The smartphone market, long dominated by trends around high-resolution cameras, powerful processors, and fast charging, is now witnessing a fresh wave of innovation — ultra-slim designs. While thinness was never a heavily marketed feature in mainstream phones, brands are now pushing the limits of design and consumer expectations. Among them, Tecno Mobiles India has stepped into the spotlight with its newly launched Pova Slim 5G, a smartphone that measures just 5.95mm in thickness and weighs only 156 grams.
The Rise of Slim Smartphones
For years, smartphone designs have grown increasingly predictable. Sleek glass backs, rounded corners, and similar camera module placements have made it hard for any one brand to stand out. But slim phones are emerging as a new category. Global players like Samsung, Huawei, Honor, and Oppo have already experimented with thinner models, such as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, though these often come with premium price tags.
What Tecno is attempting, however, is to make thin phones more accessible and affordable. According to Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of Tecno Mobiles India, today’s consumers don’t just want performance; they also want a smartphone with a unique identity.
“Everyone is talking about the camera, RAM, and display. But when you look at most phones, they all appear similar. We wanted to create something distinct — a device so slim that it stands out instantly,” says Talapatra.
Why Slim Makes Sense for India
Talapatra emphasizes that consumers are no longer interested in bulky devices. “People don’t want a big battery phone that’s heavy. Foldables didn’t work the way the industry expected, because 80% of the time, people only use the primary display. Why carry such a heavy phone for that?” he explains.
In markets like India, where network connectivity shifts between 4G and 5G frequently, battery drain is a common problem. Recognizing this, Tecno has ensured the Pova Slim 5G is not just ultra-thin but also practical. Despite its slim profile, the device houses a 5,160 mAh battery, outperforming premium rivals like the Galaxy S25 Edge, which offers a smaller 3,900 mAh unit.
Tecno Pova Slim 5G: Specs and Price
The Tecno Pova Slim 5G is nearly as slim as a standard pencil but doesn’t compromise on essentials. Key highlights include:
- Thickness & Weight: 5.95mm, 156 grams
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED panel
- Battery: 5,160 mAh
- Cameras: Dual rear camera setup
- Price: Rs 19,999 (approx. $226)
Positioned in the Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 segment, Tecno’s offering is aimed at the mass market, particularly in tier-3 and tier-4 cities, where the brand already enjoys strong offline presence.
“We are offering a design that is truly different, and at a price point where consumers don’t have to compromise,” says Talapatra.
Competition and Market Strategy
Tecno, part of the Transsion Group, operates three factories in India and maintains a corporate office in Noida. Unlike Apple or Samsung, the company does not chase the ultra-premium market. Instead, its competitors are Vivo and Oppo, who also target value-conscious buyers.
Talapatra admits that Tecno carefully observes what global giants are doing, but instead of replicating their approach, the company adapts lessons to improve its own devices. For instance, the larger battery in the Pova Slim 5G is a direct response to India’s fluctuating connectivity and the growing use of AI-driven applications that demand more power.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Possible Entry
Interestingly, the timing of Tecno’s launch coincides with rumours about Apple’s upcoming iPhone Air 17, expected to debut next week. The device is said to feature a 5.5mm-thick body and a 6.6-inch display, which could bring unprecedented global attention to the slim-phone category.
Even though Tecno doesn’t directly compete with Apple, Talapatra sees this as an opportunity: “Apple’s entry may actually help us. If they bring a slim iPhone, it will validate the trend and increase consumer interest in thinner phones.”
A Shift in Smartphone Priorities?
The success of slim phones will ultimately depend on whether consumers are willing to compromise on certain features, like larger camera modules or ultra-long battery life, for a lighter, sleeker design. But for now, Tecno is betting big on design differentiation.
By offering a thin device with a sizeable battery and competitive price tag, the Pova Slim 5G could well be the phone that makes ultra-slim designs mainstream in India.