Tecno Pova Curve 5G Review: Stylish Looks With Just Enough Bite
In a smartphone market awash with clones, Tecno and its sibling Infinix, both under Transsion Holdings, dare to be different. Their latest offering, the Tecno Pova Curve 5G, blasts onto the scene in India with a starship-inspired design – a bold attempt to cut through the noise. But does this head-turning aesthetic, coupled with its promised specs, truly warrant the price tag, or is it just another flash in the pan?
Tecno’s Pova Curve 5G is making waves in India, starting at just Rs. 15,999. But is it all hype? For that price, you snag 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Tempted by more power? The 8GB RAM version with the same storage bumps the price to Rs. 16,999. Is this phone the real deal or just a pretty face? Dive into our full Tecno Pova Curve 5G review to discover if it’s the budget king you’ve been waiting for.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Design: Uniquely Refreshing
- Dimensions – 164.3 x 74.6 x 7.44mm
- Weight – 188.5g
- Durability – IP64
Forget flat, the Tecno Pova Curve 5G makes a statement. It’s a curved, almost impossibly slim silhouette that feels surprisingly luxurious in your palm. Don’t let the polycarbonate fool you – the build is grippy and confident. At a mere 7.44mm, it’s like holding a whisper of technology. And the weight? A feather-light 188.5g, perfectly balanced for effortless use.
Forget subtle, forget same-old. The Tecno Pova Curve 5G blasts off with a back panel ripped straight from a sci-fi dream. Choose your spaceship livery: Geek Black (stealth mode), Neon Cyan (attention-grabbing warp speed), or the Magic Silver, my personal favorite. This one pops with orange accents, a frosted finish, and a “techy” vibe that’s cool without screaming for attention. More than just looks, the texture feels premium, a welcome change from the usual slippery plastic. Plus, goodbye fingerprints! The dual cameras sit vertically, waiting for their close-up in the camera section.
Crowning the phone’s top edge, you’ll find a speaker grille and microphone, alongside a delightful surprise: an infrared (IR) blaster. Wave goodbye to remote clutter and effortlessly command your TVs and AC units. Down below, a symmetrical lineup hosts the speaker grille, SIM tray, microphone, and a modern USB Type-C port. The right side houses the familiar power button and volume rockers, while the left maintains a minimalist, button-free aesthetic.

You get a speaker grille on each end of the Tecno Pova Curve 5G
Finally, its IP64 rating shrugs off dust and a splash of water, but pool parties are definitely off-limits for this phone.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Display: Packs a Punch
- Display size – 6.78-inch, 1,080 x 2,436 pixels
- Display type – AMOLED, 144Hz
- Display protection – Gorilla Glass 5
The Tecno Pova Curve 5G explodes onto the scene with a breathtaking display that’s impossible to ignore. Imagine a vibrant 6.78-inch curved AMOLED screen, spilling over the edges with a stunning 93.8% screen-to-body ratio. Colors pop in Full HD+ (1,080 x 2,436 pixels), while a silky smooth 144Hz refresh rate makes every swipe and scroll a visual feast. And with a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, even the brightest sunlight is no match. I’ve always been drawn to the immersive allure of curved displays – they may be a touch more delicate, but the sheer premium aesthetic they deliver is undeniable.

