Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G : Budget smartphones have become predictably boring lately. Same designs, similar specs, identical marketing promises. Then Tecno dropped the Pova 6 Neo 5G, and suddenly everyone’s paying attention again. Not because it revolutionizes anything, but because it actually delivers on promises other brands just talk about.
The AI Revolution Nobody Expected
Here’s what caught people off guard: Tecno didn’t just slap “AI” onto their marketing materials and call it a day. They actually built genuine AI features that work in real life. The phone’s AI Magic Eraser removes unwanted objects from photos surprisingly well, while the AI Cutout feature separates subjects with impressive accuracy.
At ₹12,999, this marks the first time AI capabilities have been included in a device priced under ₹15,000, making sophisticated photo editing accessible to users who couldn’t afford flagship phones. That’s not just clever positioning – it’s smart democratization of technology.
The AI Portrait generator transforms regular photos into cartoon-style artwork, and honestly, it’s more entertaining than it has any right to be. These aren’t gimmicky features you use once and forget – they’re practical tools that enhance everyday photography.
Performance That Punches Above Its Weight Class
The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor deserves more credit than it gets. Built on a 6nm process, this chip handles daily tasks smoothly while supporting genuine 5G connectivity. In AnTuTu benchmarks, the device achieved an impressive 443,163 score, with Geekbench results of 744 single-core and 1,973 multi-core.
These numbers might not impress flagship users, but they represent solid performance for the price point. The phone throttles to about 62.6% of peak performance under sustained load, which sounds concerning until you realize most budget phones perform worse.
Gaming performance stays respectable for casual players. BGMI runs acceptably, though extended sessions will warm up the device. But that’s expected – this isn’t a gaming phone pretending to be budget-friendly.
Camera Capabilities: 108MP That Actually Matters
The 108MP main camera sparked skepticism initially. We’ve seen too many budget phones with high-megapixel sensors that disappoint in real-world usage. The Pova 6 Neo 5G breaks this trend.
The phone excels in low-light photography, producing noticeably less grainy images with sharper details than competitors like the iQOO Z9x and Redmi 13 5G. Portrait shots showcase superior edge detection and natural skin tones, though detail levels trail slightly behind the Redmi 13.
Selfie performance with the 8MP front camera exceeds expectations, delivering better facial detail and more natural skin tones than similarly priced alternatives. The addition of front LED flash – a rarity in this price segment – enables decent night selfies.
Design Philosophy: Minimalism Over Gaming Aesthetics
Unlike its predecessor’s aggressive gaming phone aesthetic, the 5G version adopts a cleaner, more universal design language. Available in Midnight Shadow, Azure Sky, and Aurora Cloud colorways, the phone appeals to broader audiences than typical Pova devices.
The matte finish resists fingerprints well, while the circular camera module looks distinctly different from the rectangular designs dominating the market. At 192.3 grams, it feels substantial without being unwieldy, and the IP54 rating provides basic water and dust protection.
Battery Life and Charging: Practical Rather Than Spectacular
The 5000mAh battery delivers reliable full-day performance with moderate usage. Users can expect over a day of light usage, with the HD+ display helping extend battery life. The 18W charging isn’t fast by current standards, but the included charger saves money.
Battery optimization feels well-tuned. Unlike some budget phones that drain quickly despite large batteries, the Pova 6 Neo 5G manages power efficiently during standby periods.
Software Experience: HiOS Gets Smarter
Running Android 14 with HiOS overlay, the software feels more polished than previous Tecno iterations. The AI features integrate naturally into the interface without feeling forced or gimmicky.
Tecno promises five years of lag-free performance, which seems optimistic for any budget Android device. However, early user reports suggest the phone maintains smooth operation better than expected for its class.
Tecno Pova 6 Neo 5G Market Reality Check: Smart Positioning in Crowded Space
Currently priced from ₹11,999 for the 6GB/128GB variant and ₹12,999 for 8GB/256GB, the Pova 6 Neo 5G faces stiff competition from established players like Redmi and Realme.
Where it differentiates itself isn’t through raw specifications but practical innovation. The AI features aren’t revolutionary, but they’re genuinely useful. The camera isn’t the best in class, but it performs well where competitors struggle.
For users prioritizing AI capabilities, clean design, and reliable performance over benchmark bragging rights, the Pova 6 Neo 5G presents compelling value. It’s not perfect, but it’s refreshingly honest about what it offers.