The Tecno Pova Curve is the latest budget-focused smartphone aiming to punch above its weight. With a stunning 144Hz AMOLED display, a sleek design, and a massive 5500mAh battery, Tecno wants to offer more than just the basics — all while keeping the price at an aggressively low INR 15,999.
Familiar Yet Refined
If the Pova Curve reminds you of the Infinix Zero 40, you’re not imagining things. Both brands fall under Transsion Holdings, and there's definitely shared DNA. But this isn't a lazy copy-paste job. The Pova Curve manages to stand on its own with thoughtful design changes, a more affordable price tag, and a few performance trade-offs that most users won't mind — especially considering what you gain.
Despite packing a larger battery than the Zero 40, the Pova Curve is thinner (7.5mm) and lighter (189g), making it surprisingly ergonomic for a phone in this class.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G – Key Specs at a Glance
-
Body: 164.3 x 74.6 x 7.5 mm, 189g
-
Build: Gorilla Glass 5 front, plastic frame/back, IP64 rated
-
Display: 6.78" AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, 2304Hz PWM dimming, 1300 nits peak brightness
-
Resolution: 1080 x 2436 pixels, 20.3:9 ratio (393 ppi)
-
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate (4nm)
-
RAM & Storage: 6GB/8GB RAM, 128GB UFS 2.2 storage
-
Software: Android 15 with HIOS 15 (Android 16 upgrade planned)
-
Rear Camera: 64MP main (f/1.8, 1/1.73"), 2MP depth
-
Front Camera: 13MP
-
Video Recording: 4K@30fps (front & rear), 1080p@30fps
-
Battery: 5500mAh, 45W wired charging (50% in 15 min, 100% in 45 min)
-
Extras: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IR Blaster, FM Radio
-
Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
-
Security: Under-display optical fingerprint sensor
-
Special Features: Circle to Search
First Impressions: Design & Display
The Pova Curve certainly lives up to its name. Its curved AMOLED display not only looks premium but also adds a smooth, immersive feel while navigating the UI. The 144Hz refresh rate is a standout in this price segment, providing buttery-smooth scrolling and animations — something even some mid-rangers lack.
While the plastic back and frame remind you of its price point, the Gorilla Glass 5 front and slim profile add a surprising touch of refinement.
Performance & Software
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate, the Pova Curve handles daily tasks, multitasking, and light gaming with ease. While not a flagship chipset, it offers excellent efficiency and thermal control, especially when paired with HIOS 15 based on Android 15.
Tecno has confirmed an upgrade path to Android 16, which is a welcome promise in the budget category. There's also some bloatware, as expected, but Tecno has improved its UI considerably over recent years.
Cameras
The 64MP main sensor is capable in good lighting, delivering detailed shots with decent dynamic range. However, the 2MP depth sensor doesn't add much value. Video recording up to 4K on both front and rear cameras is impressive, though stabilization could be better.
Selfie lovers will appreciate the 13MP front camera, which delivers crisp results with natural skin tones.
Battery Life & Charging
With a 5500mAh battery, this phone easily lasts a day and a half with regular use. Even power users will struggle to drain it before bedtime. The 45W fast charging is blazing quick — 50% in just 15 minutes, and a full charge in under 45.
Unboxing Experience
The Pova Curve ships in an eye-catching iridescent box and includes:
-
The phone itself
-
45W fast charger
-
USB-C cable
-
Transparent silicon case
While the included case is a nice touch, it doesn't offer great protection for the curved edges, so consider investing in a third-party case for better safety.
Verdict: A Solid Contender in the Budget Arena
The Tecno Pova Curve delivers a compelling package: a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, strong battery life, decent performance, and sleek design — all for just INR 15,999.
It's not without its compromises (average cameras, plastic build), but if you’re after style, display quality, and endurance in a budget phone, this one deserves your attention.
Rating: 4/5 – Great value with standout features in the budget space.
0 Comments