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Tecno Pop 9 5G Review: Budget-Friendly 5G with Surprising Features

Looking for a wallet-friendly smartphone that doesn’t feel like a compromise? If you’re on a tight budget but still crave modern perks like 5G, a high-refresh display, and a decent camera, you’re in luck. The Tecno Pop 9 5G (Aurora Cloud, 8 GB+128 GB) might just be the hidden gem for value hunters in India. Priced around the ₹10–11k mark, this phone packs a punch well above its weight. Tecno even markets it as the segment’s first device with a 48MP Sony camera and 5G + NFC support, promising “4+ years” of lag-free performance. Bold claims for a phone this affordable! In this honest, conversational review, let’s break down what the Pop 9 5G offers, where it shines, and where it makes inevitable compromises.

Key Features at a Glance

Before diving into real-world performance, let’s quickly look at the headline specs and features that the Tecno Pop 9 5G brings to the table:

6nm MediaTek D6300 5G Processor: The Pop 9 5G is powered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process. It has 2 performance cores up to 2.4GHz and 5G capability (with support for 10 bands) for fast connectivity. This ensures smooth everyday use and the ability to handle 5G speeds without draining battery excessively.
8GB RAM + 128GB Storage (Expandable): Our variant comes with 8GB of physical RAM and 128GB internal storage – a generous allotment for the price. Tecno also provides a Memory Fusion option to add virtual RAM (using storage) up to a total of 12GB (they advertise it as “16GB*” by adding 8GB virtual) to help with multitasking. Storage is expandable up to 1TB via microSD, so you won’t quickly run out of space for apps, photos, or videos.
6.67-inch 120Hz Display: The phone sports a large 6.67-inch LCD screen with HD+ (720×1600) resolution. While it’s not the sharpest display out there (some competitors offer Full HD in this range), it makes up for it with a 120Hz refresh rate for silky-smooth scrolling and animations. The display has a modern centered punch-hole design and decent colors. It’s perfectly fine for watching YouTube or browsing, though you might notice a slight lack of crispness due to the lower resolution. On the bright side, the high refresh rate makes every swipe feel snappy.
48MP Sony AI Camera: The rear camera setup is headlined by a 48MP Sony IMX582 sensor, which is impressive to see in this segment. It’s paired with an AI lens (for depth or scene detection) and assisted by a dual-LED flash. On the front, you get an 8MP selfie camera with its own dual LED flash for brighter selfies in low light. Tecno touts this as “segment’s 1st 48MP Sony AI camera” and indeed, a high-resolution Sony sensor at this price is rare.
5000 mAh Battery + 18W Fast Charging: A big 5,000 mAh battery keeps the Pop 9 5G running all day. Combined with the efficient 6nm processor and HD+ screen, this phone easily lasts a full day of moderate use – and can stretch to a day and a half for light users. It supports 18W wired fast charging, which is standard in this class (not the fastest, but decent). One thing to note: the retail box does not include a charger (to keep costs down), so you’ll need to use an existing USB-C charger or buy a separate 18W adapter.
Dual Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Unlike many budget phones that only have a single bottom-firing speaker, the Pop 9 5G features dual stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. This means you get more immersive sound when watching videos or gaming – audio comes from both the earpiece and bottom speaker for a stereo effect. Don’t expect studio-quality sound, but it’s loud and clear enough to fill a small room and is a nice upgrade over tinny mono audio.
Other Notable Perks: Tecno didn’t stop there. The Pop 9 5G comes with All-Directional NFC (great for contactless payments or quick pairing) and even an infrared (IR) blaster, letting you use the phone as a remote control for TVs/ACs – a fun bonus rarely seen in this range. It’s also rated IP54 for dust and splash resistance, meaning it can survive dusty environments or light rain (just don’t fully submerge it). You also get a side-mounted fingerprint scanner (embedded in the power button) for quick unlocking, a classic 3.5mm headphone jack, and the latest Android 14 out of the box with Tecno’s HiOS skin. Plus, Tecno throws in two free back-panel skins in the box (stickers with funky designs) so you can personalise the phone’s look – a playful touch for style-conscious users.

