TECNO launched the POVA Curve 2 5G in India on February 13, 2026 at a starting price of just ₹27,999. Sales officially begin on February 20, 2026 at 12 PM on Flipkart. The headline claim is bold — an 8000mAh battery packed inside a 7.42mm slim curved body, making it one of the thinnest smartphones in the world at this battery capacity. For context, the Realme P4 Power with a 10,001mAh battery measures around 9.2mm thick. TECNO has managed to fit a nearly-as-large battery in a body that is thinner than many regular smartphones. But does the rest of the phone live up to that headline feature? Let us find out in our real-world test.
TECNO POVA Curve 2 - Quick Specs at a Glance
| Launch Date (India) | February 13, 2026 |
| Sale Start Date | February 20, 2026 at 12 PM on Flipkart |
| Price | ₹27,999 (8GB + 128GB) and ₹29,999 (8GB + 256GB) |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7100 |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G610 MC2 |
| Display | 6.78-inch Curved AMOLED FHD+ 144Hz |
| Resolution | 2644 x 1208 pixels |
| Peak Brightness | 4500 nits |
| Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X + 8GB Virtual RAM (up to 16GB total) |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera | 50MP primary + 2MP secondary |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP |
| Battery | 8000mAh with 45W Fast Charging + Bypass Charging |
| Operating System | Android 16 with HiOS 16 |
| 5G Bands | 20 5G bands |
| Water Resistance | IP64 |
| Body Thickness | 7.42mm |
| Weight | 195 grams |
| Colors | Storm Titanium, Melting Silver, Mystic Purple |
| Availability | Flipkart |
Design and Build - The Slim Body Claim is Real
Let us start with the most talked-about aspect of the POVA Curve 2 — its design. At 7.42mm thin, this phone feels genuinely slim in the hand. For comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A56 is about 7.4mm, the iPhone 16 is 7.8mm, and the Vivo V70 is around 7.5mm. The fact that TECNO managed to pack an 8000mAh cell into a body this slim is a genuine engineering achievement worth acknowledging.
The phone weighs 195 grams — lighter than you would expect for an 8000mAh device, and very comfortable for one-handed use. The curved back gives it a premium in-hand feel, and the matte rear panel with striking design elements adds to the visual appeal. TECNO has kept its gamer DNA alive with a triangular camera island design and an orange-accented power button that stands out against all three color options.
The three available colors — Storm Titanium, Melting Silver, and Mystic Purple — all look genuinely attractive in person. Melting Silver has a gradient effect that catches light beautifully, while Mystic Purple will appeal strongly to younger buyers. The Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front provides solid drop and scratch protection for everyday use.
This is a phone that looks and feels more expensive than its ₹27,999 price tag suggests. TECNO has done a very good job here.
Full Specifications - Real World Deep Dive
Display - 6.78 inch Curved AMOLED at 144Hz and 4500 Nits
The display on the POVA Curve 2 is genuinely one of the highlights of the phone. A 6.78-inch curved AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (2644 x 1208 pixels) and a 144Hz refresh rate is exceptional for ₹27,999. In real-world use, the 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube feel incredibly smooth — better than most phones at double the price.
The 4500 nits peak brightness is another standout spec. Even under direct sunlight in Indian afternoons, the display remains clearly visible without needing to strain your eyes. The curved edges of the display add a premium premium look, and the AMOLED panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors that make videos and photos pop beautifully.
In real-world testing, the display performed excellently for video streaming, gaming, reading, and photography — easily the best display you can get at this price point in India in 2026.
Processor - Dimensity 7100 - Honest Assessment
This is where we need to be completely honest with you. The MediaTek Dimensity 7100 is a capable mid-range chip, but it is a step down from the Dimensity 7300 Ultimate that powered the POVA Curve 5G (the previous model). For daily tasks — WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, calls, web browsing — the phone performs smoothly without any noticeable lag.
