The smartphone industry is undergoing a design shift, with brands exploring slimmer and lighter devices to appeal to style-conscious consumers. While big batteries, high-refresh-rate displays, and camera systems have dominated discussions for years, thin smartphones are fast emerging as the next big trend.
One of the first companies in India to embrace this shift is Tecno Mobiles, which has launched the Pova Slim 5G. At just 5.95mm thickness and 156 grams weight, the phone offers a feather-light experience without compromising on essential features.
Why Slim Is the New Smart
Smartphone design has become increasingly repetitive in recent years. Whether you pick up a device from Samsung, Oppo, or Vivo, most of them look alike — glass backs, camera modules at the corner, and familiar side finishes.
According to Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of Tecno Mobiles India, this monotony is exactly what Tecno wanted to break. “All brands focus on cameras, RAM, and displays. But consumers also want a design that feels different. With the Pova Slim 5G, we’ve delivered a phone that truly stands apart,” he says.
Specs That Balance Style and Power
Despite being nearly as slim as a pencil, Tecno has ensured that the Pova Slim 5G packs practical features. Some highlights include:
- 6.78-inch AMOLED display for vibrant visuals
- 5,160 mAh battery, larger than even premium slim rivals like the Galaxy S25 Edge (3,900 mAh)
- Dual rear cameras for versatile photography
- Weight: 156 grams, Thickness: 5.95mm
- Price: Rs 19,999 (approx. $226)
This combination places the phone in the affordable mid-range segment (Rs 15,000–20,000), a sweet spot for Indian consumers who want value without losing out on style.
Why India Is Ready for Slim Phones
In India, frequent network shifts between 4G and 5G drain batteries quickly, which is why bigger batteries are still in demand. But at the same time, people don’t want phones that feel bulky in their hands.
“Foldables were seen as the future, but they didn’t take off as expected. Users spend 80% of the time on the main screen, making the extra weight unnecessary. Consumers today prefer light, easy-to-carry devices,” explains Talapatra.
The Pova Slim 5G tries to solve both issues — it offers a large battery and ultra-slim design, creating a balanced package.
Competition and Strategy
Tecno, a part of the Transsion Group, runs three factories in India and has a strong offline presence in tier-3 and tier-4 markets. Unlike Apple and Samsung, which dominate the premium space, Tecno positions itself against Oppo and Vivo, focusing on value-driven buyers.
Talapatra also notes that Tecno closely observes competitors. Instead of copying, the company refines its offerings to fit the Indian market better. For instance, the bigger battery in the Pova Slim 5G is a response to India’s connectivity challenges and the growing use of AI-heavy applications.
Apple’s Rumoured iPhone Air 17 and the Slim Race
Interestingly, global attention on slim smartphones may grow further with Apple’s expected launch of the iPhone Air 17. Reports suggest the device could be just 5.5mm thick with a 6.6-inch display, making it one of the thinnest phones ever.
Even though Tecno does not compete directly with Apple, Talapatra sees this as a positive. “If Apple introduces a slim iPhone, it will validate the category and drive awareness. That can only help us,” he says.
The Road Ahead
The launch of the Tecno Pova Slim 5G signals that slim smartphones are no longer reserved for the luxury segment. By combining affordability, battery efficiency, and stylish design, Tecno is betting that Indian consumers are ready to embrace a new era of ultra-thin smartphones.
If the strategy pays off, the Pova Slim 5G could mark the turning point where thin phones shift from niche to mainstream.