The Tecno Pop 9 5G in “Aurora Cloud” color, showing its 6.67-inch punch-hole display and the textured rear with 48MP dual-camera module. The phone’s design is modern and slim (about 8mm thick, 189g weight) making it comfortable to hold.

Design and Display

When it comes to design, the Tecno Pop 9 5G pleasantly surprises. The Aurora Cloud color variant is especially eye-catching – it has a subtle cloudy white finish with a texture that shimmers under light, giving it a more premium look than you’d expect. The phone’s build is plastic (frame and back), but it feels solid with no creaks. The back houses a bold camera module: a large 48MP lens and a secondary AI lens in a twin-ring layout with a flash. Despite the big battery, the device is reasonably slim and light at 189 grams, so it doesn’t feel like a brick in your pocket. Bonus points for the side fingerprint scanner, which is fast and doubles as the power button – it’s ergonomically placed and unlocks the phone reliably.

On the front, you get a sizeable 6.67-inch display with a centered punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. The bezels are moderate, and the chin is a bit thicker (as is common in this price range), but overall the front looks modern. The display quality itself is a mixed bag: it’s an HD+ LCD (720×1600). This resolution stretched across 6.7 inches means it’s not as pin-sharp as a Full HD panel – if you look closely, text and icons won’t be quite as crisp as on some competing devices with 1080p screens. However, in everyday use, most users won’t mind much unless you’re coming from a higher-res display. The upside is the 120Hz refresh rate which is a treat at this price. Scrolling through Instagram or just navigating the interface feels extremely smooth. Even simple actions like swiping between home screens or reading articles have that fluid motion you typically only see on pricier phones. It makes the user experience feel snappier. The touch sampling is responsive too, which helps in gaming and fast typing.

In terms of brightness and colors: the Pop 9 5G’s screen produces decent colors with okay viewing angles, though it’s not an AMOLED, so blacks are more gray in the dark. Under indoor lighting, it looks great; outdoors in bright sun, you might struggle a bit as the brightness is average – you may have to crank it up to see clearly. The phone does come with an auto-brightness mode that adapts, but on very sunny days you’ll still shield the screen with your hand. Considering the cost, the display is fine and the 120Hz novelty adds a layer of polish to the user experience that budget buyers will appreciate. It’s a conscious trade-off: Tecno chose high refresh smoothness over high resolution, and for many, that’s a worthwhile compromise.

Performance and Software

A budget phone that doesn’t lag like one – that’s what Tecno aims for with the Pop 9 5G’s performance. At its heart is the MediaTek Dimensity D6300 5G processor, a modern 6nm chip with an 8-core setup. In plain terms, this means the phone can handle day-to-day tasks with ease and is efficient with power. Apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, Gmail, and Twitter open relatively quickly and run without hiccups. With 8GB of RAM on board (plus up to 4GB extra via memory fusion), multitasking is surprisingly smooth – you can switch between a game, your browser, and a music app without the phone aggressively killing background apps. I noticed that even with many apps open, the Pop 9 5G kept its cool and didn’t slow to a crawl. Tecno actually advertises “4+ Year Lag Free Fluency” for this device, which is a bold claim. While we obviously can’t verify years of use in a short review, the initial experience is snappy. The Android 14 + HiOS software likely has some optimizations to keep things running well over time. HiOS (Tecno’s custom skin) is feature-rich – you’ll find a bunch of handy extras like gesture controls, a game mode, social turbo (WhatsApp enhancements), etc. Do note, being a budget phone, there are a few pre-installed apps and occasional promotions in the interface (spammy notifications from some system apps). It’s not as bloat-free as a Motorola or Nokia experience, but it’s not overwhelming either. You can disable or uninstall some bloatware to tidy things up.

In terms of raw performance numbers, the Dimensity 6300 chip is comparable to other mid-range SoCs. Benchmarks put it around the 400,000+ range in AnTuTu tests, which solidly beats older chips like MediaTek Helio G99 and is on par with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 in the Redmi 12 5G. What this means in real life is that everyday performance is more than adequate. Swiping through menus, scrolling feeds, and multitasking felt as good as on some phones that cost a few thousand more. The GPU (Mali-G57 MC2) isn’t a powerhouse but can handle casual games. For example, lighter games like Subway Surfers or Candy Crush run flawlessly.

