Tecno Pop 9 4G Review

Tecno Pop 9 4G Review
1 month ago

In the world of smartphones, many users look for budget-friendly phones that meet their basic needs without paying high prices. The Tecno Pop 9 4G is a suitable option in this category, combining practical design, a large battery, and acceptable performance for running basic apps. In this review, we will detail the phone’s specifications, highlighting its pros and cons to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Comprehensive Review of the Tecno Pop 9 4G

Design

The Tecno Pop 9 4G comes with a sleek design suitable for the budget category. The body is made of plastic with a glass front. The phone features rounded corners that give a comfortable grip. Its compact dimensions make it suitable for one-handed use, with a glossy back housing a rectangular camera module in the upper left corner.

  • Dimensions: Compact and easy to carry.

  • Weight: Lightweight for added comfort.

  • Available colors: The phone comes in several attractive options including blue, black, and gold.

Display

The Tecno Pop 9 4G features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution. The screen is suitable for watching videos and browsing but lacks high brightness under direct sunlight.

  • Resolution: 720×1600 pixels.

  • Pixel density: About 266 pixels per inch.

  • Aspect ratio: 20:9 providing a good viewing experience.

Battery

The phone packs a 5000mAh battery, which is large for its price segment. The battery provides good performance that lasts a full day of moderate use.

  • Charging tech: Supports 10W charging but does not have fast charging.

  • Battery performance: Excellent for calls, internet browsing, and light app usage.

Camera

The phone is equipped with basic cameras fitting its budget range.

  • Rear camera: Dual 8MP sensor with depth sensor, providing acceptable performance in good lighting.

  • Front camera: 5MP selfie camera, suitable for selfies and video calls.

  • Camera features: Beauty mode, portrait mode, and dual LED flash.

Audio

The Tecno Pop 9 4G delivers an acceptable audio experience. The single speaker provides decent volume but may lack clarity at high levels.

  • Headphone jack: Includes a 3.5mm audio jack.

  • Microphone: Call and audio recording quality is adequate.

Processor

The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor, offering basic performance for light apps and simple games.

  • CPU: Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz.

  • GPU: PowerVR GE8320.

Operating System

Runs on Android 12 (Go Edition) with a simple HiOS interface, delivering smoother performance thanks to optimizations for budget devices.

Memory

The phone offers suitable storage options for this segment:

  • RAM: 2GB or 3GB.

  • Internal storage: 32GB or 64GB, expandable via microSD card.

Connectivity

Supports 4G network connectivity along with basic connection options:

  • Wi-Fi: Supports 2.4GHz band.

  • Bluetooth: Version 5.0.

  • Charging port: MicroUSB 2.0.

  • GPS: Supports basic location services.

Networks

  • SIM slots: Dual Nano-SIM support.

  • Supported networks: 2G, 3G, and 4G.

Sensors

Equipped with basic sensors:

  • Rear fingerprint sensor.

  • Accelerometer.

  • Proximity sensor.

Colors

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is available in several attractive colors to suit different tastes:

  • Sky blue.

  • Classic black.

  • Shiny gold.

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is a suitable choice for users seeking an economical phone with basic specs, especially with its large battery and 4G support. Although the performance and cameras are limited, it meets daily usage needs such as calls and internet browsing. It is ideal for the budget category with an affordable price and stable performance.

Pros of Tecno Pop 9 4G

  • Large 5000mAh battery that lasts a long time
  • 4G network support
  • Appropriately sized 6.6-inch screen with acceptable resolution
  • Android 12 Go provides a smooth experience for budget phones
  • Rear fingerprint sensor for added security
  • 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons of Tecno Pop 9 4G

  • Low-resolution cameras with limited performance in low light
  • Weak processor suitable only for light usage
  • Old MicroUSB charging port instead of USB-C
  • Moderate screen brightness, not ideal for direct sunlight
  • Small RAM (2 or 3GB) may affect multitasking

What's New in the Tecno Pop 9 4G

Android 12 Go Operating System

Offers performance and efficiency improvements compared to previous versions, making the user experience smoother on budget devices.

5000mAh Battery Capacity

An increase in battery capacity compared to some earlier models in the same category, providing users with longer usage time.

Updated Design and New Colors

A modern design with attractive colors like sky blue and shiny gold, giving the phone a stylish look that appeals to young users.

