Best Budget Smartphone Review 2026: Tecno Pova 7 5G

If you're looking for a budget 5G smartphone under ₹15,000, the Tecno Pova 7 5G is one of the most interesting options to consider. It combines a high-refresh-rate display, capable performance, a large battery and 5G connectivity at a relatively affordable price.

As of September 2026, the Tecno Pova 7 5G starts at around ₹13,699 in India for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, although availability and pricing can vary between sellers.

Tecno Pova 7 5G: Key Specifications

Display	6.78-inch FHD+ 144Hz
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate
RAM	8GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB
Rear Camera	50MP
Front Camera	13MP
Battery	6,000mAh
Charging	45W fast charging
Software	Android 15 with HiOS 15
Network	5G

Performance

Performance is one of the strongest reasons to consider the Pova 7 5G. The smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate, a 4nm chipset with an octa-core CPU running at up to 2.5GHz.

In benchmark testing, the phone scored around 676,261 on AnTuTu, putting it among the more capable smartphones in the ₹13,000–₹17,000 price segment. 

For everyday tasks such as social media, web browsing, streaming, multitasking and communication, performance is more than sufficient. The chipset also makes the phone suitable for gaming, although demanding games may require reduced graphics settings for the best experience.

144Hz FHD+ Display

The Pova 7 5G features a large 6.78-inch FHD+ display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and supported games feel noticeably smoother.

The 1080 × 2460 resolution also provides a sharper viewing experience than the HD+ panels still found on some budget smartphones. The display supports up to 900 nits of HBM brightness according to 91mobiles, although outdoor visibility is not its strongest area. 

Camera Performance

The phone comes with a 50MP primary rear camera and a 13MP front camera. Both cameras can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30fps, which is an interesting feature for a phone in this price range. 

In daylight, the main camera can capture detailed images, but colour reproduction isn't always completely natural. Low-light performance is also not comparable with more expensive smartphones.

If camera quality is your main priority, there are other phones in this segment that may offer a more balanced camera experience. However, for casual photography, social media and video calls, the Pova 7 5G is capable enough.

Battery Life

The massive 6,000mAh battery is another major advantage of the Pova 7 5G.

In 91mobiles' battery testing, the phone lasted approximately 11 hours and 38 minutes in the PCMark battery test. Charging from 20% to 100% took around 1 hour and 13 minutes using its 45W fast charging system. 

For normal users, the battery should comfortably handle a full day of use, while lighter users may be able to stretch it even further.

Design

Tecno has taken a different approach to the design. Instead of using a completely conventional budget-phone design, the Pova 7 5G features an aggressive, futuristic look inspired by sci-fi and gaming devices.

One of the most noticeable elements is the Delta Light Interface on the rear. The lighting system can react to notifications, calls, charging and other activities, giving the phone a distinctive appearance.

The phone weighs around 207 grams and has an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Software

The smartphone runs Android 15 with HiOS 15. Tecno's software includes features such as floating windows, split-screen multitasking, App Twin and a Dynamic Port-style interface for certain activities.

However, software support is one of the phone's biggest weaknesses. Current specifications list one year of OS updates and two years of security updates. 

That is considerably shorter than what some competing smartphone brands now offer, so buyers planning to keep their phone for several years should take this into consideration.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

The Tecno Pova 7 5G is a strong choice for buyers who want maximum hardware without spending too much money.

Its combination of a 144Hz FHD+ display, Dimensity 7300 Ultimate processor, 6,000mAh battery, 45W charging and 5G makes it particularly attractive for students, gamers and users who prioritise performance and battery life. 

The cameras are good rather than exceptional, while the limited software-support period is a noticeable drawback. Still, at its current price, the Pova 7 5G offers a compelling hardware package for budget buyers.