Gaming Experience

If you’re a gamer on a budget, the Pop 9 5G can hold its own for casual to moderate gaming. I tried titles like BGMI/PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile – they default to low-to-medium graphics settings, which is expected. Gameplay is mostly smooth at those settings, thanks in part to that 120Hz screen which can display up to 120fps (though the GPU will rarely push that many frames in heavy games). In games like PUBG, you can get ~30fps on balanced graphics, and the experience is playable and enjoyable for casual matches. The phone does warm up a bit on the back near the camera after longer gaming sessions (30 minutes or more), but it never became alarmingly hot in my testing – just a mild warmth. More demanding titles (say Genshin Impact) will run only at low settings and you will see frame drops in intensive scenes. This isn’t a high-end gaming phone, after all. But considering the price, being able to run all popular games, even at lower settings, is a win. The Gyroscope sensor is present and worked fine for aiming in shooters. And the dual speakers with DTS/Dolby Atmos add to the gaming experience by making gunshots and racing engines sound fuller (you can actually hear directional cues a bit since it’s stereo sound). For a device under ₹11k, gaming performance is respectable – just keep expectations in check and stick to modest settings for the smoothest play.

Another positive is the network performance. With 5G rolling out in India, this phone is 5G-ready and supports multiple bands, so you can enjoy faster download speeds where available. I experienced solid call quality and signal reception on 4G VoLTE networks; with 5G (in areas where Jio or Airtel 5G is live), the phone latched on and delivered very high data speeds. The presence of NFC is also nice if you want to use Google Pay’s tap-to-pay or quickly pair devices – something many competing budget phones skip. Overall, the Pop 9 5G’s performance in daily use is snappy, and it punches above its class. It’s built to handle the usual tasks of an average user – social media, streaming, chatting, and light gaming – without breaking a sweat, and early indications suggest it could stay that way for the next few years if Tecno’s longevity claims hold true.

Camera Quality

In the camera department, Tecno Pop 9 5G offers more than you’d expect on paper. The star is that 48MP Sony sensor on the back, which is the same resolution (and likely the same IMX582 sensor) used in some older mid-range phones known for good imaging. In well-lit conditions, the Pop 9’s main camera can capture surprisingly detailed and vibrant shots. Daylight photos come out sharp with decent dynamic range – the AI scene detection tends to boost saturation a touch, resulting in pics that look pleasing on the phone’s screen (if a bit punchy). For example, outdoor shots of greenery have rich greens and the sky pops without washing out. You can definitely get social-media-ready photos with minimal effort, which is exactly what most users need. The camera app also offers various modes like Portrait (which uses that secondary lens or software for depth blur), Pro mode, and a Night mode.

close-up of the Tecno Pop 9 5G’s 48 MP rear camera. Tecno uses a Sony IMX582 sensor here, unusual in this price range. In daylight, it captures detailed photos with accurate colors. However, low-light performance is modest due to the small sensor size and lack of OIS.

When the light starts to drop, the limitations of a budget camera sensor show up. In indoor evening shots or low-light scenes, the Pop 9 5G still manages usable photos thanks to multi-frame processing, but you will notice more noise (grain) and a loss of detail. The dedicated Night Mode helps brighten up very dark scenes, at the cost of some added noise and slightly longer shutter time. It’s fine for casual snaps at a dinner or a dimly lit cafe – just don’t expect miracles in extreme low light. As for the Portrait mode, edge detection is okay; it can sometimes blur the edges of hair or struggle with complex backgrounds, but for portraits of people it does an acceptable job with a nice depth-of-field effect. The 48MP sensor also allows a 2× digital zoom (crop) that is still fairly detailed – handy if you need a bit of reach for distant subjects, though quality drops beyond 2×.

