to buy:
- Lack of an ultra-wide camera sensor
- Bulky form factor might inconvenience some users.
DISCLAIMER: The price is taken as of November 2023 and is subject to change over time.