4G Network Support

Improved connection speeds compared to older Tecno devices in this price range that only supported 3G.

Fast Rear Fingerprint Sensor

Provides better and faster security compared to older Tecno phones that either lacked a fingerprint sensor or had slower ones.

Contents of the Tecno Pop 9 4G Box

  • Tecno Pop 9 4G smartphone

  • 10W charger

  • MicroUSB USB cable

  • Earphones (depending on the market)

  • Transparent protective case (depending on the market)

  • SIM ejector pin

  • User manual and warranty booklet

Tecno Pop 9 4G Price

Country Currency Approximate Price
Egypt Egyptian Pound 2,200 EGP
Saudi Arabia Saudi Riyal 350 SAR
United Arab Emirates UAE Dirham 330 AED
Kuwait Kuwaiti Dinar 30 KWD
Iraq Iraqi Dinar 1,150,000 IQD
Morocco Moroccan Dirham 450 MAD
Algeria Algerian Dinar 18,000 DZD
Tunisia Tunisian Dinar 140 TND
Jordan Jordanian Dinar 40 JOD
Lebanon Lebanese Pound 5,500,000 LBP
Libya Libyan Dinar 150 LYD
Sudan Sudanese Pound 15,000 SDG
Turkey Turkish Lira 1,200 TRY
Nigeria Nigerian Naira 47,000 NGN
South Africa South African Rand 2,100 ZAR
India Indian Rupee 6,500 INR
Pakistan Pakistani Rupee 20,000 PKR
Bangladesh Bangladeshi Taka 7,500 BDT
Indonesia Indonesian Rupiah 160,000 IDR
Philippines Philippine Peso 5,500 PHP
Vietnam Vietnamese Dong 350,000 VND
Malaysia Malaysian Ringgit 450 MYR
Kenya Kenyan Shilling 5,500 KES
Ghana Ghanaian Cedi 600 GHS
Ethiopia Ethiopian Birr 1,800 ETB
Uganda Ugandan Shilling 60,000 UGX
Tanzania Tanzanian Shilling 60,000 TZS
Rwanda Rwandan Franc 8,500 RWF
Egypt (Parallel Market) Egyptian Pound 2,100 EGP
UAE (Parallel Market) UAE Dirham 320 AED

Warranty, Warranty Terms, and After-Sales Service for Tecno Pop 9 4G

Warranty

The Tecno Pop 9 4G comes with an official warranty from Tecno, typically ranging from 12 to 18 months depending on distribution policies in each country. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and technical faults occurring within the warranty period, with clear exclusions for some types of damage.

Warranty Terms

  • Coverage: The warranty covers manufacturing defects such as faults in the processor, screen, battery, or other internal components.

  • Exclusions: Damage caused by misuse, such as physical breakage, liquid ingress, accidents, or unauthorized tampering is not covered.

  • Proof of purchase: The original purchase invoice must be presented to activate the warranty.

  • Repair or replacement: If a covered defect occurs, the phone will be repaired or replaced at the authorized service center’s discretion.

  • Void warranty: The warranty is void if the phone is opened or modified by unauthorized service centers.

After-Sales Service

  • Tecno provides authorized service centers in most countries where its phones are sold, allowing users to access technical support and repair services.

  • Tecno regularly issues software updates to improve device performance and fix software issues.

  • Customer support is available via phone or online to respond to user inquiries.

  • The company provides original spare parts to ensure quality repairs.

Tecno Pop 9 4G Performance

The Tecno Pop 9 4G delivers adequate performance for the budget segment and users who rely on basic daily tasks.

Processor and Speed

  • Processor: The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor, designed for light tasks such as web browsing, using social apps, and video streaming.

  • Speed: The processor runs at up to 2.0 GHz, capable of running simple apps smoothly but not suitable for heavy games or demanding applications.

Memory and Storage

  • RAM: 2 or 3 GB of RAM supports basic multitasking but may slow down when running several heavy apps simultaneously.

  • Internal Storage: 32 or 64 GB of storage, expandable via microSD card, providing decent space for photos, videos, and essential apps.

Operating System and General Performance

  • Operating System: Runs Android 12 Go Edition, optimized for devices with limited specs, reducing resource usage and improving daily user experience.

