From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7 and POVA 7 Pro, launched in India in July 2025, are bold contenders in the budget smartphone segment. Priced at £104–£136 (₹12,999–₹16,999, $155–$205), these phones feature a 144 Hz display, a 6000 mAh battery, and a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra processor, targeting gamers and value seekers. Showcased by Techno Ruhez, the POVA 7 series offers a unique design with a Delta Light Interface and robust features, competing with brands like Redmi and Realme.
From my perspective, Tecno’s evolution from basic to premium budget offerings is notable, but how do these phones stack up? Drawing from hands-on insights, web reviews, and X sentiment, this review explores the POVA 7 and 7 Pro’s design, performance, camera, and more. Let’s dive into why these budget powerhouses deserve a closer look!
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Design and Build
From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7 and POVA 7 Pro boast a striking, youthful design that stands out in the budget segment. At 8.8 mm thick and made of polycarbonate with a glossy finish, the POVA 7 feels slim yet tall, offering a premium hand feel for its £104 (₹12,999, $155) price, as noted in the Techno Ruhez video. The Delta Light Interface—a multi-functional LED strip around the camera module—syncs with calls, notifications, and gaming, adding flair. Available in Neon Green, Starry Black, and Aurora Blue, the design is vibrant, though the glossy finish attracts fingerprints.
The POVA 7 Pro shares a similar look but feels slightly more refined. Both include a hard plastic case in the box, styled to match the camera module and feature IP64 water and dust resistance, a rarity under £150. However, the hybrid SIM slot (dual SIM or SIM + microSD) limits flexibility, and the lack of a 3.5 mm jack may disappoint some UK users.
- Build: 8.8 mm, polycarbonate, glossy finish.
- Design: Delta Light Interface, three colors.
- Protection: IP64, hard plastic case included.
- Drawback: Hybrid SIM, no 3.5 mm jack.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Display Quality
From my perspective, the 6.78-inch Full HD+ LTPS IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate is a standout feature for both the POVA 7 and 7 Pro, as highlighted in the transcript. At £104–£136, it’s possibly the only phone under £150 offering such a high refresh rate, per 91mobiles. The HDR-certified display delivers sharp visuals and vibrant colors, ideal for YouTube (up to 2160p) or gaming. The POVA 7 Pro steps up with a 1.5K resolution for crisper details.
With 900 nits peak brightness and a 91.5% screen-to-body ratio, it performs well indoors and decently outdoors, though the slightly thick chin bezel is noticeable. The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling, but the IPS panel lacks the OLED depth of pricier rivals like the Realme Narzo 70.
- Display: 6.78-inch Full HD+ (POVA 7), 1.5K (Pro).
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz, segment-leading.
- Brightness: 900 nits, HDR-certified.
- Issue: IPS, thicker chin bezel.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Performance and Gaming
From my perspective, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra (4 nm) powers both phones with impressive performance, scoring 674,000+ on AnTuTu, as per the video. This rivals chipsets in £200 phones, making the £104 POVA 7 a steal for gamers. Paired with LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, it handles multitasking and games like BGMI at 60 FPS on Ultra settings with minimal frame drops, per web reviews. The Game Mode boosts CPU performance, offers bypass charging, and displays FPS, enhancing the experience.
The POVA 7 Pro uses the same chipset, ensuring identical power. However, occasional frame drops in intensive games and the lack of a dedicated cooling system may limit prolonged gaming sessions compared to the Redmi Note 14.
- Chipset: Dimensity 7300 Ultra, 674,000+ AnTuTu.
- Gaming: 60 FPS on Ultra, Game Mode features.
- Memory: LPDDR4X RAM, UFS 2.2 storage.
- Issue: Minor frame drops, no advanced cooling.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Camera Capabilities
From my perspective, the POVA 7’s 50 MP dual rear camera (main + AI lens) and 13 MP selfie camera deliver decent results for £104, as shown in the transcript. Photos are sharp with AI-enhanced details, though they exhibit a slight reddish tone and high contrast, per Techno Ruhez. The POVA 7 Pro upgrades to a 64 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide with a Sony sensor, offering better versatility.
Both support 4K 30 FPS video with EIS, suitable for casual vlogging. Features like Super Night Mode, portrait mode, and dual-view video add value, but low-light shots lack detail compared to the Moto G85. For budget buyers in India or the UK, the cameras are functional but not class-leading.
- POVA 7: 50 MP main + AI, 13 MP selfie.
- POVA 7 Pro: 64 MP main + 8 MP ultra-wide.
- Video: 4K 30 FPS with EIS, Super Night Mode.
