Discover the TECNO POP 9 5G – a budget-friendly smartphone with a 48MP dual rear camera, 6.67-inch display, and 5000mAh battery. Is it the right 5G phone for you? Read our full review
TECNO POP 9 5G Review: The Budget-Friendly 5G Powerhouse with a 48MP Sony AI Camera
The TECNO POP 9 5G (Midnight Shadow, 4GB+64GB) brings a fresh wave of innovation to the budget smartphone market. With its impressive 48MP Sony AI camera, 5G capabilities, and unique features like Dolby Atmos and an IR remote, TECNO has stepped up its game to deliver a solid contender in the budget-friendly 5G space. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes the TECNO POP 9 5G stand out.
Design and Build Quality
The TECNO POP 9 5G sports a sleek design with a Midnight Shadow color that gives it a premium feel despite its budget-friendly price tag. The phone is IP54 rated for splash and dust resistance, adding a layer of durability that’s often missing in this segment. It’s compact, lightweight at 189 g, and fits comfortably in hand, making it easy to carry around.
Adding a touch of personalization, TECNO includes two free vibrant design back skins in the box, allowing you to switch up your phone’s look without additional cost. It’s a small yet thoughtful addition that enhances the overall user experience.
Display Quality
The device features a 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz, providing smooth scrolling and a decent visual experience for everyday use. While the display resolution might not be the sharpest, it’s adequate for browsing, social media, and video streaming, especially considering the price point. The Water Drop Notch Display adds a modern touch, maximizing screen real estate for a better viewing experience.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the TECNO POP 9 5G is powered by the 6nm Mediatek D6300 5G processor paired with up to 8GB of RAM (4GB onboard + 4GB Virtual RAM) and 64GB of internal storage. The chipset offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making daily tasks, multitasking, and moderate gaming relatively smooth.
The device runs on Android 14 with TECNO’s custom UI, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. The promise of 4+ years of lag-free fluency is a significant plus, ensuring that the phone remains usable over time without slowing down drastically.
Camera Performance
One of the standout features of the TECNO POP 9 5G is its 48MP Sony AI dual rear camera. The camera captures vibrant and detailed images, making it one of the best in this segment. The AI capabilities enhance the overall picture quality, automatically adjusting settings for different scenarios. Whether it’s bright daylight shots or low-light photography, the camera performs admirably well for its class.
The 8MP front camera is decent for selfies and video calls, offering clear images with AI beautification features that add a touch of polish to your pictures.
Battery Life and Charging
The TECNO POP 9 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing ample power to get through a full day of usage without breaking a sweat. The 18W fast charging support means you won’t be tethered to a charger for long, making it convenient for users on the go.
Additional Features
What sets the TECNO POP 9 5G apart are the little extras that add value. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos provides an enhanced audio experience, whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming. The IR remote functionality is a unique addition, allowing you to control other IR-enabled devices like TVs and air conditioners directly from your smartphone.
With NFC support, this phone is also future-proofed for contactless payments and other NFC-related tasks, a rare feature in this price range.
Verdict: Is the TECNO POP 9 5G Worth It?
The TECNO POP 9 5G offers a compelling package with its powerful processor, 48MP Sony AI camera, long-lasting battery, and thoughtful extras like Dolby Atmos and an IR remote. While the display resolution could be better, and the device might not appeal to power users seeking high-end performance, it shines as a value-for-money option in the 5G budget category. If you’re looking for an affordable 5G smartphone with unique features that stand out, the TECNO POP 9 5G is worth considering.
Positive Aspects of TECNO POP 9 5G
- Segment’s 1st 48MP Sony AI Camera: The TECNO POP 9 5G stands out with its 48MP Sony AI camera, delivering crisp and vibrant photos that are impressive for its price range. It’s perfect for users who enjoy capturing moments with great detail and color accuracy.
- 5G Connectivity with NFC Support: One of the few budget phones to offer 5G and NFC, the TECNO POP 9 5G ensures fast internet speeds and the convenience of contactless payments, making it a future-proof option in its segment.
- Powerful Mediatek D6300 Processor: The 6nm Mediatek D6300 5G processor provides smooth performance, allowing users to multitask efficiently and enjoy a lag-free experience, even with multiple apps open.
