Tecno Pop 8 Review: Affordable, Yet Capable Entry-Level Smartphone

Highlights

• 6-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate and 720p resolution.
• Dual speakers and side-mounted fingerprint scanner for enhanced usability.
• Equipped with Unisoc T606 chipset and up to 6GB RAM expansion.
• 5000mAh battery with a 10-watt charger providing all-day battery life.

The Tecno Pop 8 emerges as an intriguing offering in the entry-level segment.

The phone is aiming to strike a balance between affordability and essential features by packing in a hefty load of specifications.

There has been a wave of sub Rs 7,000 phone entering the market in recent times.

In this Tecno Pop 8 review I will try and find out if the device differentiates itself from these other offerings and if it is perfect choice for customers on a very strict budget.

Commenting on the launch, Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of TECNO Mobile India, said, “At TECNO, we hold steadfast in our commitment to bridging the digital divide, striving to make innovation accessible across our portfolio without burdening the consumer’s pocket. Our POP series epitomizes this commitment, delivering awesomeness to entry-level users. It is our way of connecting with the young, the bold and the stylish tech enthusiasts. With the introduction of POP 8, we bring a made-in-India device that not only packs a punch with its blazing speed, ultra-smooth display, and mind-blowing audio but also serves as a beacon in redefining accessibility. This innovative smartphone introduces unprecedented features to a more extensive demographic, marking a significant step in our mission to ensure advanced technology is within reach for everyone.” 

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Pros and Cons

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Key Specs

• 8GB RAM (4GB+4GB)
• 64GB Internal Storage
• Unisoc T606 
• HiOS 13.0 based on Android 13-Go 
• 56-inch Dot-In Display, 90Hz Refresh Rate
• 12MP Dual AI Camera 
• Gravity Black, Mystery White, and Alpenglow Gold
• DTS Dual Stereo Speakers
• 5000mAh battery

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Design and Display

The Tecno Pop 8 boasts a familiar design, with a plastic finish at the back and a plastic frame, reminiscent of its predecessor, the Pop 7 Pro.

It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, conveniently located below the volume keys.

The device has dual speakers an extreme rarity in this price bracket, positioned at the top and bottom, offering decent sound quality albeit lacking in bass.

The phone is equipped with a USB-C charging port and retains the traditional headphone jack.

Available in various colours, including the gravity black option, it sports a textured back pattern which is subtly perceptible to the touch.

The phone’s flat design with rounded edges ensures a comfortable grip.

The display features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate and 720p resolution, making it quite serviceable for its price range.

I won’t say that watching multimedia on the device is an overly joyous experience, but I think compromises have to be made at the price point.

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Cameras

The Tecno Pop 8’s camera setup, while functional, performs as one would expect from a entry-level smartphone.

It features a 13MP primary camera and a 0.08MP depth sensor at the rear, along with an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.

Although it supports 1080p video recording, the camera performance is primarily suited for basic photography needs.

The image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, may not meet the standards set by higher-end models.

Tecno Pop 8 Night Video

The 0.08MP depth sensor, while a value addition, has very limited functionality in enhancing photo quality of any kind of portrait shots.

Basically users who are looking for better photography features will likely find the camera capabilities somewhat lacking.

Tecno Pop 8 Daylight Video

However, for everyday snapshots and general use, the camera setup is serviceable.

The photo shot may not be the most detailed but they do reciprocate colour quality and exposure metrics to an acceptable level.

Tecno Pop 8 Day Camera Samples

Tecno Pop 8 Night Camera Samples

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Performance and Features

Under the hood, the Tecno Pop 8 is equipped with the Unisoc T606 chipset, a processor that stands in the same league as the MediaTek Helio G85.

This choice of hardware provides a base memory of 3GB RAM, which can be expanded up to 6GB through memory fusion.

The performance, while adequate for basic operations like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, is not cut out for heavy-duty tasks.

Most notably, the device struggles with intensive gaming or multitasking, showing signs of lag and slow response times.

