Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is available in two variants in Qatar. The 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model is priced at QAR 899, while the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant costs QAR 999. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.78-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2460 pixels
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm)
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB, expandable via microSD
Rear Camera	50MP main + 0.08MP auxiliary
Front Camera	16MP
Battery	5000mAh, 68W fast charging
Operating System	Android 13, HiOS 13

 

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G was released on August 22, 2023. It comes with a large 6.78-inch IPS LCD display that has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This means scrolling and animations look very smooth on the screen. The phone has a high screen-to-body ratio of about 84.7%, which means most of the front is taken up by the display.

Under the hood, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset. This is a mid-range processor that can handle most daily tasks and some light gaming. The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which helps with multitasking. You can choose between 128GB or 256GB of storage, and there’s also a microSD card slot if you need more space.

The camera setup on the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G includes a 50-megapixel main camera and a small 0.08-megapixel auxiliary lens on the back. For selfies, there’s a 16-megapixel front camera.

The main camera can record videos in 1440p quality at 30 frames per second. The phone also has some special camera features like digital zoom, auto flash, and face detection.One of the standout features of the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is its battery. It has a large 5000mAh battery that should last most users through a full day of use.

Even better, it supports 68W fast charging, which Tecno claims can charge the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes. This is great for when you’re in a hurry and need a quick battery boost.

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G runs on Android 13 with Tecno’s HiOS 13 on top. This gives you access to the latest Android features along with some extras from Tecno. The phone also has some unique design elements, like an LED strip on the back that can light up for notifications or during gaming.

How Does the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G Compare to Other Phones?

When we compare the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G to other phones in its price range, it holds up well in many areas. For example, compared to the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro, the Pova 5 Pro 5G has a larger battery (5000mAh vs 5160mAh) and faster charging (68W vs 45W). However, the Phantom X2 Pro has a better processor and a more advanced camera system.

The Tecno Phantom X, another model from the same brand, has an AMOLED display which might offer better colors than the Pova 5 Pro 5G’s IPS LCD. But the Pova 5 Pro 5G counters with a higher refresh rate (120Hz vs 90Hz) and newer Android version out of the box.

Compared to phones from other brands like the OnePlus Nord CE 3 5G, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G offers similar specs in many areas. Both have 5000mAh batteries, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB/256GB storage options. The OnePlus has a slightly better processor, but the Tecno offers faster charging.

When we look at phones from brands like Samsung, Nokia, or Realme in a similar price range, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G often matches or exceeds them in terms of battery life and charging speed. However, some of these brands might offer better software support or more polished user interfaces.

The Infinix Note 30 Pro, another mid-range 5G phone, has similar specs to the Pova 5 Pro 5G. Both offer large displays, 5000mAh batteries, and 8GB of RAM. The Infinix has a slightly better camera setup, but the Tecno offers faster charging.

Design and Build Quality

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G has a modern design that stands out from many other phones in its price range. It measures 168.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm and weighs 212 grams, making it a fairly large and hefty phone. This might be a plus for those who like big screens, but it could be a bit unwieldy for users with smaller hands.

The phone’s body is made of plastic, which helps keep the cost down. While it may not feel as premium as glass or metal, plastic is more durable and less prone to shattering if dropped. The back of the phone has a unique design with multiple LED lights. These lights can be used for notifications, to show when the battery is low, or even to react to in-game actions, adding a fun and functional element to the phone’s design.

On the front, the 6.78-inch display is protected by glass, though Tecno doesn’t specify if it’s a branded tough glass like Gorilla Glass. The display has a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, which gives the phone a modern look. The bezels around the screen are relatively thin, contributing to the high screen-to-body ratio.

The fingerprint sensor is located on the side of the phone, integrated into the power button. This placement can be convenient for many users, allowing them to unlock the phone as they pick it up. The volume buttons are also on the side, positioned for easy access.

Display and Visual Experience

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G features a 6.78-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels. This results in a pixel density of about 396 pixels per inch, which means the display is sharp and clear. Text, images, and videos should look crisp and detailed on this screen.

One of the standout features of this display is its 120Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate means the screen updates 120 times per second, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. This can make the phone feel more responsive and can enhance the experience when gaming or watching fast-paced content.

The display is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 580 nits. This is a decent level of brightness that should make the screen readable in most lighting conditions, including bright outdoor environments. However, it may not be as bright as some high-end phones that can reach 1000 nits or more.Being an IPS LCD panel, the display should offer good color accuracy and wide viewing angles. While it may not have the deep blacks and high contrast ratios of OLED displays, IPS LCD screens are known for their natural color reproduction and consistency across different viewing angles.

The screen covers about 84.7% of the front of the phone, which is a good screen-to-body ratio. This means you get a lot of display area without the phone becoming excessively large. The punch-hole camera cutout is relatively small and shouldn’t be too distracting during regular use.