The Tecno Pova Curve 5G’s curved screen does not come with a pre-applied protector
The Tecno Pova Curve 5G’s display explodes with vibrant colors, a feast for the eyes that might initially overwhelm those accustomed to more muted palettes. Even in its “Original” setting, the AMOLED panel’s richness is undeniable, painting blacks so deep they seem to absorb the light around them. But the real magic lies in the buttery smoothness of the 144Hz refresh rate. Scrolling through feeds becomes a hypnotic dance, a feature usually reserved for premium devices but now gracing this budget-friendly contender. While the phone defaults to a still-impressive 120Hz, unlocking the full 144Hz potential in apps like WhatsApp transforms everyday interactions into silky-smooth experiences.
The Tecno Pova Curve 5G thrives indoors, but step outside and its screen falters. Delhi’s scorching summer sun exposes its weakness – a lack of sufficient brightness to combat harsh glare. While usable, the experience lacks vibrancy. Adding insult to injury, official HDR support is missing for Netflix, though a clever software trick sometimes convinces YouTube otherwise. So, while the Pova Curve 5G can fool YouTube, it can’t fool the sun.
The under-display fingerprint sensor unlocks with satisfying speed and precision, a blink-and-you’re-in experience. While the Gorilla Glass 5 offers a layer of defense, the curved screen’s vulnerability to scratches is a nagging concern. The absence of a pre-applied screen protector feels like a misstep, especially considering the frustratingly thin selection of third-party options for these curved displays.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Performance: Par for the Course
- Processor – MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate RAM – 8GB (LPDDR5)
- Storage – 128GB (UFS 2.2)
- Software – HiOS 15
Unleash blazing-fast performance with the Tecno Pova Curve 5G, fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate. Choose your speed: 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, backed by 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage. Need more? Turbocharge your multitasking with up to 16GB of virtual RAM. Plus, rest easy knowing Tecno promises up to two years of OS updates, keeping your device cutting-edge for longer.

The Tecno Pova Curve 5G runs on HiOS 15 based on Android 15
The phone’s performance? Predictably solid. Daily use was a breeze – fluid and responsive. Juggling multiple apps while texting, calling, and scrolling through feeds didn’t cause a hiccup. Gaming? BGMI ran like butter, consistently pushing 80-85 fps on “Smooth + Extreme+” settings for a solid 90 minutes. Just be prepared for a little warmth after those extended gaming sessions.
Tecno’s Pova Curve 5G stumbles with its storage. A single 128GB option is all you get, regardless of the configuration you pick. Sadly, there’s no microSD card slot to expand the storage. Heavy users, beware! If you’re a shutterbug or a data hoarder, prepare to play storage Tetris, constantly deleting or offloading files to avoid hitting that dreaded full capacity.
Tecno’s Pova Curve 5G runs on HiOS 15, built upon the bones of Android 15. Familiar to Tecno users, this heavily customized skin – a Transsion Holdings mainstay – offers a generally fluid experience, though pre-installed apps clutter the landscape. Prepare for a learning curve when navigating the UI’s extensive personalization options, but otherwise, the phone performs as expected. The real disappointment? Software support. Tecno commits to just a single major OS update and two years of security patches, leaving you wanting more longevity from your device.

Some benchmark scores of the phone for your reference
Tecno’s Pova Curve 5G isn’t just chasing the AI hype; it’s diving headfirst. Buckle up for surprisingly smart camera tricks and productivity boosts, proving AI isn’t just for flagships anymore.
Phone calls just got a whole lot smarter (and clearer!). This phone boasts an arsenal of AI-powered tools: banish background noise with AI Call Noise Cancellation, let AI Auto Answer pick up when you’re busy, and get real-time help from the AI Call Assistant. But the AI magic doesn’t stop there. The Gallery app is now armed with AI Eraser 2.0 to vaporize unwanted objects from your photos, Image Extender to magically widen cramped frames, and AI Sharpness Plus to breathe new life into blurry images. The standout? AI Call Noise Cancellation. While most of these features impressed, keep in mind they rely on the cloud, so a solid network connection is key.
Meet Ella, the multilingual marvel powering Tecno’s Pova Curve 5G. Think Google Assistant, but fluent in Hindi and hungry to learn more Indian tongues. This isn’t just another voice assistant; it’s your personalized portal to music, alarms, answers, and beyond. While Ella’s currently mastering Hindi and a few global languages, Tecno promises a linguistic explosion by the end of 2025, adding Bengali, Gujarati, and a chorus of regional dialects to her repertoire. Get ready to experience AI that speaks your language.
Tecno’s Ella isn’t gunning for Google Assistant’s throne, but for simple commands, she gets the job done. Think of her as a helpful sidekick, not a digital overlord.
The Tecno Pova Curve 5G boasts an intriguing “Intelligent Signal Hub System,” promising connectivity miracles in signal-barren wastelands. Sadly, this superpower is strictly a family affair, functioning only between Tecno Pova devices, severely curtailing its real-world usefulness. On a brighter note, the Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio punches above its weight, delivering impressive volume and clarity, leaving little to complain about in the sound department.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Cameras: Decent
- Primary camera – 64-megapixel, f/1.7
- Portrait camera – 2-megapixel, f/2.4
- Selfie camera – 13-megapixel
Tecno arms the Pova Curve 5G with a camera that sounds impressive on paper, but begs to be tested in reality. The dual rear setup features a 64MP Sony IMX682 sensor with a wide f/1.7 aperture, promising vibrant shots. It’s paired with a 2MP portrait lens (f/2.4) for those bokeh-licious moments. Numbers aside, does this camera truly capture the curve of life? We’re about to find out.