That is to be expected as well from the chipset on offer as Unisoc has never been one to properly inculcate a high functioning GPU.

In the realm of benchmarking, the Tecno Pop 8 also faces some challenges.

Most benchmarking applications failed to run on the device, although Geekbench was an exception giving a fair idea of the handset’s performance bandwidth.

Running on Android 13 with HiOS 13 as the user interface, the Tecno Pop 8 presents a clean setup with some pre-installed apps.

The UI is typical of Tecno devices, offering a degree of customization.

There’s uncertainty regarding an upgrade to Android 14, though security updates are promptly available post-unboxing.

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Battery and Charging

A standout feature of the Tecno Pop 8 is its 5000mAh battery, which comfortably lasts a full day on a single charge.

However, the included 10-watt charger takes over two hours to charge the phone fully, making overnight charging advisable.

In my time using the device, performing basic tasks like messaging and calling along with some light internet browsing, the device was able to last for the entire day without issues.

Tecno Pop 8 Review: Final Verdict

Is the Tecno Pop 8 worth the investment?

The answer is two fold.

For users with basic smartphone needs who are not overly concerned about camera performance, the Tecno Pop 8 is a capable and budget-friendly option.

On the other hand, for users expecting high performance and advanced features, the phone might fall short.

Ultimately, the Tecno Pop 8 caters to a specific market segment that values affordability and fundamental smartphone functionality.

In that regard the Tecno Pop 8 is more-or-less a solid choice.

Five Reasons to Buy the Tecno Pop 8

• Affordability: Priced competitively under Rs 7,000, the Tecno Pop 8 stands as an attractive option for buyers with a stringent budget, offering a comprehensive package of features without a hefty price tag.
• Long-Lasting Battery Life: With its 5000mAh battery, the device ensures a full day of usage on a single charge, ideal for users who prioritize battery endurance in their daily smartphone usage.
• Decent Performance for Basic Use: Equipped with the Unisoc T606 chipset and expandable 3GB RAM, the Tecno Pop 8 offers satisfactory performance for routine tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing, suitable for users with modest performance expectations.
• User-Friendly Design and Display: The phone’s design is ergonomic, featuring a comfortable grip with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD and a 90Hz refresh rate, making it a viable option for users who value usability and adequate display quality.
• Dual Speakers: A rare feature in this price segment, the dual speakers positioned at the top and bottom of the device provide a decent sound experience, enhancing multimedia consumption.

Three Reasons Not to Buy the Tecno Pop 8

• Limited Camera Capabilities: The camera setup, including a 13MP primary camera and a 0.08MP depth sensor, performs minimally and is not suitable for users seeking high-quality photography, particularly in low-light conditions.
• Performance Limitations: While adequate for basic tasks, the Tecno Pop 8 struggles with intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, showing signs of lag, making it less ideal for users who demand higher performance.
• Uncertainty in Software Updates: With the current Android 13 and HiOS 13 interface, the future of software updates, including an upgrade to Android 14, remains uncertain, potentially limiting the device’s longevity in terms of software support.

Top Alternatives to the Tecno Pop 8

Realme C11

Known for its robust battery life and efficient MediaTek Helio G35 processor, offering a good balance of performance and battery endurance.

Redmi 9A

Features a large display and a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, providing a smooth user experience in its price range.

Samsung Galaxy M01 Core

Offers the reliability of Samsung with an optimized Android Go edition, suitable for basic smartphone users.

Infinix Smart 5

Stands out with its large display and a massive 6000mAh battery, catering to users who prioritize screen size and battery life.

Nokia C20 Plus

Renowned for its build quality and clean software experience, making it a viable choice for users who prefer a no-frills, durable smartphone.

POP 8 DETAILED SPECS

Tecno Pop8 Competition Benchmark

What makes the Tecno Pop 8 a viable option in the entry-level segment?

The Tecno Pop 8 balances affordability with essential features, offering a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display, dual speakers, and a reliable Unisoc T606 chipset.