On the front, the 8MP selfie camera is serviceable. In good lighting, it clicks selfies with natural skin tones and enough detail for WhatsApp or Instagram. There is a beauty mode (that you can dial down if you prefer a more natural look). In low light, the front-facing dual LED flash is a savior – you can take clear selfies even in a dark room by using the fill light, something most phones lack. This is great for video calls at night or capturing a selfie at a party. The front flash is not too harsh; it’s adjustable with “low” and “high” brightness settings.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps on both the rear and front cameras. Footage in daylight is decent – colors are fine and the 1080p looks okay, though stabilization is only electronic (EIS) and is average. If you walk and record, you’ll see some shakes. Panning slowly or holding still yields much nicer clips. The microphone captures clear audio (voices are loud and relatively clean of background hiss). Given the price, the video quality is what we’d expect – usable for casual family videos or social media, but not something to film your short movie on.

Overall, the Tecno Pop 9 5G’s cameras are surprisingly capable in good lighting – definitely above average for its class in daylight, thanks to that high-res Sony sensor. In low light it’s about average, which is to say it can struggle but still produce shareable snaps if you use night mode or the flash. It’s a great choice for students or budget users who want a solid camera for Instagram and TikTok without spending much. Just manage your expectations in the dark and you’ll be happy with the results.

Battery Life

Battery longevity is often a deciding factor for budget-conscious buyers, and the Pop 9 5G doesn’t disappoint here. With its 5000 mAh battery, this phone is a true workhorse when it comes to endurance. In my experience, a full charge easily got through a heavy day of use – that’s with around 5-6 hours of screen-on time including streaming videos, browsing, messaging, and an hour of gaming. At the end of the day, I still had roughly 20% left, which is reassuring if you occasionally forget to charge at night. Many users who stick to lighter usage (a few calls, WhatsApp, some music, and web browsing) will likely see a day and a half or even two days on a single charge. The efficient 6nm chipset and the lower-res screen contribute to slower battery drain – 5G usage does consume more power, but even with mobile data on, it’s optimized enough to handle a full day.

When you do need to juice up, the Pop 9 5G supports 18W fast charging. It’s not blazing by modern standards (some similarly priced phones boast 33W or higher), but 18W is still decent for a budget device. In practical terms, using an 18W charger, you’re looking at roughly 2 hours for a full 0–100% charge. A quick 30-minute top-up can bring the battery from, say, 20% to around 50%-plus. That’s serviceable for most scenarios – plug it in while you’re getting ready in the morning or during a lunch break, and you’ll add several hours of use. One caveat as mentioned: no charger is included in the box (you do get a USB-C cable). This is a trend we’ve seen from some brands to cut costs. If you already have a standard USB-C charger (preferably 18W or higher), you’re set. If not, factor in a few hundred rupees to buy a good fast charger. The phone also supports USB Power Delivery, so even a 30W PD charger will work (it’ll still charge at 18W max).

In terms of battery-saving software, Tecno’s HiOS offers the usual modes like Battery Saver and an Ultra Power Saving mode that limits the phone to basic functions if you’re really low on juice. I found the standby drain to be minimal – overnight it only lost about 3-4%, meaning the software isn’t doing anything crazy in the background while you sleep. That’s a good sign for long-term efficiency.

All said, battery life on the Tecno Pop 9 5G is one of its strong suits. It’s a phone you can rely on to not die before dinner time, even with pretty heavy use. For students, working professionals, or as a secondary device, this kind of endurance means one less thing to worry about. Just remember to snag a charger if you don’t have one, and you’re good to go.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The budget smartphone segment in India is packed with competitors, so how does the Tecno Pop 9 5G fare against other phones in the ₹9k–₹12k range? Quite admirably, as it turns out – though with a few trade-offs.

Xiaomi/Redmi is a big player here. Take the Redmi 12 5G for example: it’s similarly priced (around ₹11k for the base model). The Redmi offers a sharper Full HD+ display (and a slightly larger 6.79″ size at 90Hz) and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, which in benchmarks is in the same ballpark as the Dimensity 6300. Redmi’s 50MP camera vs Tecno’s 48MP camera – in practice both are good in daylight, though the Pop 9’s Sony sensor gives it an edge in image processing and clarity. Xiaomi’s phone has the brand trust and a premium glass back, plus they include a charger in the box. On the other hand, the Pop 9 5G doubles the RAM at this price (8GB vs 4GB on the base Redmi) which helps with performance longevity and multitasking. Tecno also offers stereo speakers and extras like NFC and IR blaster which the Redmi lacks. So, the Pop 9 5G trades resolution for other benefits – and if you value more RAM and features, it’s a worthy contender.

