17 June,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Tarun Verma
POVA 8 5G Smartphone
Choosing a smartphone in the mid-price segment is like searching for a needle in a haystack, with numerous options available across various brands. The POVA 8 5G enters the market with the ambition of reshaping the segment. As the successor to the POVA 7, the smartphone, starting at Rs 29,999, offers features and specifications that could end your search for a capable device in the Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 price range.
The moment you hold the phone, it feels premium. The POVA 8 5G immediately grabs attention with its futuristic design. However, it is the rear panel that truly sets the smartphone apart.
What appears to be a triple-camera setup comes with a clever twist. While two of the circular modules house camera sensors, the third ring at the bottom is not a camera. Instead, it is an interactive LED display that adds a unique visual element to the device.
While the display may initially appear slightly pale, it offers a crisp 1080x2344-pixel resolution and a pixel density of 381 PPI, delivering sharp visuals during everyday use. If you are a frequent social media user, the 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth animations and fluid scrolling.
Complementing this is the impressive 1500Hz instantaneous touch sampling rate, which translates into quicker touch response and improved precision during competitive gaming sessions.
This customisable rear display can light up with animations, notifications, charging indicators, and personalised effects. The circular ring is both functional and stylish. It's the kind of feature that instantly catches attention and sparks conversations.
At the heart of the smartphone is the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor, paired with up to 16GB of dynamic RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. After extended use, POVA 8 5G clearly demonstrates that it has been built for users who demand long battery life and dependable performance without breaking the bank. Its 6.76-inch FHD+ IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers fluid scrolling and an enjoyable gaming experience, while the 950 nits peak brightness ensures good outdoor visibility.
While many smartphones in this price segment are limited to basic multitasking and moderate gaming, the POVA 8 5G proves to be a notable exception. Every day, multitasking, gaming and content consumption felt smooth, thanks to the 14,689 mm² cooling system, which helps manage heat during extended gaming sessions.
Without diving too deeply into technical details, popular titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Counter-Strike run smoothly on the device. However, some heating issues are noticeable during prolonged gaming sessions. Despite this, overall performance remains impressive, especially when used in a relatively cool environment.
POVA 8 5G offers a capable camera setup that strikes a fine balance between versatility and ease of use. While the brand positions it as a smartphone for content creators, the standout feature is its 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 primary sensor. Paired with a light sensor, it captures detailed and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions.
With features like dual video, vlog, slow motion, and super macro, the camera system has been thoughtfully designed to help creators produce content more efficiently.
On the front, the POVA 8 5G offers a 13MP selfie camera, which also proves to be versatile. However, one of its biggest advantages is the ability to record 2K videos, a welcome addition in this segment.
Considering the fact that there are a lot of options available at this particular price range, the POVA 8 does feature a power-packed performance in terms of gaming and camera; however, the display of this smartphone is something that could have been a little better. With 6GB/128GB available at Rs 29,999 and 8GB/128GB at Rs 31,999, it can be a tricky choice. So, if you are someone who loves gaming and recording content for your social media feed, then this could be a device worth buying.