- Issue: Low-light performance lags rivals.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Battery and Charging
From my perspective, the 6000 mAh battery in both POVA 7 and 7 Pro is a highlight, offering 1.5–2 days of usage for calls, gaming, and streaming, as noted in web reviews. The 45W fast charger included in the box (a rarity at £104) charges from 0–50% in ~25 minutes, per Gizmochina. Both phones support bypass charging for gaming without overheating, but the POVA 7 Pro’s identical battery feels less impressive at £136.
Compared to the Realme Narzo 70’s 5000 mAh with 67W charging, the M9’s larger battery is a win, though charging speed trails slightly.
- Battery: 6000 mAh, 1.5–2 days usage.
- Charging: 45W, 0–50% in ~25 minutes.
- Feature: Bypass charging for gaming.
- Issue: Slower charging than some rivals.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Software and Features
From my perspective, the POVA 7 series runs HiOS 15.1 on Android 15, with a promised Android 16 update and two years of security patches, per the transcript. Features like Ella AI (supporting Indian regional languages), AI Eraser, and AI Sharpness Plus enhance usability, especially for Indian users. 4×4 MIMO, 10 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC ensure robust connectivity, while Vivo Wi-Fi Dual Pass and No Network Connectivity are segment-firsts.
However, pre-installed bloatware and occasional UI lag, as noted on X (@stufflistings), may frustrate UK users seeking a cleaner experience like OxygenOS.
- OS: HiOS 15.1 on Android 15, Android 16 promised.
- AI: Ella AI, AI Eraser, Sharpness Plus.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, NFC, 10 5G bands.
- Issue: Bloatware, minor UI lag.
Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 144 Hz display, rare under £150, ideal for gaming and scrolling.
- 6000 mAh battery with 45W charger included for long-lasting power.
- Dimensity 7300 Ultra delivers 60 FPS gaming at £104.
- Unique Delta Light Interface for notifications and style.
- IP64 rating and hard plastic case add durability.
Cons:
- Hybrid SIM slot limits dual SIM + microSD usage.
- No 3.5 mm jack, a drawback for UK audio enthusiasts.
- Camera struggles in low light, trailing Moto G85.
- Bloatware in HiOS 15.1 may annoy some users.
- IPS display lacks OLED vibrancy of pricier rivals.
- No advanced cooling for prolonged gaming.
Comparison to Competitors
From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7 (£104, ₹12,999, $155) and POVA 7 Pro (£136, ₹16,999, $205) compete with the Redmi Note 14 (£120), Realme Narzo 70 (£110), and Moto G85 (£130) in the budget segment. The POVA 7’s 144 Hz display and 6000 mAh battery outshine the Redmi’s 120 Hz and 5000 mAh, while the POVA 7 Pro’s 1.5K display and ultra-wide camera give it an edge over the Realme’s 6.6-inch AMOLED. However, the Moto G85’s 50 MP OIS camera performs better in low light. The POVA 7 series’ Dimensity 7300 Ultra matches or exceeds rivals in gaming, and its Delta Light Interface is unique, but bloatware and brand perception lag behind Redmi and Realme, per X posts (@stufflistings).
- POVA 7: 144 Hz, 6000 mAh, better value than Redmi.
- POVA 7 Pro: 1.5K display, ultra-wide camera.
- Rivals: Moto G85 has better low-light camera.
- Edge: Unique LED design, high refresh rate.
From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7 and 7 Pro are budget powerhouses that deliver exceptional value at £104–£136 (₹12,999–₹16,999, $155–$205). The 144 Hz display, 6000 mAh battery, and Dimensity 7300 Ultra make them ideal for gamers and value-seekers in India, the UK, or the US. The Delta Light Interface, IP64 rating, and 45W charger in the box add flair, though bloatware, hybrid SIM slot, and average low-light camera are drawbacks. Compared to the Redmi Note 14 or Moto G85, the POVA 7 series shines for gaming and battery life but needs to prove its software polish. Available for pre-order on Flipkart or Amazon India, these phones are a bold step forward for Tecno. Ready to grab one?
Top 10 Reasons to Buy Tecno POVA 7
Why You Might Skip the Tecno POVA 7
From my perspective, its 144 Hz display and 6000 mAh battery at £104 make it a top budget gaming phone.
The Pro has a 1.5K display, 64 MP + 8 MP ultra-wide camera, and in-display fingerprint scanner.
Sources
- YouTube: Tecno POVA 7 & 7 Pro is here – Crazy Specs & Bold Design Phone @₹12,999* (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzdToyEUnkY)
- Gizmochina
- 91mobiles
- TechRadar
- GSMArena
- Posts on X: @TechnoRuhez, @stufflistings, @gadgetstouse
[…] from the Techno Ruhez video, web reviews, and X buzz, here are the top 10 reasons to buy the Tecno POVA 7. Let’s see why this phone is a steal for UK […]