Tecno launches new mid-range smartphone with dot matrix display and 8,000 mAh battery

Transition Holdings' sub-brand, Tecno, has unveiled its latest mid-range smartphone, the Pova 8 5G, in the Indian market. It comes as a direct successor to the Pova 7, though there are notable downgrades rather than upgrades. Speaking more precisely, the Pova 8 is powered by the 6 nm-based MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset, although this chip was introduced earlier this year. For context, the last-generation model ships with the Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset. 

Plus, there’s a 15,000 mm² sheet of graphite, which is said to keep the phone under normal temperature while gaming. This time, Tecno has incorporated a small dot-matrix display in the third lens of the Pova 8's camera island, which the company refers to as the Alive Matrix display. This is very much similar to the Nothing Phone 4a Pro’s (curr. available at $599.99 on Amazon) Glyph Matrix display. 

Furthermore, it retains the same display and camera specs as its predecessor. It boasts a 6.76-inch IPS LCD panel that resolves at 1080p resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate. It has a 50 MP Sony Lytia 600 single sensor with 2x in-sensor zoom and an AF lens. Up front, you get a 13 MP snapper for selfies and video chats. 

On the positive side, you get a large 8,000 mAh battery, a step up from the 6,000 mAh of the Pova 7. The battery supports 45 W wired, 30 W wireless, and 10 W reverse charging. Other features include an IP64 water resistance rating, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and MIL-STD 810H certification. 

Available in arc white, graphite black, helios orange, and echo green colorways, the Pova 8 5G starts at INR 30,000 (~$313.13) for the base 6 GB + 128 GB model, and the 8 GB + 128 GB model is priced at INR 32,000 (~$334). It’s now available for pre-order on Flipkart in India with open sales scheduled on June 18.