Consumer Tech

Where to buy the new Tecno Pop 9 Budget 5G phone in NG, GH and prices

For a budget device, the Tecno Pop 9 5G brings an unexpected highlight in late 2024.

Image Credit: TECNO

Announced on September 23, 2024, the Tecno POP 9 5G is generating quite a buzz. Set to hit the shelves in October, this latest offering from Tecno promises to be more than just a minor upgrade. But what exactly makes it so special?

For starters, the POP 9 5G is taking aim at the Infinix Smart series, offering a compelling combination of features and affordability. We're talking a 120Hz display for smooth scrolling, a capable camera system for capturing everyday moments, and 5G connectivity to keep you in the fast lane. But Tecno didn't stop there—they've also included some unexpected extras, like NFC support for convenient mobile payments.

Could this be the budget smartphone that finally delivers on both performance and affordability? Join us as we take a closer look at its features, explore its potential, and discuss its expected price in Nigeria, Kenya, and other regions.

Tecno Pop 9 Design and Build

Dimensions: H: 165 mm (6.5″), W: 77 mm (3.03″), D: 8 mm (0.31″)
Weight: 189g
Material: Glass front; plastic back and frame
Colours: Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IR sensor

The pop colour skins

The Tecno Pop 9 5G strikes a balance between style and practicality. It's got a decent size, measuring 165×77×8 mm, and at 189g, it's light enough to carry around comfortably. The glass front adds a touch of elegance, while the plastic back and frame keeps it affordable but also practical. Sure, it might not scream "luxury," but the plastic is more durable than glass, less prone to cracking, and keeps the weight—and price—down.

Now, let's talk about that camera setup. It's strikingly similar to the iPhone 16's design, nestled within a larger, rounded square. It definitely adds a bit of visual interest to the back of the phone.

You'll find this phone in three colour options - Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, and Midnight Shadow. If those aren't quite your style, Tecno has thoughtfully included two vibrant skins in the box to add a pop of personality.

All in all, the Tecno Pop 9 5G's design won't turn heads like a flagship model, but it's a comfortable, practical, and surprisingly stylish option for everyday use.

Display and Audio

Size: 6.6″ (168 mm) diagonal
Type: IPS LCD, 120 Hz
Resolution: 720×1612 px, about 267 PPI
Speaker: Loudspeaker (Yes), Dual speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3.5 mm Headphone Jack (Yes).

Tecno Pop 9 display | Justfones

Tecno has been a bit coy with the full display details of the Pop 9 5G, but they’ve confirmed it features a 120Hz panel, which is an exciting addition for a budget phone. Imagine scrolling through your social media feeds with that smooth refresh rate. And it doesn’t end there. Tecno paired this 120Hz feature with a decent-sized IPS LCD screen and a sharp resolution, making the Pop 9 5G a standout option for its price.

And let's not forget the audio. Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support? That's a pleasant surprise for a budget phone. Whether you're watching videos or jamming to your favourite tunes, you can expect a richer, more immersive sound experience. Plus, the good old 3.5mm headphone jack is sticking around, so you can plug in your favourite wired headphones without any fuss.

Even with the limited information available, the Tecno Pop 9 5G's setup is shaping up to be real highlights. As more details emerge, we'll update this article to give you the full picture.

Camera

Main Camera: Dual-LED flash, HDR, 48 MP wide lens (Sony IMX582 sensor) and an auxiliary lens, Video: 1080p at 30 fps
Front Camera: Dual-LED flash, 8 MP

Tecno Pop 9 rear lens view in Midnight Shadow and Aurora Cloud

The Tecno Pop 9 5G's camera system may not have all the bells and whistles, but it’s designed to deliver a solid everyday photography experience. Its 48MP main camera, powered by the Sony IMX582 sensor, promises sharp, vibrant photos, especially in good lighting. While its low-light performance isn't groundbreaking, it should still capture the essential details in most settings.

The secondary AI lens adds flexibility, adapting to various shooting scenarios. Up front, the 8MP camera with dual-LED flash ensures your selfies are well-lit, though they may lack the sharpness of higher-end models.

