Tecno POVA 6 Pro Review: Is This the Best Budget 5G Phone of 2024?

The race to deliver high-performance devices at an accessible price point has become increasingly competitive. Enter the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G, a device that promises to change what you can expect from a budget gaming smartphone. Released amidst a flurry of anticipation in 2024, this latest offering from Tecno aims to build upon the legacy of its predecessors, delivering enhanced performance, a suite of innovative features, and a design that catches the eye.

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G arrives at a time when mobile gaming continues to surge in popularity, demanding more from the devices that power this pastime. This review will take you through an in-depth exploration of the phone, from its eye-catching design and display capabilities to its performance under pressure, camera quality, and beyond. Join us as we delve into what makes the POVA 6 Pro 5G a contender for the title of the best budget 5G gaming phone of 2024.

Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G Features

Design and Build Quality

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G makes a bold statement in the design department, continuing the legacy of its predecessors with an aesthetic that appeals the gamers. The rear panel of the device is adorned with motifs that highlight key features like NFC, the robust 6,000 mAh battery, and a subtle nod to its lineage with the number six. Available in two striking color variants, Comet Green and Meteorite Gray, from vibrant and eye-catching to understated and sleek. The Comet Green, in particular, evokes a sense of dynamic energy, reminiscent of the vivacity found in some of the most iconic gaming paraphernalia.

At the heart of the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G’s design philosophy is its dynamic light effect or glyph, which adds a futuristic flair and serves a practical purpose by reacting to music, calls, and notifications. This feature, although reduced in size compared to its predecessor, has been enhanced in brightness and precision. The integration of lighting around one of the camera sensors is a novel touch, reinforcing the phone’s gaming DNA while providing customizable animation patterns through the settings menu.

In terms of display, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G boasts a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen, promising vivid colors and deep blacks. The choice of AMOLED technology enhances the viewing experience, especially for gaming and media consumption, with a high refresh rate option further smoothing on-screen motion. The display’s design is modern, with reduced bezels and a high screen-to-body ratio that emphasizes the device’s sleek profile.

Constructed from a glossy polycarbonate material, the frame of the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G feels solid in hand, though it may attract fingerprints due to its finish. Ergonomically placed volume and power buttons on the right side, along with a well-equipped port array at the bottom—including a 3.5 mm audio jack and USB Type-C port—ensure that the device retains functionality alongside its aesthetic appeal.

The inclusion of an IP53 rating for water and dust resistance is a welcome feature, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and exposure to the elements. This practical consideration does not detract from the phone’s stylish appearance but instead adds a layer of durability that is often missing in similarly priced competitors.

Display Quality

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G marks a significant leap forward in the visual experience it offers, thanks to its impressive display capabilities. Anchoring this enhanced viewing experience is a large 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The AMOLED technology employed in the POVA 6 Pro 5G ensures an outstanding color reproduction that brings visuals to life with vibrant hues and deep blacks. The display supports 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, which means it can produce a wide range of colors, making images and videos appear more vivid and true to life. This color accuracy is particularly noticeable in high-resolution content where the nuances of different shades and tones come into play.

One of the standout features of the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G’s display is its adaptive refresh rate, which can go up to 120Hz. This high refresh rate makes scrolling through social media feeds or websites buttery smooth, significantly enhancing the user interface’s responsiveness. For gamers, this translates to more fluid motion and an improved gaming experience, especially in fast-paced action games where every millisecond counts. Moreover, the display boasts a touch sampling rate of 1,500Hz, which ensures that touch inputs are incredibly responsive. This feature is particularly beneficial for competitive gamers who rely on quick reflexes and precise movements.

Brightness is another area where the POVA 6 Pro 5G shines, literally. With a peak brightness of 1300 nits, the display remains perfectly visible even under direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use. The device also comes with TÜV Rheinland certification for low blue light emission, which means it’s easier on the eyes during prolonged use. Additionally, the display offers a “Dark Mode” and customizable color temperature settings, allowing to adjust the screen’s warmth to reduce eye strain during night-time usage or in low-light conditions.

Performance and Gaming

At the heart of the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6080, a chipset that strikes an admirable balance between power efficiency and performance. This processor ensures smooth multitasking and rapid app launches, thanks to its octa-core architecture and integrated 5G capabilities. This chipset features an advanced 6nm process technology, which not only enhances its computational power but also optimizes energy consumption. With an octa-core CPU configuration that includes powerful Cortex-A76 cores, the Dimensity 6080 is adept at handling demanding tasks and applications. This is particularly beneficial for running complex gaming engines and multitasking between apps without significant battery drain.

