Tecno Pova 7 Ultra 5G: The sub-15k segment is quite a wild battlefield these days, with every other brand trying to one-up the other. Between the cacophony and the thunderclap, Tecno has been quietly carving a niche for itself as the underdog that packs a (heavy) punch.
Its newest entrant to the family is the Tecno Pova 7 Ultra 5G, a phone that promises raw performance, the big battery capacity that people want and 5G for the future – all without being too heavy on the pocket too.
Read on for what makes this phone tick, and why it could well be the surprise package of 2021 for tech enthusiasts on a budget.
Design & Build: Functional with Attitude
It’s not as if Tecno has ever been shy of a wild design, and the Pova 7 Ultra is no exception. It has a rather chunky yet strong design with angular lines and a grippy back panel that, believe it or not, actually gives it a bit of character.
On the rear of the device is a great looking camera module that’s aesthetically pleasing without being too brash.
It’s also packed with a massive battery, yet still manages to feel slim and easy to grip. It’s not ultra-slim, let’s be honest, but it finds a good compromise between strength and usability.
Available in Cyber Blue and Tech Silver colours which is a nice futuristic touch.
Display: Big, Bright, Bingeable Sizes
At the front, you have a 6.78-inch Full HD+ IPS LCD display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. Now, don’t expect the same vivid contrast as AMOLED here, but it’s alright for the price.
The screen is big and clear and smooth, great for content and social media or even a little light gaming.
The bezels aren’t the slimmest around, but the immersive dimensions of the screen more than compensate.
Performance: MediaTek Power with No Signs of Sluggishness
Beneath the hood, the device is fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, along with 8GB of RAM (in addition to virtual RAM expansion) and 128GB of onboard storage.
It isn’t a flagship-level processor but is well-optimized and manages multitasking, casual gaming, and day-to-day tasks without any lag.
It’s a major win for a phone in this tier to be 5G-capable. You are, effectively, future-proofing yourself here – and that is a rare thing in this bracket.
Camera is Okay, Nothing Special
You have a 50MP primary rear camera with AI lens. The shots are quite detailed with good colour reproduction in daylight. But low-light photography is something of a mixed bag. (There’s no OIS, so you’ll need a steady hand or good light.)
Front camera 8MP is useful for selfies and video calls. It’s not built for Instagram influencers, but it’ll more than get the job done for most users.
Battery and Charging: The Real Dealbreaker
The 6,000mAh cell is no doubt one of the highlights of the Pova 7 Ultra. I’ve had little trouble getting a full day and a half out it, even with moderate use — and occasionally two full days.
When it eventually comes time to top up the battery, the included 33W fast charger (included in the box) return it to full in just under an hour and a half.
Pros and Cons
Pros
6000mAh big battery, long battery life
120Hz display for smoother scrolling
Mediocre showings with Dimensity 6100+
5G support at a budget price
33W fast charging (charger included in the box
Gamer-friendly design The Strix has an aggressive form that fits with other hardware in Asus’ “Republic of Gamers” lineup and it boosts frame rates thanks to its massive 120Hz screen, fast graphics chip and — if you put it directly to your ear — somewhat distracting fans.
Cons
No AMOLED display
AVERAGE Low-light CAMERA performance
No ultra-wide lens
Slightly bulky build
Availability is limited in the off-line market
Tecno Pova 7 Ultra 5G: Final Verdict: Bigger Battery, Bigger Screen, and Bigger Bang for Your Buck
The Tecno Pova 7 Ultra 5G isn’t attempting to be a flagship killer. Rather, it carves out an extremely solid space for itself on the back of simply giving budget users everything they want; big screen, great battery and 5G for a price that’s almost impossible to compete with.
So if you’re penny-pinching and scrambled when trying to find a charger for your phone by the time it’s dinner time, the Pova 7 Ultra might be the perfect pick for you.