Tecno POP 9: The budget smartphone segment just received a significant boost with Tecno’s launch of the POP 9 series in India. Available in both 4G and 5G variants, these devices bring premium features to the entry-level market while maintaining aggressive pricing that could reshape expectations for affordable smartphones.

Two Variants, Different Approaches

Tecno took an interesting approach with the POP 9 lineup by offering distinct models for different connectivity needs. The 5G variant launched in September 2024, followed by the 4G version in November 2024, each targeting specific user requirements and budgets.

The POP 9 5G starts at ₹8,199 and represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the POP 8. Meanwhile, the 4G variant comes in at an even more accessible ₹6,499, making it one of the most affordable smartphones with modern features in the Indian market.

Performance That Surprises

What sets these devices apart from typical budget offerings is their processor selection. The 5G variant runs on MediaTek’s Dimensity 6300 chipset, a considerable step up from the Unisoc T606 found in the previous generation. This upgrade brings noticeable improvements in daily performance and future-proofs the device for India’s expanding 5G network infrastructure.

The 4G model introduces India’s first smartphone powered by the MediaTek Helio G50 processor. Built on 12nm architecture, this chipset provides efficient performance for everyday tasks while maintaining excellent battery optimization.

Both variants include memory expansion technology, with the 5G model offering up to 8GB effective RAM (4GB physical + 4GB virtual) and the 4G version providing 6GB effective RAM (3GB physical + 3GB virtual). This approach ensures smooth multitasking capabilities typically found in more expensive devices.

Display Excellence at Budget Pricing

The visual experience represents a major highlight across both variants. The POP 9 5G features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate, delivering fluid scrolling and responsive touch interactions that rival premium smartphones. This high refresh rate significantly enhances gaming and media consumption experiences.

The 4G variant sports a slightly larger 6.67-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate and includes Tecno’s Dynamic Port feature—a notification system similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island. Both displays offer adequate brightness levels and color reproduction for outdoor usage and media viewing.

Camera Capabilities That Impress

Photography represents another area where these budget devices punch above their weight class. The POP 9 5G includes a 48MP rear camera using Sony’s IMX582 sensor, the same sensor found in many mid-range devices. This setup captures detailed photos in various lighting conditions and supports AI-enhanced photography features.

The 4G variant features a more modest but capable 13MP rear camera paired with a 2MP macro sensor for close-up photography. Both devices include 8MP front-facing cameras for selfies and video calling, providing adequate quality for social media sharing.

Video recording capabilities include standard HD recording across both variants, suitable for casual content creation and social media posts.

Battery Life That Delivers

Both variants share the same impressive 5,000mAh battery capacity, ensuring all-day usage without charging anxiety. The 5G model supports 18W fast charging, while the 4G version includes 15W charging—both practical for overnight charging and quick top-ups during busy days.

Tecno includes chargers in the box for both models, addressing a common complaint about budget devices that often require separate charger purchases.

Design and Build Quality

The POP 9 series showcases surprisingly premium design elements for budget devices. Both variants feature IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, providing durability against everyday splashes and environmental exposure.

Color options include attractive choices like Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, and Midnight Shadow for the 5G variant, while the 4G model comes in Glittery White, Lime Green, and Startrail Black. The devices maintain reasonable thickness and weight profiles despite their large batteries.

Connectivity and Features

The 5G variant naturally includes comprehensive 5G band support for India’s growing network infrastructure, along with dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and GPS positioning. The inclusion of NFC in a budget device represents a segment-first feature that enables contactless payments and easy device pairing.

Both models retain the 3.5mm headphone jack—a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones—and include dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support for enhanced audio experiences.

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Software Experience

Both variants run Android 14, with the 5G model featuring Tecno’s full HiOS interface and the 4G version running Android 14 Go Edition for optimized performance on entry-level hardware. Tecno promises up to two years of security updates for both devices, demonstrating commitment to long-term software support.

Market Impact and Availability

The POP 9 series launches exclusively through Amazon in India, with special introductory pricing that makes these devices exceptionally competitive. The 5G variant’s sub-₹10,000 pricing brings 5G connectivity to the most affordable segment, while the 4G model’s ₹6,499 price point challenges established budget offerings from Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung.

Tecno POP 9 Bottom Line

The Tecno POP 9 series demonstrates how budget smartphones have evolved beyond basic functionality to offer genuinely compelling experiences. With features like high refresh rate displays, capable cameras, 5G connectivity, and modern software, these devices prove that premium experiences don’t require premium prices.

For first-time smartphone buyers or users seeking reliable backup devices, the POP 9 series offers exceptional value. The 5G variant future-proofs connectivity needs, while the 4G model provides essential smartphone features at an incredibly accessible price point. Both represent smart choices in India’s competitive budget smartphone market.