Tecno Pova Curve review: When curves meet smarts |
Smartphone designs, if you’re looking at options under Rs 20,000, have become predictably stale. Most affordable phones today look like they’ve been cut from the same rectangular template, with minor tweaks to camera bumps and color schemes. Then Tecno decided to shake things up with the Pova Curve 5G, a phone that literally bends the rules with its curved front and back design. At Rs 15,999, it’s positioned as a feature-packed mid-ranger that promises to stand out in a crowded marketplace.But here’s the thing about standing out, it’s not always about being different for the sake of it. Sometimes it’s about getting the fundamentals right while adding just enough flair to make people take notice. The Pova Curve 5G attempts to do exactly that, packing a 144Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chip, and a suite of AI features into a surprisingly slim 7.45mm frame. The question is whether all these curves and features translate into a phone worth your money.
Design that turns heads
The Pova Curve rather than just having the curves has this almost spaceship-like aesthetic that feels intentional rather than gimmicky. The back panel isn’t trying to be a mirror or a fingerprint magnet; instead, it has this matte finish that feels substantial in your hand and doesn’t show smudges easily.
At 7.45mm thick, this phone is surprisingly slim for what it packs inside. Managing to fit a 5500mAh battery into this form factor is pretty impressive engineering. The weight distribution feels balanced too, at 177 grams, it’s not the lightest phone around, but it doesn’t feel unwieldy either. The IP64 rating gives you some protection against everyday splashes and dust, though you’ll still want to be careful around water.
The curved back isn’t just for looks, it does make the phone feel more comfortable in your hand. After using it for a couple of weeks, picking up other phones with flat backs felt a bit awkward. It’s a design choice that grows on you, though it might seem like an unnecessary detail at first.
Screen that delivers the goods
The 6.78-inch curved AMOLED display is where the Pova Curve really delivers. The 144Hz refresh rate makes everything feel fluid, scrolling through social media, switching between apps, or just navigating menus has this smooth, effortless quality that’s hard to go back from once you’re used to it.Colors pop without being oversaturated, and the deep blacks that AMOLED is known for are on full display here. The curved edges add to the immersive feeling, making the phone feel less like a rectangular slab and more like a portal to your content. However, the 1300 nits peak brightness is where reality sets in. While indoor visibility is perfectly fine, step outside on a bright sunny day and you’ll find yourself squinting and hunting for shade to read messages properly.The 2304Hz PWM dimming is a thoughtful touch that reduces the flickering you sometimes get with OLED displays at low brightness levels. If you’re someone who uses their phone in bed with the lights off, this feature will be kinder to your eyes than many other phones in this price range.
Daily performance without drama
Using the Pova Curve showed that the Dimensity 7300 chip inside is a a solid mid-range processor. It’s not flagship-level performance, but it handles everyday tasks smoothly enough that you don’t really think about the specs while using the phone.Apps launch quickly, multitasking between email, social media, and streaming apps happens without stuttering, and the phone doesn’t get warm during regular use. The 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB with virtual RAM) keeps things smooth, though the 6GB variant at its price feels like a stretch when there are quite a few phones with some extra RAM at the sma eprice.Gaming is where the phone shows both its strengths and limitations. Casual games run perfectly, and even some heavier titles maintain steady frame rates. The Mali G615 GPU handles graphics well enough for most users, though hardcore mobile gamers might want to look elsewhere. The phone stays reasonably cool during gaming sessions, warming up only after extended play but cooling down quickly once you stop.
An impressive list AI features, but mixed results
The Pova Curve runs Android 15 with HiOS on top, and while the interface looks modern enough, it’s not the cleanest experience you’ll find. There’s a fair amount of bloatware scattered throughout, and some of the customization options feel overwhelming rather than helpful. The promised two years of OS updates is reasonable for this price segment, though don’t expect the same update frequency as premium brands.Tecno has gone all-in on AI features, and the list is genuinely impressive. There’s Ella Voice assistant, Smart Touch content recognition, Call Assistant with auto-answer and real-time translation, plus Writing Assistant, Document Assistant, and even AI wallpaper generation. On paper, it sounds like you’re getting flagship-level AI functionality.
In practice, the experience is more mixed. The features work, but they’re heavily dependent on internet connectivity and cloud processing. Response times can be sluggish, and accuracy varies depending on what you’re trying to do. The Indian language support is a nice touch that sets it apart from competitors, making these features accessible to a broader audience.The Call Assistant features are probably the most practical, auto-answering calls and providing call summaries can be genuinely useful, even if the execution isn’t always perfect. The Intelligent Signal Hub is less flashy but potentially more valuable, optimizing signal reception in weak coverage areas.
Battery life doesn’t disappoint
The 5500mAh battery is one of the Pova Curve’s strongest assets. Heavy usage days, including video calls, gaming, photography, and social media, consistently left plenty of juice by bedtime. The battery capacity combined with the efficient processor means you can push this phone hard without constantly worrying about finding a charger.The 45W fast charging comes to the rescue when you’re running low. Getting to 50% in about 17 minutes is perfect for those “running late but need juice” moments. The fact that it supports standard USB-C PD means you’re not locked into proprietary charging cables, which is a practical consideration that many users appreciate.
Camera gets the job done
The 64MP main camera using Sony’s IMX682 sensor produces results that are perfectly adequate for this price point. In good lighting, photos come out sharp with accurate colors and decent detail. The camera app is responsive, and the various AI-enhanced modes like AIGC Portrait and Super Night do add some polish to your shots.Low-light performance is acceptable but not exceptional. You’ll get usable photos in dim conditions, though they lack the detail and clarity you’d find in more expensive phones. The 13MP selfie camera is serviceable for video calls and social media, avoiding the over-processed look that plagues many phones in this segment.The 4K video recording at 30fps is a nice addition, and features like slow motion and dual video recording give content creators some creative options. Just don’t expect miracles – this is a competent camera system that delivers what you’d expect for the price.
The verdict
The Tecno Pova Curve 5G is a phone that knows what it wants to be, a stylish, feature-rich device that offers good value without trying to punch above its weight class. The curved design genuinely sets it apart from the competition, the battery life is excellent, and the performance is solid for daily use.The software experience is one area where the phone could be better. Plus, only one software update is something to be concerned about. But if you can look beyond that then the Tecno Pova Curve is a phone that combines distinctive design with reliable performance and impressive battery life, making it a compelling purchase for Rs 15,999.
