In a smartphone market dominated by flashy flagships and incremental midrange upgrades, it's refreshing to see a device like the Tecno POP 9 quietly redefine what a budget smartphone can and should be. Packed with practical features, India's first smartphone powered by the MediaTek G50 processor, and dressed in a unique Magic Skin Green finish, the POP 9 is designed for those who want performance, style, and utility β without emptying their wallets.
But make no mistake: while the price tag may suggest "entry-level," the Tecno POP 9 punches well above its weight. Letβs dive into why this phone is more than just an affordable option β itβs a smart everyday companion.
The first thing that catches your eye is the stunning Magic Skin Green finish β a refreshing break from the standard blacks and blues that flood the budget segment. The soft-textured, fingerprint-resistant surface gives it a premium feel, and the ergonomic design ensures it rests comfortably in your hand.
At 189 grams and just 0.9 cm thin, the Tecno POP 9 balances sturdiness and portability with ease. Whether you're slipping it into a pocket or holding it for extended browsing sessions, it feels right.
The Tecno POP 9 earns its bragging rights by being the first Indian phone to feature the MediaTek G50 processor. Itβs a chipset optimized for everyday performance β smooth UI transitions, efficient multitasking, and snappy app launches.
Combined with 3GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, you get a phone that handles typical daily tasks like social media, YouTube streaming, chatting, and light gaming effortlessly. Add Android 14 Go Edition to the mix, and everything feels snappier and more responsive β a testament to Tecnoβs software optimization.
Even more impressively, Tecno promises a 36-month lag-free experience, which is a bold claim in the budget segment β but early use suggests the phone is built to stay reliable for the long haul.
The 5000 mAh battery in the Tecno POP 9 is one of its standout features. This isnβt just a number β it translates to up to 32 hours of talk time and well over a day of real-world usage on a single charge. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or someone who loves long video marathons, the battery wonβt leave you scrambling for a charger.
Even better, it supports 15W fast charging, which is rare in this price range. It gets you back up and running quickly β essential for users on the move.
The dual speaker setup is another area where the POP 9 surprises. It delivers clear, surprisingly loud audio with DTS Sound support β ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or even taking hands-free calls in noisy environments. The audio is well-balanced for a budget phone and enhances the multimedia experience substantially.
This setup is perfect for those who prefer consuming content directly from the phone without always relying on earphones.
The Tecno POP 9 features a 1920 x 1080 resolution display (FHD), which is again a rare treat in this segment. The colors are vibrant, and text appears sharp, making it great for reading, social media scrolling, and YouTube consumption.
It might not be an AMOLED panel, but for a phone in this price class, the clarity and brightness are definitely above par.
Tecno didnβt stop at the basics. The POP 9 includes an IR blaster, turning your smartphone into a universal remote for TVs, ACs, and other appliances β a hidden gem for those who love smart functionality. You donβt need to hunt for remotes anymore; your phone handles it all.
Itβs also IP54-rated, which means itβs resistant to dust and minor splashes β a level of ruggedness you donβt often see in budget devices.
The POP 9βs package includes everything you need:
Power Adapter
USB Cable
Phone Case
SIM Tray Ejector
Itβs great to see a brand still offering the essentials β including a charger, something that's missing even from premium devices today.
The Tecno POP 9 is very clearly designed with the Indian user in mind. The offline control features, IR support, and durable build all point to a phone that understands its audience. Itβs not about showing off benchmarks; itβs about delivering smooth, fuss-free daily usage.
Whether youβre attending online classes, managing a business on WhatsApp, watching reels, or video calling family, this phone supports you β without lag, without complications.
In a market flooded with underwhelming low-cost devices, the Tecno POP 9 rises as a clear standout. It doesnβt try to mimic a flagship β instead, it refines the essentials, adds a few premium perks, and delivers a well-rounded, stable experience at a fraction of the cost.
From Indiaβs first MediaTek G50 processor, DTS dual speakers, and 5000mAh battery, to IR remote control and IP54 protection, the POP 9 proves that you donβt have to compromise to stay on budget.
If you're looking for an entry-level smartphone that delivers far more than expected β this is it.