The mobile market is buzzing with new releases as we enter 2025, and Tecno has stepped up with its latest budget-friendly offering, the Tecno Pop 9 5G. This smartphone promises to bring 5G connectivity and modern features at a price that won’t break the bank. In this in-depth review, we’ll unpack everything from design to performance, helping you decide if the Tecno Pop 9 5G is the right choice for you.

Unboxing: What’s Inside the Box?

Tecno takes a straightforward approach to packaging. The Tecno Pop 9 5G comes in a well-designed box that showcases the phone’s features and available colors. Upon unboxing, you’ll find:

• The smartphone itself, protected with a pre-applied scratch guard.
• A flexible TPU case that is soft and transparent, offering basic protection.
• User manual and a 12-month warranty card.
• A USB Type-A to Type-C cable for charging and data transfer.

One major omission is the lack of a charging adapter. While the phone supports up to 18W fast charging, you’ll need to purchase the adapter separately. This trend, seen across brands, is aimed at reducing electronic waste but may inconvenience first-time buyers.

Design and Build: Stylish Yet Practical

Tecno has designed the Pop 9 5G with a focus on simplicity and durability. The phone features a plastic polycarbonate body with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and offers subtle light reflections. Its boxy design is modern, with rounded corners and flat side panels that enhance grip.

The back panel houses a single 48 MP camera along with an infrared sensor, which doubles as a remote control for devices like TVs and air conditioners. The ring-style LED flash adds a unique touch to the camera module.

In terms of dimensions, the phone measures 165.52 mm in height, 76.8 mm in width, and has a slim 7.82 mm thickness, weighing just 190 grams. Its IP54 rating makes it resistant to dust and splashes, adding an extra layer of durability.

Display: Vibrant but Limited

The Tecno Pop 9 5G sports a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming, the display’s 480 nits peak brightness can be limiting in direct sunlight. However, the color reproduction is impressive, delivering vibrant visuals that make it ideal for multimedia consumption.

The display boasts a 20:9 aspect ratio and a 90% screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive viewing experience. The bezels are reasonably thin, but the prominent chin at the bottom slightly detracts from the overall aesthetic.

Performance: Power That Meets Expectations

At the heart of the Tecno Pop 9 5G is the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm fabrication process. The octa-core processor, paired with the Mali-G57 GPU, delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

The phone comes with 4GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage, which is expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card. This configuration ensures that the device handles multitasking and storage needs efficiently. However, demanding applications may occasionally push the limits of its capabilities.

Running on Android 11, the device has a clean and user-friendly interface. However, Tecno has not clarified whether future updates to Android 15 or 16 will be available, leaving some uncertainty about long-term software support.

Camera: Decent but Not Exceptional

The Tecno Pop 9 5G’s camera system includes:

• 48 MP primary sensor: Offers good clarity in daylight but struggles slightly in low light.
• Infrared sensor: Allows the phone to function as a remote control for compatible devices.
• 8 MP front camera: Delivers decent selfies with acceptable detail and color accuracy.

The rear camera supports 10x digital zoom and can record videos in up to 2K resolution at 30fps. For 720p and 1080p, it offers both 30fps and 60fps options. While video quality is satisfactory, the stabilization could be improved for smoother footage.

The front camera supports 2x zoom in video mode and performs adequately for casual use. Overall, the camera system is functional but not groundbreaking, especially considering the growing competition in this price range.

Battery Life and Charging

Equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the Tecno Pop 9 5G offers all-day usage on a single charge. The device supports 18W fast charging, which helps reduce downtime, though you’ll need to purchase the adapter separately.

For moderate users, the battery can last up to two days, making it a reliable companion for daily tasks and entertainment.

Connectivity and Audio

As a 5G smartphone, the Tecno Pop 9 5G ensures faster internet speeds and future-proof connectivity. Other connectivity features include:

• Dual SIM support (hybrid slot).
• Dual stereo speakers for enhanced audio quality.
• 3.5mm audio jack for wired headphones.

The inclusion of dual stereo speakers is a welcome addition, providing loud and clear sound for calls and media.

Pricing and Value for Money

The Tecno Pop 9 5G is priced under ₹9000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While it offers solid features like 5G connectivity, a high-refresh-rate display, and a large battery, the absence of a bundled charger and average outdoor brightness may deter some users.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Tecno Pop 9 5G?

The Tecno Pop 9 5G is a well-rounded smartphone for its price, offering 5G connectivity and essential features that cater to everyday users. However, if you’re willing to spend slightly more, there are alternatives with better cameras, brighter displays, and faster performance.

For those who prioritize affordability and basic functionality, the Tecno Pop 9 5G is worth considering. As always, weigh your options and keep an eye out for new launches that might better meet your needs.