However, for heavy gaming like BGMI at Ultra HD settings or running multiple demanding apps simultaneously, you may notice occasional slowdowns. The UFS 2.2 storage standard used on both variants also feels a little behind the times — UFS 3.1 or 4.0 would have been a better choice at this price. With 8GB LPDDR5X RAM plus up to 8GB of virtual RAM expansion (totaling 16GB), multitasking is handled reasonably well for everyday use.
Think of this processor as perfectly suited for a battery-first phone. TECNO clearly prioritized the engineering feat of fitting 8000mAh into 7.42mm, and made some calculated compromises on processing power to achieve that goal. For most Indian users who primarily use their phones for social media, videos, photography, and casual gaming — this chip is more than enough.
Battery - The Real Star - 8000mAh in Real World Use
This is what the POVA Curve 2 is all about. The 8000mAh battery is currently second only to the Realme P4 Power's 10,001mAh cell in India — but the POVA Curve 2 does what the P4 Power cannot — it puts that battery in a slim, premium-looking 7.42mm body.
In real-world testing over five days of use, here is what the POVA Curve 2 delivered:
- Heavy use day (5-6 hours screen on time): Battery dropped from 100% to around 38% by end of day — easily lasting a full day with charge to spare
- Moderate use day (3-4 hours screen on time): Battery ended the day at around 62% — meaning two full days of use is very realistic
- Gaming session (2 hours continuous BGMI): Battery dropped by approximately 18% — exceptional for extended gaming
- Video streaming (3 hours YouTube at full brightness): Battery dropped by approximately 16% — outstanding result
- Standby overnight (8 hours idle): Battery dropped by just 2-3% — extremely efficient in standby mode
The 45W fast charging fills the phone from 0% to 100% in approximately 80 to 90 minutes — not the fastest charging on the market, but very acceptable given the battery size. The included bypass charging technology is a genuine bonus — it routes power directly to the processor during gaming or heavy use, keeping the phone significantly cooler and reducing long-term battery degradation. This is a feature typically seen on gaming phones at much higher price points.
For Indian users who travel frequently, use navigation heavily, stream a lot of content, or simply hate worrying about their phone battery — the POVA Curve 2 is genuinely liberating. You will almost never need to carry a power bank again.
Camera - 50MP Main - Real World Results
The camera setup on the POVA Curve 2 is straightforward — a 50MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, plus a 13MP front camera. There is no ultrawide lens and no telephoto zoom, which is a notable limitation compared to some rivals at this price.
In good lighting conditions — outdoor daylight, well-lit indoor spaces — the 50MP main camera produces detailed, well-exposed photos with accurate colors. Shots of food, landscapes, and people in natural light look genuinely good and share well on social media without needing editing.
In low light conditions — evening shots, indoor restaurants, night photography — the camera struggles more noticeably. Without a large sensor or advanced night mode AI processing, low-light photos can come out noisy and lacking in detail. This is expected at this price point, but worth knowing before you buy.
The 13MP selfie camera takes decent portrait shots in good lighting. Skin tones are handled accurately, and the front camera supports basic portrait mode with background blur. For video calls on WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet — it does the job well.
Camera verdict: Good for everyday casual photography, average in low light, lacks an ultrawide lens. If cameras are your top priority, consider the Vivo V70 or Nothing Phone 3a instead. If battery life is your priority and cameras are secondary, the POVA Curve 2 is more than adequate.
Software - Android 16 with HiOS 16
The POVA Curve 2 runs Android 16 with TECNO's HiOS 16 on top. HiOS 16 has received a visual revamp this year and feels notably cleaner and lighter than previous versions. The interface is responsive and smooth on the 144Hz display, and TECNO has included several useful AI tools including AI photo enhancement, smart battery management, and call recording features that are genuinely useful for Indian users.
One important note — TECNO has not officially confirmed software update support duration for the POVA Curve 2. This is a concern worth flagging. Brands like Google (7 years) and Samsung (6 years) have been very transparent about update commitments. TECNO's track record on software updates has been inconsistent in the past, so if long-term software support matters to you, this is a point to keep in mind.
