From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7, launched in India in July 2025, offers great value at £104 (₹12,999, $155) with its 144 Hz display and 6000 mAh battery. However, it’s not perfect for everyone. Despite its strengths, like the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra chipset, some flaws might make UK buyers hesitate. Drawing from the Techno Ruhez video, web reviews, and X posts, here are the top 5 reasons to avoid the Tecno POVA 7 if you’re considering a budget smartphone. Let’s dive in and see why this phone might not suit your needs!
Why You Might Skip the Tecno POVA 7
1. Bloatware-Filled Software
The POVA 7 runs HiOS 15.1 on Android 15, but it comes with pre-installed bloatware, per X posts (@stufflistings). Apps you don’t need can clog storage and slow navigation. While Ella AI and features like AI Eraser are useful, the cluttered interface frustrates users wanting a clean experience, like OxygenOS on OnePlus. UK buyers may find this annoying, especially with only two years of security updates promised, per the transcript.
- Issue: Pre-installed apps slow down the UI.
- Updates: Android 16 promised, but short support.
- Impact: Less smooth than competitors like Redmi.
- Why Avoid: Cluttered software hampers usability.
2. Average Camera Performance
From my perspective, the 50 MP dual rear camera (main + AI lens) is decent for £104, but it struggles in low-light conditions, producing reddish tones and high contrast, per the Techno Ruhez video. Compared to the Moto G85’s 50 MP OIS camera, it lacks sharpness, per 91mobiles. The 13 MP selfie camera is okay for daylight but not great for video calls in dim settings. UK users prioritizing photography might prefer alternatives.
- Camera: 50 MP main + AI, 13 MP selfie.
- Weakness: Poor low-light performance.
- Rival: Moto G85 offers better camera quality.
- Why Avoid: Subpar for photo enthusiasts.
3. Hybrid SIM Slot Limits Flexibility
The POVA 7 uses a hybrid SIM slot, meaning you choose between dual SIMs or one SIM plus a microSD card, per the transcript. For UK users juggling multiple numbers or needing extra storage, this is restrictive. Competitors like the Redmi Note 14 offer dedicated microSD slots, per Gizmochina. At £104, this limitation feels outdated, especially for travelers or heavy users.
- Slot: Hybrid SIM (dual SIM or SIM + microSD).
- Issue: Limits storage and SIM flexibility.
- Rival: Redmi Note 14 has dedicated slots.
- Why Avoid: Inconvenient for multi-SIM users.
4. No 3.5 mm Headphone Jack
From my perspective, the absence of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a drawback, per the video. While the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos sound great, UK users who prefer wired earphones for music or gaming will need a USB-C adapter. This adds cost and hassle, unlike the Realme Narzo 70, which includes a jack, per web reviews.
- Audio: Stereo speakers, no 3.5 mm jack.
- Issue: Requires USB-C adapter for wired audio.
- Rival: Realme Narzo 70 includes headphone jack.
- Why Avoid: Inconvenient for wired audio fans.
5. No Ultra-Wide Camera
The POVA 7 lacks an ultra-wide camera, relying on a 50 MP main + AI lens, per the transcript. This limits creative shots like landscapes or group photos, a feature found in rivals like the POVA 7 Pro or Infinix Note 50, per Smartprix. X posts (@SavageAryan007) highlight this as a major miss for budget phones in 2025. UK users wanting versatile photography may look elsewhere.
- Camera Setup: 50 MP main, no ultra-wide.
- Issue: Limited to standard shots.
- Rival: POVA 7 Pro includes ultra-wide lens.
- Why Avoid: Restricts creative photography.
Wrapping It Up
From my perspective, the Tecno POVA 7 shines with its 144 Hz display and 6000 mAh battery at £104 (₹12,999, $155), but it’s not flawless. Bloatware, weak low-light camera, hybrid SIM slot, no 3.5 mm jack, and no ultra-wide camera make it less appealing for some UK buyers. If you prioritize clean software, versatile cameras, or wired audio, consider alternatives like the Moto G85 or Redmi Note 14. Available on Flipkart and Amazon India, the POVA 7 is great for gamers but falls short for others. What’s your take? Share below!
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
