TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition Price, Specs, Unboxing, Quick Review, Flash Deal Details

Renowned maker of feature-packed yet affordable smartphones, TECNO, stepped into the arena with a bang and got the attention of young mobile gamers in Q4 2023 with the launch of the much-talked-about TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition.

Packed with cutting-edge features and an exclusive Free Fire themed user interface, this model aims to cater to the avid mobile gaming community while offering a well-rounded smartphone experience. 

In this feature, we will delve into every aspect of the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition, from design to performance and everything in between.

Price and Availability in the Philippines

The TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition officially landed in the Philippines in September 2023. With a suggested retail price of PHP 10,999, this model is well positioned as a competitive midrange smartphone from the get go.

However, for a limited time, TECNO Mobile is offering an exclusive Flash Deal starting on December 6, 2023, on their Official Store in Shopee, bringing the price down to an attractive PHP 9,099. This makes it a compelling choice for those eyeing a feature-rich device without breaking the bank.

Quick Unboxing and Package Contents

The unboxing experience of the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition is nothing short of exciting. I sure had fun removing the handset out of the box because of the unique look of the packaging.

The triangular box, featuring a Free Fire Edition sleeve with the model name prominently displayed, immediately grabs attention -- and upon opening the internal box, users are greeted with a thoughtfully curated set of accessories.

I think it's great that TECNO had already listed down all the key technical specifications of the smartphone right on the sleeve cover so consumers know exactly what they'll get even before they unbox the device.

The internal box prominently shows the number 5 along with the full model name.

Official retail package contents include the handset itself, a USB Type-C charging cable, the small metal pin for ejecting the SIM card tray, a 12+1 months warranty card, FreeFire stickers for personalization, a FreeFire gift code for in-game perks, a high-speed 68W travel charger for rapid charging, a free soft silicone case for added protection, and a noteworthy inclusion – wired earphones, a rarity in the current smartphone retail landscape.

This is the complete retail package of TECNO POVA 5 Pro Free Fire Edition.

I think it's so cool that TECNO had included a free wireless headset in the package. Other companies have already stopped doing this, which is sad since consumers would have to buy one separately in case they're still into using this legacy accessory as opposed to wireless earbuds that require separate battery charging.

Design

The TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition boasts a striking Turbo Light Mecha Design, featuring an innovative LED light strip and a 9-color RGB interactive design. 

The device's dimensions of 168.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm and a weight of 212 grams strike a balance between substantial feel and comfortable handling.

Now, isn't this a handsome smartphone? So sleek and eye-catching!

Available in Dark Illusion, Silver Fantasy, and the exclusive Free Fire Edition, the smartphone's high-gloss finish adds a premium touch while the plastic frame and back contribute to its lightweight build. 

TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G features a predominantly plastic exterior. However, I appreciate that it has a luxurious mettalic finish - as shown in these photos - that makes the device look more expensive than it actually is.

On top of the handset, you will find a row of holes for one of the two loud speakers of this smartphone, which greatly elevate this model in terms of audio quality.

At the rear, we see the 3.5mm audio jack, which is a rarity on today's smartphones, a pinhole for the microphone, the USB Type C charging port, and a row of holes for the secondary loud speaker.

I'd say that the design of TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, catering to the gaming community with its unique lighting features.

The pulses of the smartphone's unique LED strips at the back can be controlled in the Special Function section in the device's settings. There you can choose from different Backlight Effects and turn them on while playing games, charging, and playing music, among others.

Display

The 6.78-inch IPS LCD display is a standout feature, offering a resolution of 1080 x 2460 pixels and an impressive 120Hz refresh rate. 

The large screen size, combined with the high refresh rate, ensures smooth visuals and responsiveness during gaming and multimedia consumption. With a peak brightness of 580 nits, the display maintains visibility even in challenging lighting conditions.

Cameras

Equipped with a 50 MegaPixel main camera and an auxiliary lens of 0.08 MegaPixels, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition delivers sharp and vibrant photos.

I wish that the handset came with an ultra-wide angle camera but I guess the brand had to remove some features to keep the price of this 5G model accessible.

The wide f/1.6 aperture and the Dual LED flash make TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G reliable when it comes to low-light photography. There's even a torchlight mode that I find handy for taking food photos in cafes or restaurants with mood-lighting.

For those who love taking selfies and groufies, there's a 16 MegaPixel front-facing camera with an f/2.0 aperture and dedicated torchlight, another rare feature on today's smartphone models.

Video Recording

The TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition is a fairly decent device for video recording, supporting 1440p at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps for both front and back cameras. Although the smartphone doesn't record 4K videos, 2K is good enough for vlogging and making TikTok videos.

Internal Hardware

Running on Android 13 with TECNO's HIOS 13 overlay, the device is powered by the Mediatek MT6833P Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) chipset. The Octa-Core CPU (2 x 2.4 GHz Cortex-A76, 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensure a smooth and responsive user experience for a device in this price echelon.