Performance and Gaming

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset. This is a mid-range processor built on a 6nm process, which helps with power efficiency. The CPU consists of two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This combination should provide good performance for everyday tasks and some light to moderate gaming.

The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which is a good amount for a mid-range device. This should allow for smooth multitasking, keeping multiple apps open in the background without frequent reloads. Tecno also includes a feature called “Memory Fusion” which can use up to 8GB of storage as virtual RAM, potentially boosting the total to 16GB. While not as effective as actual RAM, this can help improve performance when running many apps at once.

For graphics, the Dimensity 6080 uses a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This should be capable of handling most mobile games, though you may need to lower settings on more demanding titles to maintain smooth framerates. The 120Hz display can enhance the gaming experience by providing smoother visuals in games that support high refresh rates.

In benchmark tests, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G scores around 389,037 on AnTuTu v9 and 423,437 on AnTuTu v10. On Geekbench 5, it scores about 1,884, and on Geekbench 6, about 2,102. These scores indicate solid mid-range performance.

The phone comes with either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. This should be enough for most users, but if you need more space, there’s also a dedicated microSD card slot that supports cards up to 1TB.

Camera System and Photography

The camera system on the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is relatively simple compared to some other phones in its price range. On the back, there’s a main 50-megapixel camera with an f/1.6 aperture. This wide aperture should allow for good low-light performance and natural background blur in close-up shots. The main camera uses phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for quick and accurate focusing.

Alongside the main camera, there’s a small 0.08-megapixel auxiliary lens. This lens likely doesn’t contribute much to image quality but may assist with depth sensing for portrait mode shots.

The rear camera setup is capable of recording video at 1440p resolution at 30 frames per second. While not as high as the 4K capability found on some phones, 1440p should still provide good quality video for most users. The camera also supports 1080p recording at 30fps if you prefer smaller file sizes.

For selfies, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G has a 16-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture. This should be capable of taking detailed selfies in good lighting conditions. The front camera can record video at 1080p at 30fps, which is standard for phones in this price range.

The camera app on the Pova 5 Pro 5G includes several features to enhance your photography. These include digital zoom for getting closer to distant subjects, auto flash for low-light situations, face detection for keeping people in focus, and touch-to-focus for easily selecting your subject. There’s also a dual LED flash on the back to help illuminate dark scenes.

While the camera system isn’t as versatile as some multi-camera setups found on other phones, the high-resolution main camera should be capable of taking good photos in various conditions. The large f/1.6 aperture is particularly noteworthy, as it should allow for better low-light performance than many other phones in this price range.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G is its battery and charging capabilities. The phone is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which should provide excellent battery life for most users. With average use, this capacity should easily last through a full day and potentially into a second day before needing a recharge.

The actual battery life will depend on how you use the phone. Heavy use with features like 5G, high screen brightness, and lots of gaming will drain the battery faster. However, the efficient 6nm processor and the ability to lower the screen refresh rate should help extend battery life when needed.

What’s particularly impressive about the Pova 5 Pro 5G is its fast charging capability. The phone supports 68W fast charging, which is faster than many phones even in higher price brackets. Tecno claims that this can charge the battery from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes. This rapid charging can be a huge convenience, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when you’re short on time.

The phone also supports a feature called “Bypass Charging.” This allows the phone to be powered directly from the charger when plugged in, bypassing the battery. This can be useful when gaming or performing other intensive tasks while charging, as it reduces heat generation and helps preserve the long-term health of the battery.

It’s worth noting that while the Pova 5 Pro 5G supports very fast wired charging, it does not support wireless charging. This is common for phones in this price range, but it’s something to keep in mind if wireless charging is a feature you’re looking for.

Software and User Interface

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G runs on Android 13, which is a recent version of Google’s mobile operating system. On top of Android, Tecno has added its own custom user interface called HiOS 13. This combination provides users with the latest Android features along with some additional functionality from Tecno.HiOS 13 includes several features designed to enhance the user experience. Some of these include:

1. Game Mode: This optimizes the phone’s performance for gaming, potentially improving framerates and reducing interruptions.
2. Smart Panel: A customizable side panel that provides quick access to frequently used apps and functions.
3. Voice Changer: A fun feature that allows users to modify their voice during calls or voice recordings.
4. AI Gallery: This uses artificial intelligence to organize photos and suggest edits.
5. Dual Apps: This feature allows users to run two instances of the same app, which can be useful for managing multiple accounts.

While these features can be helpful, it’s worth noting that custom interfaces like HiOS can sometimes lead to delayed Android updates compared to phones running stock Android. Tecno’s track record for long-term software support isn’t as established as some larger brands, so it’s unclear how long the Pova 5 Pro 5G will receive updates.

The user interface is generally clean and easy to navigate, with customizable themes and icon packs available. The 120Hz refresh rate of the display helps make the interface feel smooth and responsive.