The Tecno Pova Curve 5G has decent cameras for its price
Bathed in daylight, the Sony IMX682 sensor flexes its muscle, delivering photos bursting with detail, sharpness, and eye-popping color. HDR mode broadens the dynamic range, painting scenes with nuanced light and shadow. While the color palette leans towards the vibrant side – perhaps a touch too much for purists seeking natural hues – the results are undeniably Instagram-ready, practically begging to be shared. As night descends, the sensor continues to impress, preserving detail even as the light fades. Only in the deepest shadows, when Super Night mode remains dormant, does noise begin to creep in, a subtle reminder of the sensor’s limitations.




Top to bottom: Rear camera samples at 1x (primary), 2x (in-sensor crop) zoom (tap to expand)
For portrait photographers, the Tecno Pova Curve 5G might leave you wanting more. Explore avenues that truly capture the essence of your subjects.

Left to right: 24.0mm vs 35.0mm vs 50.0mm portrait camera sample
Portrait mode: sharp details, but a blurry gamble. Edges? Sometimes crisp, sometimes a casualty, even when the mode’s engaged. It’s a portrait crapshoot.
The 13-megapixel front-facing camera captures decent selfies with some amount of detail, although there is noticeable smoothening too.



Top to bottom: daylight, indoor lighting, low-light selfie camera sample (tap to expand)
Now, here’s where the Tecno Pova Curve 5G throws a curveball – in the best way possible. Its video chops punch way above its weight class, letting you capture stunning 4K footage at 30fps. That’s right, 4K! While some rivals are stuck in the past, the Pova Curve 5G is busy future-proofing your memories. And although it relies on EIS for stabilization, leaving OIS on the wish list, the results are surprisingly smooth.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Battery: Great!
- Battery capacity – 5,500mAh, lithium-ion
- Wired charging – 45W
- Wireless charging – No
- Charger in the box – Yes
Tired of battery anxiety? The Tecno Pova Curve 5G laughs in the face of it. Packing a hefty 5,500mAh battery and blazing-fast 45W charging, this phone’s stamina is seriously impressive. We’re talking a full day, plus a little extra, of juggling calls, texts, endless social media scrolling, and the occasional YouTube rabbit hole. And get this: that’s with the always-on display flaunting its stuff! Push it hard with heavy gaming and non-stop streaming? You’ll still get close to a full day’s power, proving this isn’t just a phone; it’s a power player.

The phone does not support wireless charging
Tecno Pova Curve 5G boasts rapid charging – juicing up to 50% in a mere 15 minutes, and a full tank in 45. In our hands-on testing, the 45W charger delivered a 60% charge in 30 minutes. A complete refuel took 50 minutes. Not record-breaking, but dependably swift.
Tecno Pova Curve 5G Verdict
Forget boring budget phones. The Tecno Pova Curve 5G warps into the mid-range with a starship-chic design and a shockingly slim profile, instantly grabbing eyeballs. But it’s not just about looks. Prepare for buttery-smooth visuals thanks to a blazing-fast 144Hz curved AMOLED display that makes everything from gaming to scrolling feel ridiculously fluid. Performance? Solid. AI smarts boost your everyday experience, and the camera shines when the sun’s out. The Pova Curve 5G: Value that’s out of this world.
Despite a few compromises – limited storage, reliance on network connectivity for AI, outdoor visibility quirks, and the absence of HDR – the Tecno Pova Curve 5G still shines. For Rs. 15,999, it’s a stylish statement piece packed with clever AI tricks, dependable cameras, and stamina that just won’t quit. If you crave head-turning design and a battery that goes the distance, this phone deserves a second look.
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