The budget smartphone market in India is fierce, with brands constantly trying to outdo each other. TECNO’s latest entry, the POVA Curve 5G, aims to disrupt the market by offering a premium feel at an affordable price. Set to go on sale tomorrow, June 5th, at 12 noon, this phone comes loaded with features typically found in more expensive devices, all while staying under ₹17,000. With a unique blend of design, AI features, and solid battery life, can the POVA Curve 5G win over budget-conscious buyers?
Price, Availability, and Launch Offers
TECNO is taking a dual approach to reach both online and offline shoppers, offering two variants at different prices to cater to varying consumer preferences:
- ₹15,999 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model, available exclusively on Flipkart.
- ₹16,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, aimed at offline retail shoppers.
In addition to competitive pricing, TECNO is sweetening the deal with some exciting launch offers. Early buyers will be able to grab assured gifts and enter a competition to win a Royal Enfield motorcycle or a scooter. On a more practical note, customers will enjoy perks like a free one-time screen replacement and an extended product warranty. Plus, there are No Cost EMI options, which could lower the daily cost of ownership to around ₹57.
A Curved Screen and Sleek Design
One of the first things that stand out about the POVA Curve 5G is its design, particularly its curved AMOLED display. Curved screens in this price range are rare, which makes this model a bit of a game-changer. The phone features a large 6.78-inch AMOLED display, which wraps around the edges to give it a slim, premium look. At just 7.45mm thick, it feels surprisingly slim for a phone with such a big battery.
Key Display Features:
- 144Hz Refresh Rate: Smooth scrolling and fluid visuals, especially in supported apps and games, is a highlight here. This is a feature you’d typically find in higher-end gaming phones.
- AMOLED Technology: Expect deep blacks and vibrant colors, thanks to the AMOLED panel, which offers Full HD+ resolution and 1,300 nits peak brightness—great for outdoor use.
- Minimal Bezels: The 93.8% screen-to-body ratio maximizes screen space, perfect for watching videos or gaming.
- Durability: The display is shielded with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, adding a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Wet-Hand Support: Yes, you can use the screen even with damp fingers, a handy feature for those humid days.
- The POVA Curve 5G is available in three finishes: Magic Silver, Neon Cyan, and Geek Black, giving consumers a few style options to choose from.
Performance and Internal Specs
Under the hood, the POVA Curve 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset, built on a 4nm process. This processor is designed to offer balanced performance, so it should handle day-to-day tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming with ease. However, it’s not a powerhouse meant for high-end gaming or heavy multitasking.
Running on HiOS 15 based on Android 15, the POVA Curve 5G comes with 128GB UFS 3.1 storage for fast read and write speeds. Unfortunately, there’s no microSD card slot for expanding storage, so buyers will have to manage with what’s provided. The phone will also receive one major OS update to Android 16, along with two years of security patches.
AI Features and Connectivity Designed for India
TECNO has heavily marketed the phone’s AI capabilities, specifically tailored for Indian consumers. Some of the standout features include:
- AI Voiceprint Suppression: This feature isolates your voice during calls, reducing background noise for clearer conversations.
- AI-Powered Call Management: TECNO’s assistant, Ella, can automatically answer calls for you and even translate calls in real-time. It extends to WhatsApp calls too, offering automatic summaries of the conversation.
- No Network Communication: This is a particularly intriguing feature, allowing users to stay connected even in areas with low or no cellular signals—though the specifics of how this works haven’t been fully explained.
- Network Stability: TECNO has introduced systems like the Intelligent Signal Hub System and VoWiFi Dual Pass to ensure stable connectivity, even in areas with weak signals.
Battery Life and Camera
With a 5500mAh battery, the POVA Curve 5G promises long-lasting power. TECNO says the battery is TÜV Rheinland certified, meaning it’s safe and durable for extended use. The battery can endure over 1800 charge cycles, which should easily last several years before showing significant wear.
For charging, the device supports 45W wired fast charging, which can take the battery from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes and to a full charge in 45 minutes. It also supports 10W reverse charging, meaning you can use the POVA Curve 5G to charge other devices when needed.
Camera-wise, the POVA Curve 5G sports a 64MP Sony IMX682 primary sensor, paired with a 2MP depth sensor. This combination promises solid performance, especially in this price bracket, and the camera setup can shoot 4K video at 30fps. On the front, the 13MP selfie camera rounds out the package for decent shots.
The Verdict
With its combination of a curved AMOLED display, AI-driven features, and solid battery performance, TECNO’s POVA Curve 5G seems to have a lot going for it in the highly competitive sub-₹17,000 price segment. The focus on design, local AI customization, and battery efficiency makes it a worthy contender for those seeking a smartphone that doesn’t make compromises. However, the lack of expandable storage and the relatively untested AI features could be sticking points for some users. Ultimately, whether it “gets everything right” will depend on how well TECNO’s AI features translate into real-world use and whether the design and display can justify the price tag.
If you’re in the market for a phone that combines style, performance, and innovative features without breaking the bank, the POVA Curve 5G could be a solid choice to consider.