- Long-lasting 5000mAh Battery: With a robust 5000mAh battery, the TECNO POP 9 5G easily lasts through a full day of use. The 18W fast charging support means you can quickly get back to full power, reducing downtime.
- Unique Additional Features: Extras like the IR remote and Dolby Atmos enhance the overall user experience. The IR remote allows you to control other devices, while Dolby Atmos offers an immersive audio experience, making it a great device for multimedia consumption.
Negative Aspects of TECNO POP 9 5G
- Low Display Resolution: The 6.67-inch display of the TECNO POP 9 5G comes with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels, which is on the lower side compared to other phones in this price range. This might disappoint users looking for sharper screen quality.
- Average Front Camera: While the rear camera performs well, the 8MP front camera of the TECNO POP 9 5G is average, delivering decent but not exceptional selfies. It may not satisfy users who prioritize high-quality front camera performance.
- Plastic Build Quality: The TECNO POP 9 5G has a plastic body, which, although lightweight, lacks the premium feel of glass or metal finishes. This can make the phone feel less sturdy compared to other materials.
- Limited RAM and Storage Options: The base model comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which may not be sufficient for heavy users. Although there is memory fusion, those who require more storage may feel constrained.
- Basic Fast Charging: While the TECNO POP 9 5G offers 18W fast charging, it’s not the fastest option available in the market. Competing devices often offer higher wattage, allowing for quicker charging times.
specifications for the TECNO POP 9 5G:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tecno |
| Operating System | Android 14 |
| Processor | Mediatek D6300 5G, 6nm |
| CPU Speed | 2.4 GHz, Octa-Core |
| RAM | 4 GB (with additional 4 GB Virtual RAM) |
| Storage | 64 GB Inbuilt (Expandable up to 1 TB with dedicated memory card slot) |
| Display | 6.67-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1612 pixels, 267 ppi, 90 Hz refresh rate, Water Drop Notch |
| Rear Camera | 48 MP Dual AI Camera (Sony IMX582), 1080p @ 30 fps FHD video recording |
| Front Camera | 8 MP |
| Connectivity | 4G, 5G, VoLTE, Bluetooth v5.3, Wi-Fi, USB-C, NFC |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 18W Fast Charging |
| Additional Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor, IR Remote, Dolby Atmos, IP54 Splash and Dust Resistant |
| Build Dimensions | 16.5 x 7.7 x 0.8 cm |
| Weight | 189 g |
| Form Factor | Bar, Touchscreen |
| Audio | 3.5 mm Audio Jack |
| Color | Midnight Shadow |
| Included in the Box | SIM Tray Ejector, 2 Free Vibrant Design Back Skins, Phone Case, USB Cable |
| Special Features | Fast Charging Support, Dual SIM, Expandable Memory, Built-In GPS, Mobile Hotspot Capability |
| Country of Origin | India |
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Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
- Review: “I am impressed with the TECNO POP 9 5G! The 48 MP Sony AI camera captures stunning photos with great detail. The phone feels snappy, thanks to the Mediatek D6300 5G processor. I also love the additional design back skins that come in the box – they make the phone look unique. Overall, a great buy at this price point.”
- Customer Name: Rajesh P., Mumbai
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Review: “Good value for money. The 90 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling smooth, and the battery easily lasts a full day with moderate use. The display could be sharper, but it’s good enough for daily use. The build quality feels solid, and I appreciate the 5G connectivity at this price.”
- Customer Name: Sneha S., Delhi
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Review: “I bought the TECNO POP 9 5G for my dad, and he loves it! The interface is easy to navigate, and the performance is smooth even with multiple apps running. The phone’s camera quality is impressive for the price, and it’s great to see such features in a budget-friendly 5G phone.”
- Customer Name: Vinay K., Bengaluru
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
- Review: “The TECNO POP 9 5G is a decent phone, but there are a few downsides. The screen resolution could be better, and the camera struggles in low light. However, the 5G support, fast charging, and IR remote feature are great additions that make up for the shortcomings.”
- Customer Name: Pooja M., Chennai
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
- Review: “Overall, a good phone with reliable performance. The side fingerprint sensor works well, and the phone doesn’t lag even after a few months of use. The 5000 mAh battery is a lifesaver, and I can easily get through a day without charging. A solid budget 5G option!”
- Customer Name: Ankit J., Hyderabad