Its design and display provide a comfortable user experience, suitable for basic smartphone activities.

How does the camera performance of the Tecno Pop 8 fare for regular use?

The Tecno Pop 8 features a 13MP primary camera and a 0.08MP depth sensor, suitable for basic photography needs.

While it may not excel in low-light conditions, the camera setup is adequate for everyday snapshots and general usage.

Is the Tecno Pop 8 suitable for gaming and multitasking?

The device, powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset, is designed for basic operations like calling and texting.

It may struggle with intensive gaming or heavy multitasking, showing signs of lag, typical for entry-level smartphones.

What are the unique features of the Tecno Pop 8?

The Tecno Pop 8 stands out with its dual speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and a large 5000mAh battery.

These features, combined with its affordable price, make it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

What is the software experience on the Tecno Pop 8?

Running Android 13 with HiOS 13, the Tecno Pop 8 offers a clean user interface with some pre-installed apps.

While there’s no certainty on an Android 14 upgrade, it provides essential security updates post-purchase.

What is the display size of the Tecno POP 8 and how does it enhance the user experience?

The Tecno POP 8 boasts a 6.56-inch screen, providing a large and immersive display for media consumption and browsing.

This size is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy watching videos or playing games on their phone, offering vivid color reproduction and satisfactory brightness.

How does the camera of Tecno POP 8 cater to photography needs?

The smartphone features a 12MP AI rear camera and an 8MP AI selfie camera. Despite being an entry-level phone, the Tecno POP 8’s cameras are designed to capture everyday moments with ease.

The AI enhancements are expected to improve photo quality in various lighting conditions, making it suitable for basic photography.

Can the Tecno POP 8 handle multitasking and storage requirements?

Equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, the Tecno POP 8 is capable of handling basic multitasking and storage needs.

This makes it a good choice for users who need a phone for everyday tasks like browsing, using social media, and light gaming.

What makes the Tecno POP 8 a good choice in the entry-level smartphone market?

The Tecno POP 8 stands out in the entry-level segment due to its combination of a sleek design, efficient performance, and a long-lasting battery, all at a budget-friendly price point.

Its IPX2 splash-resistant feature adds an extra layer of practicality for everyday use.

What are the STANDOUT FEATURES THAT MAKE IT THE BEST ENTERTAINER UNDER 6K ?

POP 8 is – TECNO’s entry-level smartphone series that’s not just an ordinary gadget, it’s an all-rounder Amazon Special smartphone!

It’s not just a phone; it’s a tech feat, nailing every detail with amazing specs, superb functionality, and a design that screams POP 8 UP!

The phone is the speedster, it’s the fastest 8GB RAM phone in this price segment. That’s not all – this lets you feast your eyes with a mind-blowing 90Hz dot-in display with a dynamic port.

Moreover, you can turn up the volume with dual DTS stereo speakers blasting a max sound output of up to 400%. And let’s not forget the premium anti-oil fingerprint sensor – conveniently placed on the side edge of the phone.

Designed especially for the youth and all you entertainment lovers out there, the POP 8 is here to POP 8 UP your game! Get ready for a smartphone experience that’s not just tech, it’s a lifestyle upgrade!

FASTEST 8GB RAM PHONE IN THE SEGMENT:

• The phone comes packed with 8GB* RAM + 64GB ROM (*4GB Additional MemFusion RAM)
• Scoring a dazzling 240k AnTuTu score – it’s the speedster among the smartphones, leaving others in the dust!
FEAST YOUR EYES WITH 90Hz DOT-IN DISPLAY WITH DYNAMIC PORT
• Immerse yourself in the 6.56” Dot-In display with Panda screen protection
• 90Hz Display supporting a smoother viewing and scrolling experience
• Dynamic Port notifications allow users to see calling, charging, and other notifications in an interactive way
AMAZING SOUND QUALITY WITH DTS DUAL STEREO SPEAKERS
• Pump up the jams with up to 400% louder sound* for an overall improved audio experience

ULTRA FAST SIDE FINGERPRINT SENSOR

• Unlock with a breeze using a faster, reliable, and secure anti-oil side fingerprint sensor

TECNO Launches POP 8 – Meet Segment’s Fastest 8GB RAM Smartphone!