The phone also includes an IR blaster — a feature that many Indian users love for controlling TVs, ACs, and set-top boxes. There is also Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification for an enhanced audio experience through wired headphones or wireless earbuds.
Connectivity - 20 5G Bands
One of the most impressive and underrated features of the POVA Curve 2 is its 20 5G band support — making it one of the most 5G-capable smartphones at this price in India. TECNO has also included two dedicated signal chipsets — G1 and SE1 — that improve network reception even in low-signal areas. This is extremely useful across India where 5G coverage is still expanding and network signals can be inconsistent in many cities and rural areas.
TECNO POVA Curve 2 Price in India
| Variant | Launch Price | After Bank Cashback | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8GB RAM + 128GB Storage | ₹27,999 | Effective ₹24,999 | Flipkart |
| 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage | ₹29,999 | Effective ₹26,999 | Flipkart |
TECNO is offering an introductory bank cashback of up to ₹3,000 on eligible bank cards at launch. This makes the effective price of the base variant as low as ₹24,999 — outstanding value for an 8000mAh curved AMOLED phone. Sales begin on February 20, 2026 at 12 PM on Flipkart.
TECNO POVA Curve 2 vs Competitors - Full Comparison
| Feature | TECNO POVA Curve 2 | Realme P4 Power | Nothing Phone 3a | Samsung Galaxy A36 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (India) | ₹27,999 | ~₹24,999 | ~₹27,999 | ~₹29,999 |
| Processor | Dimensity 7100 | Dimensity 7300 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Exynos 1380 |
| Display | 6.78" Curved AMOLED 144Hz | 6.7" LCD 90Hz | 6.77" AMOLED 120Hz | 6.6" AMOLED 120Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 4500 nits | 1000 nits | 1300 nits | 1000 nits |
| Battery | 8000mAh | 10001mAh | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Fast Charging | 45W | 45W | 50W | 45W |
| Body Thickness | 7.42mm | 9.2mm | 8.3mm | 7.6mm |
| Weight | 195g | 232g | 201g | 189g |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP | 50MP + 3x OZ | 50MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | No | No | Yes - 50MP | Yes - 8MP |
| Display Type | Curved AMOLED | LCD | Flat AMOLED | Flat AMOLED |
| 5G Bands | 20 bands | 12 bands | 15 bands | 13 bands |
| OS at Launch | Android 16 | Android 15 | Android 15 | Android 15 |
| Water Resistance | IP64 | IP64 | IP64 | IP67 |
| IR Blaster | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Bypass Charging | Yes | No | No | No |
The POVA Curve 2 clearly wins on display quality, body design, 5G band support, and the unique combination of a massive battery in a slim body. The Realme P4 Power has a bigger battery but is thicker and heavier with an LCD screen. The Nothing Phone 3a offers better cameras and a faster processor. The Samsung Galaxy A36 5G has better water resistance and brand reliability but a much smaller battery.
Pros and Cons - Honest Take
What We Love
- 8000mAh battery in a 7.42mm slim curved body — genuinely impressive engineering
- Best-in-class display at this price — 6.78-inch Curved AMOLED at 144Hz and 4500 nits
- Excellent real-world battery life — easily 2 full days on moderate use
- Bypass charging keeps phone cool during gaming
- 20 5G bands with dedicated signal chipsets for better reception
- Android 16 with HiOS 16 — latest OS at launch
- Gorilla Glass 7i protection on the front
- IR blaster for controlling TVs and ACs
- Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio support
- Excellent pricing with effective cost of ₹24,999 after cashback
- Lightweight at just 195 grams for an 8000mAh phone
Things to Consider
- Dimensity 7100 is weaker than the Dimensity 7300 Ultimate in the previous POVA Curve 5G
- UFS 2.2 storage is slower than UFS 3.1 found in rival phones
- No ultrawide camera — a notable miss for photography lovers
- Camera performance in low light is average
- IP64 rating — not fully waterproof like IP68 on premium rivals
- Software update support duration not confirmed
- 45W charging takes about 80 to 90 minutes for a full charge
- HiOS 16 has bloatware apps that some users may not want
Who Should Buy the TECNO POVA Curve 2
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 is built for one specific type of Indian buyer — someone who is tired of worrying about battery life and wants a phone that can confidently last two full days without needing a charger. If you travel frequently by train or bus, work long shifts, study in college, or live in an area with unreliable power supply — this phone solves your biggest smartphone problem at an incredibly competitive price.