With 8GB of RAM + up to 8GB RAM Expansion, the handset should be able to meet the requirements of heavy multitaskers and 256GB of internal storage, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G provides ample space for apps, games, and multimedia content.

The model that I have comes with HIOS 13 Free Fire Theme along with the icon pack as well as five character wallpapers.

HIOS 13 user interface is familiar, clean, and easy to navigate. I don't think anyone will find it awfully hard or confusing to use.

Gaming Performance

For gaming enthusiasts, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition stands out as a reliable gaming smartphone. The powerful chipset, coupled with the high-refresh display, creates an immersive gaming experience. In particular, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, a popular mobile MOBA, runs seamlessly on the device, delivering smooth graphics and responsive controls. I recommend turning on "High" frame rate and "High" graphics when playing MLBB on this handset for the most balanced performance.

On top of that, the Turbo Light Mecha Design enhances the gaming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for "flashy" and avid mobile gamers.

Privacy and Security Features

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor plus Facial Recognition technology enhance security, providing quick and convenient access to the device. These feature show TECNO's focus in delivering a secure user experience on top of offering the legacy password and passcode unlock methods.

Battery and Charging Speed

A robust 5,000 mAh Li-Po battery powers the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition, ensuring prolonged usage without compromise. 

The standout feature is the 68W ultra-fast wired charging, capable of reaching 50% battery in just 15 minutes. This is a game-changer for users who demand quick charging to minimize downtime.

Pros and Cons

In conclusion, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition impresses on multiple fronts. The Turbo Light Mecha Design, high-refresh display, powerful internals, and gaming-centric features make it a standout device in its price range. The inclusion of accessories like wired earphones and the FreeFire gift code adds significant value to the overall package.

Pros:

Competitive pricing, especially during the Flash Deal

Powerful gaming performance

Striking Turbo Light Mecha Design

Comprehensive accessory bundle

Ultra-fast 68W wired charging

5G Connectivity Support

Cons:

Fully plastic build may not appeal to all users

An Ultra-Wide Angle Camera would have been appreciated

Recommendation

The TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition is a solid recommendation for gamers and smartphone enthusiasts looking for a feature-packed device without breaking the bank. Its powerful specifications, combined with the very attractive Turbo Light Mecha Design design, make it a compelling choice in the mid-range segment. 

If you prioritize gaming performance, fast charging, and a complete package, the TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition is worth considering, especially during the Flash Deal for an even more attractive price.

TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition Specs

Dimensions: 168.5 x 76.5 x 9 mm

Weight: 212 grams

Build: Glass Front, Plastic Frame, Plastic Back

Colors: Dark Illusion, Silver Fantasy, Free Fire Edition

Turbo Light Mecha Design Featuring an Innovative LED Light Strip

and 9-color RGB Interactive Design

Models: LH8n

Display

Size: 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio)

Resolution: 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)

Type: IPS LCD, 120Hz, 580 nits (peak)

Platform

OS: Android 13, HIOS 13

Chipset: Mediatek MT6833P Dimensity 6080 (6 nm)

CPU: Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76, 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)

GPU: Mali-G57 MC2

Memory

RAM: 8GB + 8GB RAM Expansion

Internal: 256GB

Card slot: microSDXC (Dedicated Slot)

Main Camera

Single: 50 MegaPixels, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF

0.08 MegaPixels (auxiliary lens)

Sensors: Dual LED flash

Video: 1440p at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps

Selfie Camera

Single: 16 MegaPixels, f/2.0, (wide)

Sensors: LED flash

Video: 1440p at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps

Sound

Loudspeaker: Yes, with Stereo Speakers

3.5mm jack: Yes, 24-bit/192kHz audio

Communications

SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, Dual Standby)

5G: Yes

4G LTE-A: Yes

WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Bluetooth: Yes

Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS

NFC: Yes

Radio: FM radio

USB: USB Type-C 2.0

Sensors: Fingerprint (Side-Mounted)

Battery:

Type: Li-Po 5,000 mAh, Non-Removable

Charging: 68W Ultra Fast Wired Charging, 50% in 15 Minutes

Packaging Details

Box - Triangular Box with FreeFire Edition Sleeve, Model Name Prominently Printed on The Box

Contents - Handset itself, USB Type C Charging Cable, Metal Pin for Ejecting SIM Card Tray, 12+1 Months Warranty Card, FreeFire Stickers, FreeFire Gift Code, 68W Travel Charger, Free Soft Silicone Case, Wired Earphones, which has become a rarity in smartphone retail packages these days.

TECNO POVA 5 Pro 5G Free Fire Edition Price in the Philippines

Official SRP in the Philippines - PHP 10,999

December 6, 2023 Flash Deal Price (TECNO Mobile Official Store in Shopee) - PHP 9,099

Launch in the Philippines - September 2023