The POVA 6 Pro 5G is equipped with 12GB of RAM which can be expanded up to 24GB using Memory expande technology, a feature that dynamically allocates storage space to act as additional RAM. So, it’s a substantial amount that is more commonly found in flagship devices. This large RAM capacity ensures that the phone can handle multiple apps running simultaneously without any noticeable lag or slowdown. In terms of storage, it comes with 256GB of internal storage to store a lot of data on your device, including high-resolution photos, videos, apps, and games. Also, it supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

For gamers, the POVA 6 Pro 5G offers a compelling experience. The device is equipped with a GPU that is capable of rendering graphics smoothly, ensuring that most modern games run without a hitch. Popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Free Fire benefit from the device’s performance optimizations, delivering enjoyable gameplay with consistent frame rates.

The gaming experience is further enhanced by the phone’s dedicated gaming mode, which optimizes system resources to prioritize game performance. This feature allows gamers to customize settings for an optimized gaming experience, including adjustments to resolution, frame rate, and other game-specific enhancements. Additionally, the presence of a liquid cooling system helps maintain optimal device temperature, preventing overheating even during extended gaming sessions.

Benchmark Performance

Benchmarking the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset offers insights into its performance across various aspects, from general processing capabilities to graphics and battery life. Expected performance metrics in popular benchmarks reflect the phone’s positioning as a solid mid-range competitor.

In the AnTuTu Benchmark, which evaluates overall device performance including CPU, GPU, memory, and UX, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G is anticipated to score between 340,000 to 380,000. This range suggests that the device is well-equipped to handle a broad spectrum of tasks and games, striking a balance between power and efficiency that is characteristic of mid-range smartphones. Geekbench 5, focusing on the processor’s performance, is expected to show scores around 600-700 for single-core and 1800-2200 for multi-core operations. These figures indicate the phone’s adeptness at managing daily tasks and multitasking without significant slowdowns, thanks to the Dimensity 6080’s architecture.

In 3DMark, which assesses the GPU’s performance in rendering graphics, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G could achieve scores in the range of 2,200 to 2,600 in the Sling Shot Extreme OpenGL ES 3.1 test. This performance level suggests that the device can offer a satisfying gaming experience, particularly with medium graphics settings in most of the current game titles.

Software and User Interface

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G operates on Android 14, overlaid with Tecno’s custom skin, HiOS 14. This interface brings a refreshed aesthetic to the POVA 6 Pro 5G, with vibrant icons, animated transitions, and a customizable home screen. You can tailor the look and feel of your device with themes, wallpapers, and widgets that reflect style and preferences. The interface allows for significant personalization, from changing the color schemes to adjusting the font sizes and styles, ensuring that each one can create a unique and personalized user experience.

HiOS 14 introduces several utility features aimed at improving productivity and ease of use. The Smart Panel provides quick access to frequently used apps, tools, and settings, making multitasking more efficient. With the introduction of an advanced file manager, you can easily organize and search for files, enhancing the device’s overall usability. Moreover, HiOS 14 offers an intuitive and user-friendly settings menu, making it easier to navigate and customize device settings according to your preferences.

Recognizing the importance of mobile gaming, HiOS 14 integrates dedicated gaming features such as Game Space and Game Assistant 4.0. These enhancements optimize the device’s performance for gaming and offer gamers the ability to customize their experience. From adjusting the game’s resolution and frame rate to managing battery usage and blocking notifications, these features ensure an immersive and uninterrupted gaming session.

The software is imbued with AI-driven enhancements that improve device performance and user experience. AI Gallery intelligently organizes photos and videos, while AI Battery Management optimizes power consumption for extended battery life. The AI camera features enhance photography, automatically adjusting settings for the best shot.

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G introduces an innovative dynamic light effect, also known as the glyph interface, which is not just a visual delight but also adds a functional twist to notifications. This feature integrates 210 LEDs into the phone’s back cover, allowing for customizable lighting patterns that respond to music playback, incoming calls, messages, and other notifications.

Security and privacy are at the forefront of HiOS 14, with features designed to protect user data and maintain confidentiality. The software includes a robust security suite, featuring a fingerprint scanner and facial recognition for secure device unlocking. Additionally, HiOS 14 offers encrypted storage options, app lock features, and a privacy dashboard that gives you control over your data and app permissions.

A standout feature in the POVA 6 Pro software suite is the ‘Dynamic Port’, an adaptation of the Dynamic Island concept. This feature offers an interactive and visually engaging way to display notifications, battery status, and other alerts. It exemplifies Tecno’s effort to bring innovative features to the budget segment.

Camera Capabilities

The primary rear camera setup includes a 108-megapixel main sensor, offering stunning detail and clarity in photos. This high-resolution sensor allows for crisp, clear images, even when zoomed in or cropped. The main camera is complemented by a 2-megapixel depth sensor, which aids in creating professional-looking portrait shots with smooth, blurred backgrounds. Additionally, the setup includes an AI camera sensor that enhances photo quality with optimized settings for various scenes and lighting conditions.