Realme has devices like the Narzo 60x/Realme 11x 5G, hovering slightly above ₹12k. Those might give you a slick design and maybe faster charging (33W) and a similarly high-refresh display (Realme 11x has 120Hz FHD). But again, the Pop 9 5G’s advantages are its feature set for the price. It’s hard to find another phone around ₹10k that offers both a 120Hz screen and stereo speakers with Dolby. Realme’s UI and support might be a bit more polished, but Tecno is catching up fast.

Samsung offers the likes of Galaxy M14 5G a bit north of this price (around ₹13k). Samsung gives you Knox security, a massive 6000mAh battery, and their trusted after-sales, but their budget models often have just a 90Hz TFT display and single speaker. If your priority is battery life, Samsung wins slightly (6000 > 5000 mAh), but performance-wise the Exynos 1330 in the M14 and the Dimensity 6300 in the Pop 9 are quite comparable. Plus, Samsung’s base variants might only have 4GB RAM at that price, whereas Tecno’s 8GB stands out.

There are also local brands like Lava (e.g., Lava Blaze 5G) and Infinix (Hot 30 5G) in this arena. The Lava Blaze 5G is cheaper (~₹10k) and offers a clean Android experience with decent specs, but it has a less powerful Dimensity 700 chip and a 90Hz screen – so the Pop 9 5G actually outclasses it in display and processing. Infinix Hot 30 5G has a 120Hz screen and similar battery, but its camera isn’t as strong and Infinix’s XOS software is similar in philosophy to Tecno’s HiOS (not surprising since they are sister brands under Transsion). One big plus for Tecno: Android 14 out of the box. Some competitors launched on Android 13 and may update later, but having the latest OS now means you’re a bit more future-proof.

In terms of compromises, the Tecno Pop 9 5G’s most obvious one is the display resolution – most rivals at least the ₹11-12k mark give you Full HD, so Tecno betting on HD+ might be a downside for spec purists or those who consume a lot of high-res content. Additionally, software updates and brand trust: Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme have a longer track record in India. Tecno is improving its reputation quickly, but their update frequency is still an open question. They have promised (via marketing) long-term lag-free use, which implies some commitment to optimization if not multiple Android version upgrades. For what it’s worth, Tecno does typically provide at least one major Android update for its budget series and security patches, but it might not be as fast as the bigger brands.

Finally, after-sales support – Tecno has a growing service network and the phone is Amazon-exclusive, so you get doorstep pickup/drop for any issues during the return window and warranty period if bought online. This is roughly on par with others.

All considered, the Pop 9 5G holds its own. It isn’t a slam-dunk winner in every area, but it offers a very compelling value-for-money mix: you’re getting features that you would otherwise have to pay more for (like more RAM, higher refresh rate, stereo sound). The compromises (lower resolution, no charger in box) are ones that many users can live with or work around. It’s a classic case of knowing your needs – if you prioritize entertainment (display smoothness + sound) and multitasking, Tecno Pop 9 5G might actually be the better choice among its peers. If you absolutely need that sharper display or the assurance of a Samsung brand, you have alternatives but likely at the cost of losing out on some of Tecno’s perks.

Who Should Buy the Tecno Pop 9 5G?

The Tecno Pop 9 5G carves out a nice niche for itself, but is it the right phone for you? Here’s who will love this device, and who might want to consider something else:

Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you have around ₹10k to spend and want to maximize specs, the Pop 9 5G is tailor-made for you. It’s especially great for those who typically had to settle for 4GB RAM phones in this range – here you’re getting 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, which means the phone is less likely to bog down over time with all your apps. You’re essentially getting mid-range memory capacity at an entry-level price, which ensures a smoother experience for longer.
Media & Entertainment Lovers: Do you binge-watch shows or scroll social media for hours? The combination of a big 6.67″ screen and stereo speakers is ideal for content consumption. The 120Hz refresh makes supported games and UI animations look buttery smooth, and the loud dual speakers make watching YouTube or Netflix more enjoyable without needing earphones (though for the best experience, headphones will still beat phone speakers – good thing there’s a headphone jack!). If you’re upgrading from a basic phone with a 60Hz screen and weak speaker, you’ll feel the difference here immediately.
Casual Mobile Gamers: Maybe you’re into titles like FreeFire, Asphalt, or even the occasional BGMI match – the Pop 9 5G can handle these at modest settings, and the big battery means you can game for longer stretches. The phone’s touch responsiveness and gyroscope are on point for gaming, and while it won’t run the latest games at ultra-high graphics, it definitely can deliver a fun gaming session on a budget. Plus, the fact that it doesn’t overheat easily is a relief in long play sessions.
Photography Enthusiasts (Entry-Level): If you’re someone who loves clicking photos but can’t spend for a high-end camera phone, this Tecno will keep you happy in daylight and well-lit scenarios. It’s great for students who want to capture campus memories, or new parents who want decent shots of their kids without investing in expensive gear. You get a reliable main camera for most scenarios and extras like the front flash for group selfies at night. However, if you’re very serious about mobile photography, you might want to stretch your budget for a phone with an ultra-wide lens or better low-light camera. This phone is more for the casual snapper who mostly takes photos for social media and personal use.
Anyone Needing a Fully-Featured Secondary Phone: Thanks to its low price and robust feature set, the Pop 9 5G is an excellent secondary device. It has dual SIM 5G support – perfect if you need a separate phone for work or for travel (you can use a local 5G SIM when traveling without swapping out your primary). Features like the IR blaster mean it can double as a remote at home, and the strong battery life makes it a good backup phone that can sit in a bag on standby for days.

On the other hand, who might not be the ideal buyer? If you’re very brand conscious or want the absolute latest software updates first, you might lean towards brands like Samsung or Xiaomi for peace of mind (though, again, Tecno is improving quickly and Android 14 out-of-box is a huge plus. Also, if you watch a lot of Full HD movies or read tiny text on your phone for work, you might prefer a 1080p display for the extra sharpness. For those who can stretch the budget by a few thousand, options like a Redmi Note or a Moto G series might offer a more balanced package (some with better cameras or displays). But in the strict budget bracket, there’s very little the Pop 9 5G actually misses that would be deal-breaking.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, the Tecno Pop 9 5G is a delightful surprise in the budget smartphone world. It’s the kind of phone that makes you nod in appreciation and ask, “I get all this for just around 10k?” – because it truly does offer a lot for the money. Tecno has smartly prioritized features that improve the user experience (smooth display, ample RAM, big battery, loud speakers) while cutting back on areas that are forgivable at this price (1080p resolution, included accessories). The result is a device that doesn’t feel “cheap” in daily use. It handles your everyday tasks without stutter, plays your favorite shows and games with gusto, and even clicks a great photo when the lighting is right. Sure, it’s not perfect – no phone at this price is. But the compromises here are ones most budget users can live with, and the advantages it offers make it easy to recommend to anyone looking for maximum bang for their buck.

In a sea of affordable smartphones, the Pop 9 5G manages to stand out by focusing on what people actually want: a device that’s fun to use and reliable, without constantly reminding you that you saved money. It’s a phone that a student, a first-time smartphone user, or anyone upgrading from a very basic device will find immensely satisfying. The honest truth is, a few years ago, you’d never imagine getting features like a high-refresh display or a 48MP Sony camera in this segment – yet here we are, and Tecno deserves kudos for pushing those boundaries.

If you’re in the market for a budget phone that punches above its weight, the Tecno Pop 9 5G is absolutely worth a look. It delivers on the promise of value-for-money in a big way. Overall, the experience is far closer to a mid-range phone than a bargain-bin device, and that’s exactly what makes it a great choice for the budget-conscious.

Ready to make the jump to a better budget smartphone? The Pop 9 5G might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Check it out on Amazon India here – you might catch a deal and snag this feature-packed phone at an even sweeter price. Happy smartphone hunting, and here’s to getting more for less!