Features like autofocus and HDR enhance the overall quality, delivering crisp, well-balanced images. While 1080p video recording may not satisfy mobile filmmakers, it's more than enough for everyday moments and sharing on social media.

In short, the Tecno Pop 9 5G's camera punches above its weight, offering a practical, enjoyable photography experience that’s closing the gap with premium phones.

Performance, Battery Life and Storage

Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300, Octa-core (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), Mali-G57 MC2
Antutu Benchmark score: 308,681
Battery: 5000 mAh, 18W Wired Fast Charging
RAM: 3 GB, 4 GB
Internal Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB

Pop 9 Chipset

Under the hood, the Tecno Pop 9 5G packs the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset. It's not the flashiest processor on the market, but for a budget phone, it's a solid performer. It will definitely handle some light gaming sessions without a hiccup.

Of course, if you're planning on pushing the phone to its absolute limits with the latest graphically demanding games, you might encounter a few stutters. But let's be real, at this price point, it's all about balance. And the POP 9 seems to strike a good one between performance and affordability.

In terms of storage, the POP 9 comes in two variants: a 4GB + 64GB option for those who travel light, and a more spacious 4GB + 128GB variant for those who like to keep their digital world close at hand. And if you find yourself needing a bit more room, Tecno's got you covered with the option to virtually expand the memory by an additional 8GB.

Battery life is another area where the POP 9 shines. Thanks to its generous 5000mAh battery, you can expect to easily make it through a full day of typical use. And when you do need to recharge, the 18W fast charging will get you back up and running in a reasonable amount of time.

So, while it might not win any speed records, the Tecno Pop 9 5G seems well-equipped to handle your everyday tasks and keep you connected all day long.

Software and Connectivity

Android 14 with HiOS 14
Network: 5G SA/NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac (2.4GHz + 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, USB Type-C, NFC
Dual SIM (nano + nano + microSD)

The Tecno Pop 9 5G keeps pace with the latest software, running on Android 14. But Tecno adds its signature HiOS 14 user interface. It's like Android, but with a bit of flair on the custom icons, themes, and handy features like gesture controls. It might remind you of the customisations found on phones like the Pixel 8a, though likely not as polished.

On the connectivity side, the Pop 9 comes future-proof with 5G support. But it doesn't neglect the basics either, offering Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and GPS. NFC is a welcome surprise at this price point, making contactless payments a breeze.

And if you juggle multiple SIM cards, the dual nano-SIM support is a godsend. It's perfect for separating work and personal life, or just taking advantage of those juicy data deals from different providers.

What we like about the Tecno Pop 9 phone

Low Budget 5G smartphone.
IP54 rating and High refresh rate display.
The 48 MP main camera with a Sony IMX582 sensor captures decent daytime photos.
Long battery life.
The dual speakers with Dolby Atmos.

Tecno Pop 9 features

What to consider

No custom UI Support in this phone.
The plastic build might feel less premium compared to higher-end models Without any gorilla glass protection.
Low 720p resolution display.
The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 SoC isn’t without its shortcomings.

Verdict

If you want a reliable phone that won’t empty your wallet, go for the Tecno Pop 9! It’s a solid pick for students, or casual users looking to upgrade without hurting your wallet. Power users might find the RAM and camera a bit limited, but for everyday tasks, it gets the job done.

Its plastic build and camera performance hint at its budget-friendly roots, yet it still delivers great value, especially with 5G connectivity and decent specifications. The budget market is competitive, with strong contenders like the itel Color Pro 5G, Infinix Hot 50, and Realme C65 5G all offering similar chipsets and features.

If you’re looking for more options within the Tecno lineup, the Tecno Pova 6 Neo could be worth considering. It offers better performance, camera quality, and battery life, all for a slightly higher price.

Pricing and Availability in Africa

The Tecno Pop 9 5G launched in some African regions in August 2024, with a phased release across other markets. It will be available in Nigeria starting October 7, 2024, via online platforms like Jumia, Konga, and Slot, as well as physical stores like Slot, Pointek, and 3C Hub.

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