If you’re in the market for an affordable smartphone that covers the basics, delivers 5G connectivity, and throws in a few pleasant surprises — all without breaking the bank — the Tecno Pop 9 5G is worth a serious look. Priced under ₹9,500, this device is designed for everyday users, first-time smartphone owners, or anyone seeking a dependable secondary phone.
Design: Simple but Fresh
The Pop 9 keeps things modest in terms of design, opting for practicality over flashiness. With a plastic build and standard bezels, it doesn’t try to be ultra-premium — but it does offer a nice range of colors to keep things visually appealing. An IP54 rating adds a layer of durability, offering basic protection against dust and splashes — a rare bonus at this price point.
Performance: Reliable for Everyday Use
Under the hood, the Tecno Pop 9 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process. With two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.4GHz, the phone handles regular tasks like social media, browsing, video playback, and light gaming with ease.
You get:
- 4GB RAM (plus virtual RAM support)
- 64GB or 128GB storage options
- Mali-G57 GPU for casual gaming
It won’t blow you away in performance benchmarks, but for day-to-day use, it’s responsive enough. Just don’t expect it to handle high-end games or intensive multitasking without some slowdowns.
Display: Smooth Experience, Lower Resolution
One standout feature here is the 120Hz refresh rate display — a rare find at this price. It makes scrolling feel fluid and responsive. However, the 720p resolution holds it back in terms of sharpness. If you’re used to Full HD+ screens, the downgrade may be noticeable. But for average users consuming content on YouTube or Instagram, it gets the job done.
Camera: Basic, but Functional
- Rear Camera: 48MP sensor with autofocus and dual LED flash
- Front Camera: 8MP shooter, also with dual LED flash
In good lighting, photos come out decent. Low-light shots are passable, thanks in part to the front flash. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and there’s no stabilization tech (OIS/EIS), so videos might appear shaky.
It’s a basic setup — no ultra-wide, no macro — but good enough for social media or video calls.
Battery: The Standout Performer
The 5000mAh battery is arguably the best part of the Tecno Pop 9. It easily delivers a full day (or more) of use on a single charge. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or chatting, this phone just keeps going.
- Comes with 18W fast charging support
- No reverse charging — but fair trade-off at this price
Extra Perks: Above Expectations
Some nice additions:
- NFC support – for contactless payments via Google Pay
- IR blaster – control your TV, AC, or other devices
- Android 14 out of the box – up-to-date software experience
These features are often missing in phones twice the price, so they add real value here.
What Could Be Better
Naturally, compromises exist:
- 720p display may look soft to some
- No ultra-wide or macro cameras
- No Gorilla Glass protection — use a case/screen guard
- No standout custom UI features – stock Android-style experience
- Unknown screen brightness rating – may impact outdoor usability
Price & Verdict
- 5G Variant: ₹9,499
- 4G Variant: ₹7,499
For under ₹10,000, the Tecno Pop 9 5G offers great value: modern software, reliable performance, long battery life, and even NFC and IR support. No, it’s not a powerhouse or a photography champ — but for the price, it checks most boxes.
Ideal for:
✅ First-time smartphone users
✅ Students
✅ Anyone needing a dependable backup phone
✅ Budget-conscious buyers who still want 5G
Final Word:
The Tecno Pop 9 5G is a smart buy for anyone looking to get more than just the basics at a budget price. It doesn’t try to be flashy — it just works.