The smartphone market is crowded with devices that try to stand out in different ways—some focus on foldable screens, others on powerful cameras, and a few on ultra-low prices. But in 2025, Tecno has decided to carve its own niche with something most brands have stepped away from: an incredibly thin smartphone. Enter the Tecno Slim, also marketed as the Tecno Pova Slim in some regions and the Tecno Spark Slim in others.
At just 5.98mm thick and weighing only 156 grams, this device feels almost surreal when you first hold it. It recalls the ultra-thin designs of the Samsung Galaxy Edge and Apple’s iPhone Air but with one major difference: Tecno hasn’t compromised on the battery. Unlike its rivals that cut down capacity for the sake of slimness, the Tecno Slim packs a 5,160mAh battery—larger than the one inside the Galaxy S25 Ultra. That combination of lightness and power is an impressive feat of engineering.
Design and Display
The Tecno Slim’s main appeal is its form factor. It slips easily into a pocket, purse, or bag, almost disappearing due to its lightweight frame. Yet despite its thin body, Tecno managed to fit in a 6.8-inch OLED display.
Tecno advertises a 144Hz refresh rate, but in practice, it seems closer to 120Hz—the maximum supported by its MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset. Even so, the screen looks sharp, colors hold up at different angles, and brightness levels are good enough for most conditions. For a phone priced around $220, the panel is more than adequate.
What You Get in the Box
Unlike premium brands that strip out accessories, Tecno continues to deliver value. The Slim ships with:
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A protective case
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A pre-applied screen protector
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A 45W fast charger
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A USB-C cable
That’s a rare bonus in today’s smartphone market, especially at this price point.
Software and Features
Running on Android 15 with Tecno’s custom skin, the Slim offers plenty of features and customization options. You’ll find gesture controls like three-finger swipes for screenshots, double-tap to wake or lock, and the ability to flip the phone to silence calls. Icon sizes, shapes, and layouts can also be fully adjusted.
The app drawer includes an alphabetical index on the side, making it easy to jump to apps quickly. Animations feel smooth, and overall navigation is pleasant for day-to-day tasks.
One standout design touch is the “mood light” built into the camera module. While it doesn’t serve as a functional flash or notification LED, it adds flair, making the phone more eye-catching—especially useful if you’re trying to get a child’s attention for a photo.
An in-display fingerprint scanner rounds out the features, which is impressive at this price.
Performance
Here’s where the compromises become clear. The Dimensity 6400 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, simply isn’t built for power users. Everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media work fine, but apps take a moment longer to load compared to other budget devices.
Gaming performance is limited, and heavy workloads like video editing or 3D rendering will push the phone to its limits. Benchmarks back this up, with Geekbench scores around 750 single-core and 1,883 multi-core, trailing behind competitors in the same price range.
Storage is another concern. With no microSD expansion and only 128GB onboard, many users will find the space insufficient for a primary device.
Cameras
Photography is decent in good lighting. The rear houses a 50MP main camera, while the front has a 13MP selfie shooter. Photos during the day are sharp enough, and colors are respectable for the price. However, in low light, quality drops significantly.
There’s no ultra-wide or telephoto lens, limiting versatility. Video tops out at 2K 30fps, with no option for 4K. Stabilization is passable but not remarkable. In short, the cameras are fine for casual snaps and social media but not for serious photography.
Verdict
The Tecno Slim is a fascinating device that feels more like a concept phone than a daily driver. Its impossibly thin design and big battery make it unique in today’s market, and as a secondary phone or collector’s item, it’s genuinely appealing.
But as a primary smartphone, it struggles. Limited storage, weaker performance, and basic cameras prevent it from being a true all-rounder. If you’re after something stylish, different, and fun, the Tecno Slim might be worth the $220 asking price. Just don’t expect it to replace your main device.
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