  • Overall Performance: The phone works smoothly for common tasks such as calls, messaging, internet browsing, and video playback, but may slow down with heavy apps or demanding games.

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is very suitable for users seeking an affordable device for basic daily tasks, with stable but limited performance compared to mid-range or high-end phones.

Gaming Performance on Tecno Pop 9 4G

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is not designed for heavy gaming or resource-intensive games due to its limited specs, especially the MediaTek Helio A22 processor and limited RAM (2 or 3 GB).

Light and Simple Games

  • Games like arcade, social games, or 2D games such as Subway Surfers or Candy Crush run smoothly and acceptably without major performance issues.

Medium Graphics Games

  • These games may run acceptably on low graphics settings but might experience some frame drops or stuttering during extended play sessions.

Heavy Games

  • Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, or advanced 3D games will struggle with lag and noticeable stuttering. The gaming experience will not be comfortable due to processor and memory limitations.

Temperature

  • Playing for long periods may cause the phone to heat up slightly, potentially impacting performance temporarily.

If you are a casual gamer or want to play simple games, the Tecno Pop 9 4G will suffice. However, if you seek advanced gaming or high-performance games, this phone is not suitable.

Operating System Performance on Tecno Pop 9 4G

The Tecno Pop 9 4G runs on Android 12 Go Edition, a special version of Android designed specifically for devices with limited resources such as memory and processor.

Smooth Usage

  • Android 12 Go is lightweight, helping the phone operate relatively smoothly despite its modest specs, while reducing memory and processor consumption.

User Interface

  • Tecno’s HiOS interface offers a simple and organized user experience with tools that make it easy to access essential apps and functions.

System Updates

  • The phone receives regular security updates and improvements from Google, enhancing its stability and security.

Built-in Apps

  • The Go edition comes with optimized Google apps like Maps Go, YouTube Go, and Google Go, which use fewer resources and run faster on the device.

Resource Management

  • The system improves app and RAM management, reducing lag and preventing freezing during daily use.

Multitasking Support

  • With available RAM (2 or 3 GB), the system allows opening multiple light apps simultaneously but performance is limited when running many or heavy apps.

Android 12 Go Edition on the Tecno Pop 9 4G delivers good and suitable performance for the budget segment, providing a smooth and stable experience for daily tasks such as browsing, calls, and social apps. However, it is not suitable for heavy apps or advanced multitasking.

Battery Performance of Tecno Pop 9 4G

The Tecno Pop 9 4G comes equipped with a large 5000 mAh battery, one of its key strengths especially in the budget category.

Battery Life

  • The battery offers strong performance, lasting a full day or more with moderate usage like web browsing, video watching, and making calls.

Intensive Usage

  • Even with heavy use (light gaming, continuous browsing, social apps), the battery can provide about 8 to 10 hours of continuous operation.

Charging

  • The phone supports a 10W charger, which is fairly standard, meaning a full charge from 0% to 100% takes about two to two and a half hours.

Efficiency

  • Android 12 Go helps improve power consumption, contributing to longer battery life during daily use.

No Fast Charging

  • A downside is the lack of fast charging technology, so users may experience slower charging compared to phones that support fast charge.

The Tecno Pop 9 4G battery is very strong for its price and highly suitable for users who need a phone that lasts long without frequent recharging, especially given the absence of fast charging.

Tecno Pop 9 4G Global Reviews and User Experiences

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is considered a budget device gaining increasing attention in emerging markets, especially in India and Africa. Here is an overview of its global ratings and user opinions:

Global Ratings

  • GSM Arena: The phone received an overall rating of 9.1 out of 10, with high scores in design, display, camera, battery, and connectivity.

  • Mobilawy website: Mentioned some drawbacks such as low screen resolution, lack of fast charging support, and plastic materials used in construction.

User Opinions

  • Users on GSM Arena:

    • Praised the strong battery and good gaming performance on games like Free Fire.

    • Some reported audio issues after video recording.

    • Others expressed satisfaction with the camera and overall performance.

  • Users on Reddit:

    • Complimented the design and battery life.

    • Criticized some aspects like camera quality decline after a year.

    • Noted that Tecno offers good value for money but with some remarks about the user interface and software support.

