Remember when TECNO first showed off their impossibly thin smartphone concept at MWC 2025? That 5.75mm prototype generated plenty of buzz, but it also left many of us wondering whether such an extreme design could ever make it to production without major compromises. Fast forward to IFA 2025, and TECNO has delivered not one but two ultra-slim smartphones that prove thin doesn’t have to mean fragile or underpowered.
The TECNO Spark Slim and TECNO Pova Slim 5G measure just 5.93mm and 5.95mm, respectively, making them the world’s thinnest smartphones with 3D-curved AMOLED displays. While slightly thicker than the original concept, these production models represent thoughtful engineering decisions that prioritize real-world durability over chasing absolute minimum thickness. TECNO re-engineered eight core components, including a custom 0.45mm Type-C connector inspired by foldable devices, and arranged them using proprietary Honeycomb space stacking technology for 12% better internal space utilization.
Designer: TECNO
The breakthrough in structural engineering becomes apparent when you consider the materials involved. The aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover measures just 0.36mm thick yet delivers 300% greater strength and 200% greater toughness than standard composite plates. Combined with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection, IP64 water and dust resistance, and military-grade shock certification, these phones prove that ultra-thin design can coexist with genuine durability rather than forcing users to choose between style and substance.
Battery life typically represents the biggest compromise in ultra-thin phones, but TECNO’s engineering team found an elegant solution. The 5160mAh high-density lithium cobalt oxide battery measures just 4.04mm thick and includes intelligent health algorithms that maintain 80% capacity after 2000 charge cycles. Paired with 45W fast charging and advanced thermal management through a 0.3mm vapor chamber covering 24,532mm² of heat dissipation area, these phones deliver reliable all-day performance without overheating during intensive use.
The display experience matches the engineering ambition, featuring 1.5K resolution curved AMOLED screens with 144Hz refresh rates and up to 4500 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. TECNO added playful interactive elements like the Mood Light design on the back, where animated circular eyes respond to notifications and charging status with different emotional expressions. The AI integration feels genuinely useful rather than gimmicky, offering real-time translation, Circle-to-Search functionality, and the Ella AI assistant alongside practical features like FreeLink for device connectivity without network requirements.
What makes the Spark Slim series particularly impressive is how TECNO transformed a concept phone into production reality in just six months while addressing every major limitation that has historically plagued ultra-thin smartphones. The dual-model approach serves different user needs with the Helio G200-powered 4G Spark Slim for efficiency and the Dimensity 6400-equipped Pova Slim 5G for performance, proving that innovative design can scale across market segments without compromising the core vision.
