Tecno Pop 9 5G : The budget smartphone segment has always been about compromises – settling for less to pay less. However, Tecno’s latest offering, the Pop 9 5G, challenges this narrative by bringing features typically reserved for mid-range devices to the sub-₹10,000 price bracket.

Launched in September 2024, this device has created quite a stir in the Indian market with its surprising inclusion of NFC support, a 48MP Sony camera, and 5G connectivity at an incredibly competitive price point.

A Design That Defies Its Price Tag

First impressions matter, and the Tecno Pop 9 5G doesn’t disappoint. Available in three eye-catching colors – Midnight Shadow, Azure Sky, and Aurora Cloud – the device sports a modern aesthetic that belies its budget positioning.

What’s particularly impressive is the attention to durability. The IP54 rating ensures protection against dust and water splashes, addressing a common concern among budget smartphone users who often skip expensive protective cases.

The thoughtful design extends beyond aesthetics. At a time when many manufacturers are removing essential features, Tecno has retained the 3.5mm headphone jack, acknowledging that budget-conscious consumers often prefer their existing wired accessories.

The inclusion of an IR blaster transforms the phone into a universal remote control, adding practical value that even some flagship devices lack.

These design choices reflect a deep understanding of what matters to users in this segment.

Display Technology That Punches Above Its Weight

The 6.6-inch display might feature HD+ resolution (1612 x 720 pixels), but Tecno has cleverly compensated for this with a 120Hz refresh rate – a feature that was exclusive to premium devices just a few years ago.

This high refresh rate transforms the user experience, making scrolling through social media feeds, browsing websites, and navigating the interface feel remarkably smooth and responsive.

While tech enthusiasts might scoff at the HD+ resolution in 2024, the reality is that for everyday tasks like messaging, calling, and casual content consumption, it proves more than adequate.

The 120Hz refresh rate actually matters more for perceived smoothness than pixel density at this screen size. It’s a smart prioritization of features that actually impact daily usage over spec-sheet bragging rights.

Performance Built for the Future

At the heart of the Pop 9 5G lies the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, a significant upgrade from the Unisoc processors found in previous Pop models. This 5G-capable processor ensures the device isn’t just affordable today but remains relevant as 5G networks expand across India.

The 4GB of RAM might seem modest, but Tecno’s memory fusion technology allows users to virtually expand it to 8GB using available storage space.

The choice of processor reflects careful market positioning. While it won’t run demanding games at maximum settings, it handles everyday tasks with aplomb. Social media apps, messaging platforms, and even light gaming run smoothly.

The real achievement is bringing 5G connectivity to this price point without compromising on overall performance, making it accessible to students, first-time smartphone buyers, and budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to miss out on next-generation network speeds.

Camera Capabilities That Surprise

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Pop 9 5G is its camera system. The 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor represents a massive leap from the 12MP camera in the Pop 8. This isn’t just a numbers game – the Sony sensor brings genuine improvements in image quality, especially in good lighting conditions.

The AI enhancements help optimize shots automatically, making it easier for casual photographers to capture Instagram-worthy moments.

The 8MP front camera delivers decent selfies for video calls and social media. While it won’t compete with dedicated selfie-centric phones, it’s perfectly adequate for the target audience.

The camera app includes various modes and filters, adding creative options without overwhelming users with complexity. In daylight, the main camera captures surprisingly detailed shots with good color reproduction, though low-light performance remains a challenge typical of this price segment.

Battery Life and Charging

The 5000mAh battery has become standard in budget smartphones, and the Pop 9 5G doesn’t deviate from this norm. What’s noteworthy is the optimization – the efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset combined with the HD+ display ensures the battery easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use.

The 18W fast charging might not be cutting-edge, but it’s practical for overnight charging or quick top-ups during the day.

Real-world usage suggests most users can expect 6-8 hours of screen-on time, depending on their usage patterns.

For students attending online classes or young professionals working remotely, this translates to reliable all-day performance without battery anxiety.

The NFC Game Changer

The inclusion of NFC support at this price point deserves special mention. As India rapidly embraces digital payments, NFC enables contactless transactions through services like Google Pay and other tap-to-pay solutions.

This feature, typically absent in budget phones, positions the Pop 9 5G as a forward-thinking device that anticipates evolving user needs.

Beyond payments, NFC enables quick pairing with accessories, easy file sharing, and automation through NFC tags.

It’s a small addition that significantly enhances the device’s versatility and future-proofs it for emerging use cases.

Software and User Experience

Running Android 14 out of the box, the Pop 9 5G offers a relatively clean software experience. Tecno’s custom skin adds useful features without overwhelming the interface with bloatware.

The promise of over four years of lag-free performance, while optimistic, suggests confidence in the hardware-software optimization.

The dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support elevate the multimedia experience, making videos and music more enjoyable without headphones.

It’s another example of Tecno understanding that budget phone users often rely on their devices as primary entertainment sources.

Tecno Pop 9 5G Market Impact and Value Proposition

Priced at ₹8,499 for the 64GB variant and ₹9,499 for 128GB (with launch offers bringing prices down further), the Pop 9 5G disrupts the budget segment significantly. The combination of 5G connectivity, NFC support, a capable Sony camera sensor, and a 120Hz display at this price point forces competitors to reconsider their offerings.

For its target audience – Gen Alpha, college students, and young professionals – the Pop 9 5G delivers where it matters. It’s not trying to be a flagship killer but rather a thoughtful package that prioritizes features that enhance daily life.

The inclusion of two free skins in the box adds personalization options that appeal to younger users who value individual expression.

The Tecno Pop 9 5G proves that budget smartphones don’t have to be about compromise anymore.

By carefully selecting features that matter and executing them well, Tecno has created a device that doesn’t just compete on price but offers genuine value.

In a market flooded with options, the Pop 9 5G stands out as a smart choice for anyone seeking modern features without breaking the bank.