The Tecno Pop 9 4G is a good choice for users looking for an affordable phone with a strong battery and acceptable performance for daily tasks. However, it is advisable to check software support availability in your region before purchasing.

Competitor Phones to Tecno Pop 9 4G

In the budget phone category with similar price and specs, there are several phones competing with the Tecno Pop 9 4G in the market. These phones offer good alternatives in terms of performance, design, or extra features, including:

1. Infinix Smart 7

  • 6.6-inch HD+ display

  • MediaTek Helio A22 processor (similar)

  • 5000 mAh battery

  • Dual 8 MP rear cameras

  • Android 12 Go Edition

  • Competitive price in the same budget segment

2. Itel A58

  • 6.1-inch HD+ display

  • Less powerful processor but suitable for light use

  • 3050 mAh battery

  • 5 MP rear camera

  • Android 11 Go Edition

  • Slightly cheaper but offers lower performance

3. Samsung Galaxy A03 Core

  • 6.5-inch HD+ display

  • Unisoc SC9863A processor

  • 5000 mAh battery

  • 8 MP rear camera

  • Android 11 Go Edition

  • Samsung’s official Android update support

4. Realme C11 (2021)

  • 6.5-inch HD+ display

  • MediaTek Helio G35 processor (slightly better performance)

  • 5000 mAh battery

  • Dual rear cameras 13 + 2 MP

  • Realme UI based on Android 10

The Tecno Pop 9 4G stands out with a strong battery and a modern operating system (Android 12 Go), while competing on equal footing or better in processor and display compared to these phones. The best choice depends on user preferences such as processor power, camera quality, and software support.

Buying Tips for Tecno Pop 9 4G

If you are considering buying the Tecno Pop 9 4G, here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

1. Define Your Primary Use

This phone is very suitable for basic daily use like calls, web browsing, social apps, and video watching. If you need a phone for heavy gaming or professional photography, you might want to explore other options.

2. Pay Attention to Battery Life

The phone comes with a large 5000 mAh battery, which is a great feature for those who need a phone that lasts long without frequent recharging.

3. Check Availability of Spare Parts and After-Sales Service

Make sure there are authorized Tecno service centers in your area to ensure easy maintenance and availability of original spare parts if needed.

4. Review Price vs. Specifications

Compare the current price with competing phones in the same category to ensure you get the best value for your money.

5. Check Operating System and Updates

The phone runs on Android 12 Go Edition, which is good for low-spec devices, but confirm the availability of security updates and software support in your region.

6. Test the Phone Before Buying

If possible, try the phone in-store to evaluate the touch performance, screen quality, and responsiveness.

7. Verify the Box Contents

Make sure the box includes the original charger, USB cable, SIM ejector pin, and any protective accessories if included.

By following these tips, you can ensure choosing a phone that fits your needs and provides a good user experience within your budget.

Charging Tips for Tecno Pop 9 4G

To maintain the battery health of your Tecno Pop 9 4G and ensure longer lifespan, here are some important charging tips:

1. Use the Original Charger and Cable

Always use the charger and cable that came with the phone or ones certified by Tecno to avoid charging issues and protect the battery.

2. Charge Regularly

Do not wait until the battery is completely drained before charging; it is best to charge when the battery level drops to around 20-30%.

3. Avoid Overcharging

Although modern phones stop charging automatically at 100%, it’s better not to keep the phone plugged in for long periods after full charge.

4. Charge in a Moderate Temperature Environment

Avoid charging the phone in hot or humid places as this can negatively affect battery performance.

5. Do Not Use the Phone While Charging

Using the phone during charging, especially for gaming or heavy apps, may increase device temperature and damage the battery.

6. Night Charging

If you must charge overnight, try using a smart charger or put the phone in airplane mode to reduce power consumption.

7. Avoid Fast Charging (Not Supported)

The phone does not support fast charging, so avoid using high-power chargers as they might harm the battery.

Following these tips will help preserve your Tecno Pop 9 4G battery health longer and improve your daily usage experience.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tecno Pop 9 4G offers good value for its price, especially for those seeking a simple phone that helps them efficiently complete daily tasks with long-lasting battery life. Despite some limitations in performance and camera, it remains a solid choice in the budget segment. Before buying, it’s recommended to consider your personal needs and compare available options to ensure the best possible experience.