Pova Slim 5G vs Spark Slim
It depends
Too close to call outright
These two are within 0 points overall — it genuinely depends on price on the day. The Pova Slim 5G edges both longevity and performance, so prefer it when prices are close.
Value Score: Pova Slim 5G 71 · Spark Slim 71 — methodology
Who should pick which
Beyond the scores — our take on each phone and the buyer it actually suits.
A 5.95mm curved-screen 5G phone at 156g whose design still turns heads in 2026, though the Pova line's short update record caps it around October 2028.
Pick it if
- ✓ Slim-phone seekers
- ✓ Pocket-comfort buyers
Skip it if
- ✗ You want long software support
- ✗ Serious mobile gamers
The concept Tecno showed at MWC 2025 actually shipped: a 5.93mm curved-AMOLED phone with a 5160mAh battery, held back mainly by 4G-only radios and an estimated 2028 support cutoff.
Pick it if
- ✓ Thin-and-light fans
- ✓ Media watchers
Skip it if
- ✗ You need 5G
- ✗ You keep phones past 2028
The lifespan decider
When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.
Category by category
Both displays are effectively the same class.
Performance is a wash — same chip tier.
Camera systems are comparable on paper — pick by sample photos.
Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.
Both phones' support windows end around the same time.
Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.
Frequently asked
Is the Pova Slim 5G still supported?
Yes. It went on sale in October 2025 with Android 15 and HiOS 15, and remains within Tecno's patch cycle. On the Pova line's documented record, security coverage should hold to roughly October 2028.
How long will the Pova Slim 5G get updates?
Tecno makes no written promise here. Pova handsets have typically received one HiOS upgrade and up to three years of patches, so plan on Android 16 as the ceiling and support ending near October 2028.
Is the Spark Slim still supported?
Yes. It reached retail in October 2025 on Android 15 with HiOS 15 and is still inside Tecno's patch window. Based on the Spark line's record, security updates should continue to about October 2028.
How long will the Spark Slim get updates?
There is no model-specific promise. Spark devices generally see around two HiOS upgrades and three years of security patches, which puts Android 17 as the likely ceiling and end of support near October 2028.
Full spec table
| Spec | Pova Slim 5G | Spark Slim |
|---|---|---|
| Price (street) | $200 | $165 |
| Display | 6.78-inch curved AMOLED, 1.5K (1224 x 2720), 144Hz, 4500 nits peak, Gorilla Glass 7i | 6.78-inch curved AMOLED, 1.5K (1224 x 2720), 144Hz, 4500 nits peak, Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Chipset | MediaTek Dimensity 6400 | MediaTek Helio G200 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 5,160 mAh | 5,160 mAh |
| Charging | 45W wired (about 57 minutes to full), 10W reverse wired, bypass charging | 45W wired (about 57 minutes to full), 10W reverse wired, bypass charging |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 2MP depth | 50MP main |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 6.0 mm | 164.2 x 75.9 x 5.9 mm |
| Weight | 156 g | 156 g |
| Water resistance | IP64 (MIL-STD-810H tested) | IP64 (MIL-STD-810H tested) |
| Supported until | Oct 2028 | Oct 2028 |
More comparisons
Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.