The camera system supports up to 2K video recording at 30 frames per second, providing the ability to capture high-quality videos for personal memories or content creation. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is also available, ensuring smooth and stable video footage, even when capturing action shots or filming on the move.

One of the standout features of the POVA 6 Pro 5G’s camera is the dynamic lighting effect around one of the sensors, adding a distinctive aesthetic touch to the device. This not only serves as a visual highlight but also indicates camera activity, such as when taking photos or recording videos.

Front-Facing Camera

For selfies and video calls, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G is equipped with a 32-megapixel front camera, ensuring high-resolution and flattering shots. It features a hidden LED flash within the top bezel, providing additional lighting for improved image quality in low-light conditions. This makes the device particularly adept at capturing stunning selfies and clear video, even in less-than-ideal lighting scenarios.

Camera Software

The camera software on the POVA 6 Pro 5G includes a range of modes and features to enhance the photography experience. From AI-enhanced scene recognition to professional mode settings, you have the flexibility to tailor your shooting experience to your preferences. The AI camera features are particularly noteworthy, as they simplify the process of capturing great photos by automatically adjusting settings for optimal results.

Battery Life and Charging

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G boasts an impressive 6,000mAh battery, a notable upgrade from its predecessors and many competitors in the market. This substantial capacity ensures that the phone can comfortably last through two days of moderate usage, which includes browsing, streaming, social media, and light gaming. For more intensive prolonged gaming sessions or heavy multimedia consumption, the device still manages to provide a full day’s worth of battery life.

Charging capabilities are equally impressive, thanks to the 70W fast charging support. This means the POVA 6 Pro 5G can be charged from 0 to 50% in just about 20 minutes, and achieving a full charge takes slightly less than an hour. Furthermore, the device includes a 10W reverse charging feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other gadgets. This is particularly useful when on the go and needing to charge wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another smartphone.

Audio and Connectivity

Audio Performance

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G is equipped with a dual stereo speaker setup, promising an enriching audio output that enhances multimedia consumption and gaming experiences. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos technology elevates the sound quality, providing spatial audio that adds depth and clarity to the listening experience. This feature is particularly noticeable when watching movies or playing games, where the immersive audio can significantly enhance user engagement.

For those who prefer using headphones, the POVA 6 Pro 5G retains the 3.5 mm headphone jack, a welcome feature for those who value the option for wired audio connections. Moreover, the device boasts Hi-Res Audio certification, indicating that it can deliver high-quality sound reproduction.

Connectivity

On the connectivity front, the Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G lives up to its name by offering support for 5G networks. This ensures that you can enjoy faster internet speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability, making the device future-proof in regions with 5G infrastructure. The benefits of 5G connectivity extend to streaming high-definition content, seamless online gaming, and efficient file downloads and uploads.

Beyond 5G, the device supports dual-band Wi-Fi for stable wireless internet connections and Bluetooth 5.3 for efficient and reliable pairing with wireless devices. The inclusion of NFC enables contactless payments and easy device pairing, adding a layer of convenience for daily use. The POVA 6 Pro 5G also features a dual SIM card slot and the presence of a MicroSD card slot for storage expansion ensures that you can easily increase the device storage capacity without sacrificing one of the SIM slots, a common limitation in hybrid slot configurations.

Final Verdict:

The Tecno POVA 6 Pro 5G emerges as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the POVA 5 Pro, and stands as a formidable competitor within the budget gaming smartphone segment, marrying affordability with a suite of features that punch well above its weight class. With its eye-catching design, especially in the Comet Green and Meteorite Gray colorways, It distinguishes itself with a futuristic design characterized by dynamic light effects and a striking back panel, moving towards a more captivating aesthetic compared to the more utilitarian look of the POVA 5 Pro.

The device’s 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, with its dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz, offers vibrant visuals and smooth performance that will satisfy both gamers and content bingers. Although the resolution quirks in certain scenarios, like YouTube video playback, may be noticeable to some, they don’t detract significantly from the overall excellent viewing experience.

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, backed by 12GB of RAM (with an additional 12GB virtual RAM option), ensures that most apps and games run smoothly, even if it’s not the latest or most powerful processor on the market. This setup, combined with the dedicated gaming features and a large 6,000mAh battery, makes the POVA 6 Pro 5G a reliable device for extended gaming sessions and day-to-day use. The 70W fast charging is a welcome feature, significantly reducing downtime between charges.

The camera setup, led by a 108MP main sensor, delivers good-quality photos and videos for the phone’s price point. While it may not compete with high-end flagships, it’s more than capable for social media, casual photography, and even some creative endeavors, thanks to the AI enhancements and additional shooting modes.