Tecno Pova 6 Neo first impressions: AI galore for under ₹12,000!

In a competitive smartphone market, especially in the sub-₹15,000 category, every device is vying for attention by offering the best value possible.

The Tecno Pova 6 Neo is no different, joining the fray with its AI-powered features.

Design

The first thing that catches your eye is the design. Not having to worry about fingerprint smudges is a big plus. Holding the device without a cover felt comfortable, though its 192g weight made it slightly bulky after prolonged use.

The flat design with rounded edges ensures it doesn’t feel too slim or too heavy. However, the phone can feel cumbersome if you’re carrying it in your jeans pocket for too long.

Button placements are intuitive, with the volume buttons and fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which worked seamlessly every time.

Yet, the large bezels—particularly the chin—are hard to ignore, especially when watching videos.

Performance

For its price, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo delivers a strong performance. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, the phone handled most everyday tasks—scrolling through social media, streaming videos, and general browsing—without a hitch.

The 120Hz refresh rate is smooth and responsive, which adds to the fluidity of navigation.

The software, HiOS 14.5 based on Android 14, comes with a host of AI features like AI Cutout and AI Wallpaper 2.0. Pre-installed bloatware is also a downside that might frustrate some users.

Camera

The 108-megapixel main camera is decent for daylight photography. Colours are vibrant, and details come through sharp. Portrait shots have good edge detection, though the background blur could be improved.

The absence of an ultra-wide-angle lens feels like a missed opportunity, and video recording caps at 2K at 30fps, which might not be enough for users looking for better video capabilities.

Battery Life

The Tecno Pova 6 Neo comes with a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The 18W charging speed is decent enough too.

Early Verdict

Overall, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo makes a solid first impression with its eye-catching design, dependable performance, and excellent battery life.

Stay tuned for our full review!