Connectivity and 5G Capabilities

As the name suggests, the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G supports 5G connectivity. This allows for faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G, provided you’re in an area with 5G coverage and have a compatible plan from your carrier. The phone supports both SA (Standalone) and NSA (Non-Standalone) 5G networks, ensuring broad compatibility.

In addition to 5G, the phone supports older network standards including 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G. This ensures you can stay connected even in areas where 5G isn’t available.

For local connectivity, the Pova 5 Pro 5G includes:

1. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): This provides fast wireless internet connectivity, though it’s not the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard.
2. Bluetooth 5.1: This allows for wireless connections to headphones, speakers, and other devices with improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth versions.
3. GPS: The phone supports multiple satellite navigation systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for accurate location services.
4. NFC: This enables contactless payments and quick pairing with compatible devices.
5. USB Type-C port: This reversible port is used for charging and data transfer.

The phone also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This allows you to use wired headphones without needing an adapter.

Audio and Multimedia Experience

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G offers a solid audio and multimedia experience for its price range. The phone features a single bottom-firing speaker which produces clear audio, though it may lack the depth and stereo separation of phones with dual speakers. For personal listening, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, allowing users to connect their favorite wired headphones without needing an adapter.

The phone supports various audio formats including MP3, AAC, and FLAC, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of digital audio files. It also includes DTS Sound support, which can enhance audio quality when enabled, particularly when using headphones.

For video playback, the large 6.78-inch display provides a good viewing experience. The IPS LCD panel offers good color accuracy and viewing angles, making it suitable for watching movies or TV shows. The high refresh rate of 120Hz can make motion appear smoother in supported content.

The phone supports common video formats like MP4 and H.264, and should be capable of smooth playback of high-definition content. The ample storage options (128GB or 256GB) provide plenty of space for storing media files, and the microSD card slot allows for further expansion if needed.

Gaming Performance

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G offers a decent gaming experience for a mid-range device. The MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, while not top-of-the-line, is capable of handling most mobile games smoothly.

The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU can run popular games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 at medium to high settings with acceptable framerates. More graphically intensive games may require lower settings to maintain smooth performance.

One of the standout features for gaming is the 120Hz refresh rate display. In games that support high refresh rates, this can provide a smoother, more responsive gaming experience. The touch sampling rate of 240Hz also helps with quick and accurate touch responses, which can be crucial in fast-paced games.

The Game Mode feature in HiOS 13 can optimize the phone’s performance for gaming, potentially improving framerates and reducing background processes that might interfere with gameplay. It also includes features like do-not-disturb mode for uninterrupted gaming sessions.

The large 5000mAh battery ensures that you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power quickly. And when you do need to charge, the 68W fast charging can get you back in the game quickly.

The phone’s cooling system, which Tecno calls “Superfluid Cooling System,” helps manage heat during intense gaming sessions. This can help maintain performance over longer periods of play.

An interesting feature for gamers is the LED light strip on the back of the phone. This can be customized to light up in different patterns during gameplay, adding a unique visual element to the gaming experience.

Security Features

The Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G comes with several security features to help protect your data and privacy. The primary biometric security method is the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is integrated into the power button. This placement can be convenient for unlocking the phone as you pick it up. The fingerprint sensor is generally quick and accurate, providing a secure yet easy way to access your device.

In addition to fingerprint recognition, the phone also supports face unlock using the front-facing camera. While not as secure as fingerprint authentication, it can be a convenient option in well-lit environments.

The phone runs on Android 13, which includes several built-in security features such as:

1. Privacy Dashboard: This gives you an overview of which apps are accessing sensitive permissions like location, camera, and microphone.
2. Approximate Location: You can choose to give apps your approximate location instead of your precise location.
3. Camera and Microphone Indicators: These show when an app is using your camera or microphone.
4. Permissions Auto-Reset: This automatically revokes permissions for apps you haven’t used in a while.

Tecno’s HiOS 13 also includes additional security features like App Lock, which allows you to secure individual apps with a password or biometric authentication. There’s also a Private Safe feature for storing sensitive files and information.

It’s worth noting that while Tecno provides these security features, the company’s track record for long-term security updates isn’t as established as some larger brands. Users should stay vigilant about keeping their device updated with the latest security patches when available.

Pros and Cons

To help you make an informed decision about the Tecno Pova 5 Pro 5G, here’s a summary of its main advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

1. Large 6.78-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
2. 5G connectivity for fast mobile data
3. Large 5000mAh battery with 68W fast charging
4. Decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming
5. Unique LED design on the back
6. Includes 3.5mm headphone jack
7. Expandable storage via microSD card
8. Competitive price point

Cons:

1. Camera system is basic compared to some competitors
2. IPS LCD display, while good, isn’t as vibrant as OLED screens
3. Plastic build may feel less premium than glass or metal
4. No wireless charging
5. Tecno’s long-term software support is less established than some larger brands
6. No water resistance rating