Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G Review
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is the latest budget-friendly gaming smartphone from Tecno Mobile that packs impressive features and specifications. With a unique design, powerful performance, large battery, and decent cameras, the Pova 6 Pro aims to be a compelling option in the affordable smartphone segment.
Specifications
| Specification | Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.50 x 76.50 x 9.00 mm |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6080 |
| Display | 6.78″ FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| RAM + Storage | 8/12GB + 256GB |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 70W fast charging |
| OS | Android 14 |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) |
| Rear Cameras | 108MP main + 2MP depth + AI lens |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Network | 2G/3G/4G/5G |
Design
The Pova 6 Pro sports a unique “Turbo Light Mecha” design with a glossy back panel that reflects light in interesting patterns. It features customizable LED lights on the back that can flash for notifications, calls, music, gaming and more. The phone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and comes with a color-matched protective case. While the glossy back looks premium, it attracts fingerprints easily.
Hardware
Powering the Pova 6 Pro is the capable MediaTek Dimensity 6080 5G chipset paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. This allows the phone to handle day-to-day tasks and gaming smoothly. A large vapor chamber cooling system keeps thermals in check. Other notable hardware features include dual speakers, a 3.5mm jack, an IR blaster, and 10W reverse charging support.
Unfortunately, the Pova 6 Pro 5G packs the same chipset of its predecessor. So, if you’re after performance bump, you will find nominal increase due to the vapor chamber setup to avoid effects of thermal throttling. Despite Tecno’s choice of chipset on the Pova 6 Pro 5G, it offers significant upgrades overall, including higher total RAM package, battery, camera and fast charging technology.
Performance
In day-to-day usage, the Pova 6 Pro feels fast and responsive thanks to the Dimensity 6080 chip and ample RAM. It can handle multitasking and demanding apps without issues. Gaming performance is good for the price, with popular titles like PUBG and Call of Duty running smoothly at medium-high settings. The 120Hz refresh rate display enhances the overall user experience.
Artificial Benchmark Results
Antutu Benchmark
Antutu Benchmark is a popular software tool used to measure the performance of smartphones and other mobile devices. It is developed by Antutu, a Chinese software company, and is available for both Android and iOS operating systems.
The benchmark test evaluates the device’s CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage performance. The tool generates an overall score based on the device’s performance in different tests, including CPU and GPU tests, RAM and storage tests, and user experience tests.
The Antutu Benchmark score is commonly used to compare the performance of different mobile devices and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a particular device. Higher scores generally indicate better performance, but it’s important to note that the benchmark score is just one factor to consider when evaluating a device’s overall performance.
Geekbench 6
Geekbench is a cross-platform benchmark tool developed by Primate Labs that measures the performance of a computer’s CPU and GPU. It is designed to evaluate the single-core and multi-core performance of processors, as well as the performance of the system’s memory and compute capabilities.
Geekbench 6 uses a variety of workloads to test different aspects of a system’s performance, including image processing, encryption, and machine learning. The results are reported as a single score for the CPU and GPU, which can be used to compare the performance of different systems.
Geekbench 6 is widely used by hardware enthusiasts, tech reviewers, and manufacturers to test and compare the performance of different computer systems, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. It is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and is regularly updated to support the latest hardware and software platforms.
Geekbench 6 – Single Core
Geekbench 6 – Multi Core
PC Mark 3.0
PCMark for Android is a benchmark tool developed by UL Benchmarks that measures the performance of Android devices, including smartphones and tablets. The tool evaluates the device’s performance in a variety of scenarios, such as web browsing, video playback, and photo editing, and generates an overall score based on the device’s performance.
PCMark for Android includes several benchmark tests, each designed to evaluate a different aspect of the device’s performance. For example, the “Work 2.0” test evaluates the device’s performance in productivity scenarios, such as document editing and data manipulation, while the “Web Browsing 2.0” test evaluates the device’s web browsing performance.
PCMark for Android is widely used by hardware enthusiasts, tech reviewers, and manufacturers to test and compare the performance of different Android devices. It is available for download from the Google Play Store and is compatible with most Android devices running Android 5.0 or later.
Camera Performance
The 108MP main rear camera on the Pova 6 Pro 5G captures detailed shots in daylight with good dynamic range and colors. Low-light performance is average. The secondary lenses are mostly for depth sensing and AI features. Video recording tops out at 2K 30fps. The 32MP front camera takes decent selfies and supports dual-video recording.
Pova 6 Pro 5G’s cameras are surprisingly form its best suits. It works good at low light, and fits the quality I needed when it comes to highlights, shadows, and contrast. Color and saturation can be improved though. While this is the case, this phone’s cameras definitely put better value for the price it asks.
Sound and Dolby Atmos Support
The dual stereo speakers on the Pova 6 Pro get quite loud and support Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience. The sound quality is above average with good clarity and bass.
A Hi-Res certification ensures compatibility with high-quality audio files. The 3.5mm jack is a welcome addition for those still using wired headphones. Again, these features are usually found on devices at the same price range. Kudos to Tecno for taking the extra miling of putting these features on the Pova 6 Pro 5G.
Battery Performance
With a massive 6000mAh battery, the Pova 6 Pro is an endurance champ easily lasting over a day of heavy usage. The included 70W fast charger juices up the phone from 0-100% in under an hour. Handy features like bypass charging to reduce heat while gaming and reverse charging are also present. Battery life is definitely one of the phone’s key strengths.
Software
The Pova 6 Pro runs Tecno’s HiOS based on Android 14 out of the box. The UI has some quirks but is feature-rich with plenty of customization options, gestures and smart features. Bloatware is obvious but the overall software experience is clean.
Unique additions like Game Space and Game Assistant enhance the gaming experience with performance optimizations, eSports mode, etc.
Pricing
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is priced starting at PhP11,999 for the 12GB/256GB model. At this price, it offers excellent value for money considering the specs and features on offer.
Verdict
The Tecno Pova 6 Pro 5G is an impressive affordable gaming smartphone that punches above its weight. The eye-catching design, reliable performance, long battery life, decent cameras, and loud audio make it a compelling all-rounder under PhP12,000. Minor shortcomings like the glossy back and software bloat are easily overshadowed by the pros. If you’re looking for a budget smartphone that can handle gaming and media consumption with ease while lasting all day, the Pova 6 Pro is easy to recommend. Tecno has once again delivered a value-for-money winner that gets most of the basics right.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