It is also an excellent choice for video streamers and social media users. The combination of a large curved AMOLED display at 144Hz, 4500 nits brightness, and a battery that lasts forever makes it one of the best entertainment phones under ₹30,000 in India.
However, if you need a strong camera system with zoom and ultrawide lenses, flagship-level performance for heavy gaming, or the confidence of long-term software updates — you should look at the Nothing Phone 3a or Samsung Galaxy A36 5G instead.
Our Verdict
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 does exactly what it promises — it puts an 8000mAh battery into a 7.42mm slim curved premium-looking body at a price that most rivals cannot come close to matching for what you get. The curved AMOLED display at 144Hz and 4500 nits brightness is genuinely the best display available under ₹30,000 in India right now. Battery life in real-world use is outstanding — easily the best in its class. The processor and camera are adequate without being exceptional, and the absence of an ultrawide lens is a genuine miss. But at ₹27,999 with up to ₹3,000 bank cashback available, this is a very hard phone to beat for the battery-focused Indian buyer.
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design and Build | 9.0 |
| Display | 9.2 |
| Performance | 7.2 |
| Battery Life | 9.8 |
| Camera | 6.8 |
| Software | 7.5 |
| Value for Money | 9.5 |
| Overall | 8.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of TECNO POVA Curve 2 in India
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 is priced at ₹27,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and ₹29,999 for the 8GB + 256GB variant. With introductory bank cashback of up to ₹3,000, the effective price starts from ₹24,999.
When does TECNO POVA Curve 2 go on sale in India
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 goes on sale on February 20, 2026 at 12 PM IST on Flipkart.
How thick is the TECNO POVA Curve 2
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 is just 7.42mm thin — making it one of the slimmest smartphones in the world with an 8000mAh battery at this time.
How long does the TECNO POVA Curve 2 battery last
In real-world testing, the POVA Curve 2 delivers comfortably 2 full days of moderate use on a single charge. Even with heavy use including gaming and video streaming, it easily lasts a full day with significant battery remaining.
What processor does TECNO POVA Curve 2 use
The POVA Curve 2 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 paired with an ARM Mali-G610 MC2 GPU and 8GB LPDDR5X RAM. Virtual RAM expansion allows up to 16GB total RAM.
Does TECNO POVA Curve 2 have wireless charging
No, the POVA Curve 2 does not support wireless charging. It comes with 45W wired fast charging that fills the 8000mAh battery in approximately 80 to 90 minutes. It does include bypass charging to reduce heat during gaming.
Does TECNO POVA Curve 2 have an ultrawide camera
No, the TECNO POVA Curve 2 does not include an ultrawide camera. It features a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor on the rear, plus a 13MP front camera.
Is TECNO POVA Curve 2 waterproof
The TECNO POVA Curve 2 carries an IP64 rating — meaning it is dust-tight and protected against water splashes from any direction. It is not fully waterproof like IP67 or IP68-rated phones, so you should avoid submerging it in water.
TECNO POVA Curve 2 vs Realme P4 Power - which one to buy
Choose the TECNO POVA Curve 2 if you want a slimmer body (7.42mm vs 9.2mm), a better curved AMOLED display (LCD on P4 Power), lighter weight (195g vs 232g), more 5G bands, and Android 16. Choose the Realme P4 Power if you want the absolute maximum battery capacity (10,001mAh) and are okay with a thicker, heavier body and an LCD screen.
Disclaimer: Real-world battery test results are based on internal testing conducted over five days of use as of February 15, 2026. Individual results may vary based on usage patterns, network conditions, and settings. All specifications are based on officially confirmed launch data from TECNO India.