• TECNO POP 8 is the best entertainer for those who appreciate cool specs, superb functionality, and a design that shouts POP 8 UP!
• The ultimate Amazon special smartphone with unparalleled features will be available in 8GB*+64GB variant at a limited-period special price of ₹5,999.

TECNO Launches POP 8 – Meet Segment’s Fastest 8GB RAM Smartphone! Details ?

• TECNO POP 8 is the best entertainer for those who appreciate cool specs, superb functionality, and a design that shouts POP 8 UP!
• The ultimate Amazon special smartphone with unparalleled features will be available in 8GB*+64GB variant at a limited-period special price of ₹5,999.

Tecno the global smartphone brand, did shake up the entry-level smartphone scene in India with the launch of the TECNO POP 8 in the Indian market.

The fastest 8GB RAM super-hero phone in town.
Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the POP 8, promising a speed-fueled era of performance like never before in the segment.

TECNO POP 8 is not just a phone; it’s a speedster into a new era of innovation giving users the keys to unlock their full potential. TECNO POP 8 will be available on Amazon starting January 9th, 2024.

Tailored for the youth and the entertainment squad, this Made in India smartphone is your personal lifestyle enhancer, ensuring the party follows you wherever you go. Boasting mind-blowing specs, unparalleled functionality, and a stylish design that steals the spotlight, it’s the perfect partner for your vibrant lifestyle at an accessible price encouraging you to POP 8 UP!

How is the speed & performance of Tecno pop 8?

SPEED AND PERFORMANCE THAT WILL POP UP

The TECNO POP 8 is the ultimate powerhouse packing a lightning-fast 8GB (4GB+4GB) RAM and a whopping 64GB internal storage.

This smartphone is the undisputed champion that rules the tech arena with an incredible AnTuTu score of 240k.

Say goodbye to phone struggles because, with POP 8, every tap, swipe, and interaction feels like a lightning bolt of pure innovation!

How is the display of Tecno pop 8?

SMOOTH AND ENGAGING DISPLAY

POP 8 gives you a visual feast with its mesmerizing 6.56″ Dot-In display and boasts Panda screen protection for that extra durability.

The smartphone elevates your interaction game to the next level as every touch and swipe turns into a dance of delight, offering a seamless and fluid viewing experience with a 90Hz screen refresh rate.

But wait, here’s the real magic– the dynamic port! Watch your calling, charging, and notifications come to life in an interactive and visually stunning manner, adding an extra flair to your daily experiences.

How is the audio experience of Tecno pop 8?

AN UNPARALLELED AUDIO FEAST

Get ready to party with POP 8’s segment-first DTS dual stereo speakers, cranking up the volume with a mind-blowing sound output that’s a whopping 400% louder than the competition in its segment.

Whether you’re engrossed in movie action, cool songs, or just watching content with your big group of friends, this phone brings magic to entertainment. Every beat, dialogue, and note is about to hit you with unparalleled clarity!

How is the design & security features of Tecno pop 8?

CAPTIVATING DESIGN AND ENHANCED SECURITY

TECNO POP 8 presents an ultra-fast side Anti-Oil fingerprint sensor that combines security with convenience.

No more stressing about greasy fingers; it guarantees a lightning-fast, super reliable, and ultra-secured unlocking experience that feels futuristic.

What is PRICE AND AVAILABILITY of Tecno pop 8?

Priced at ₹6,499 TECNO POP 8 will be available exclusively on Amazon starting 9th January 2024. However, with bank offers, the smartphone can be purchased at a limited-time special pricing of ₹5,999.

Also Read: Tecno POP 8 Unboxing and First Impressions: Budget-Friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features

Also Read: TECNO POP 8 Launched in India: Pricing, Features, Specs, and More

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