If you’re in Nigeria and looking for a smartphone that won’t drain your pocket, chances are the Tecno Pop 9 has already caught your eye. In 2025, the prices of nearly everything, from food to basic items, keep going up. And with the Naira still struggling, it’s no surprise that many people are turning to budget-friendly phones that simply get the job done.
In this review, you’ll find everything you need to know, official specs, what everyday users are saying, and even insights from phone sellers who know what sells and why.
So if you’re wondering if the Pop 9 is worth your money in 2025, let’s break it down, simply and clearly.
Image source: FRED’S TECH HUB on YouTube
Tecno Pop 9: Specs and features
First, a quick heads-up: there are two Tecno Pop 9 models, one supports 4G, the other 5G. The 5G version offers a 48MP camera, NFC, and faster charging. However, in Nigeria, the 4G model is what is widely available. That’s our focus here; it comes with a 13MP camera and more modest specs.
1. Display
The Pop 9 features a 6.6–6.67″ HD+ screen. It’s not Full HD, but sharp enough for browsing, watching videos, and reading. A standout feature is its smooth 120Hz refresh rate (some versions have a 90Hz refresh rate), which makes scrolling feel fluid. With up to 480 nits brightness, it stays visible under sunlight.
2. Performance
Powered by a Unisoc T615 processor, the phone handles everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and light gaming fairly well. You can choose between 3GB or 4GB of RAM, paired with 64GB or 128GB of storage. “Extended RAM” adds a slight performance boost.
It runs Android 14 Go Edition, optimised for lower RAM. While most users find it smooth, some report occasional lag, particularly with heavier usage or multiple apps open.
3. Battery Life
This is one of the Pop 9’s strongest points. The 5000mAh battery can last a full day or more, with Tecno claiming up to 60 days on standby.
Charging speed varies: some models support 15W fast charging, while others are limited to 10W, which can take approximately 2.5 hours, slower than the 18W charging speed on the older Pop 8.
4. Camera
The rear camera is 13MP with dual flash; the front is 8MP, also with flash. You’ll find basic modes like beauty, portrait, and wide-angle selfie, with video capped at 1080p, 30fps.
For daylight photos or social media, the quality is decent. Just don’t expect stunning night shots or pro-level detail. Many users expected more, especially considering the capable T615 chip.
5. Design & Extras
With a glass front and plastic back, the Pop 9 feels lightweight (189g) and sleek; some users say it gives iPhone vibes. It’s IP54-rated (dust/splash resistant), and includes a side fingerprint scanner, an IR remote, and Tecno’s “Wet & Oily Touch Control” for better screen response in humid conditions.
However, several users miss features like split-screen, screenshot gestures, and innovative tools that were present in earlier models.
6. Connectivity & Sound
You get dual SIM slots, 4G LTE/4.5G (LTE-A), USB-C, a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and GPS. There’s no NFC on this version. The DTS dual speakers offer surprisingly decent sound for the price.
What Nigerians told us about using the Tecno Pop 9
To get a real feel for how the Tecno Pop 9 performs, we decided to go straight to the source, the people using it daily. We spoke to Tecno Pop 9 users across Nigeria, asking them what they honestly think about the phone. From casual users to mobile gamers and small business owners, here’s what they told us.
1. The general vibe: Mostly happy, but not without flaws
When we asked users how they’d describe the Pop 9 in one word, the most common responses were “good,” “reliable,” and “cool.” Several people even called it the best in the Pop series so far. Overall, most folks using it for everyday stuff like messaging, browsing, and light multitasking are satisfied.
2. Performance: Smooth for some, laggy for others
Here’s where things got interesting. Some users said the phone is “fast,” “runs WhatsApp and Facebook without stress,” and even handles light gaming like Call of Duty Mobile.
But a few others gave us a reality check: one user said the phone sometimes “freezes during calls,” while another mentioned a “20-second delay before it picks up.” A few also noticed it gets warm after gaming.
So while Tecno promises a four-year smooth performance, the real-world experience depends on how you use the phone. If you stick to light apps and casual use, it performs well. But if you’re a power user, you might start to see some slowdowns.
3. Battery life: One of the best things about it
When we asked what they loved most about the phone, almost everyone mentioned the battery.
One university student told us, “It lasts me from morning classes to late-night browsing.” Another user said they easily get up to two days with light use. Even heavy users who stream videos and use mobile data all day said the battery “holds up better than expected.”
The 5000mAh battery is one of the Pop 9’s best features.
4. Camera: Okay for socials, but don’t expect magic
We asked people how they felt about the camera, and the general response was, “It’s okay.”
For everyday photos and short social clips, most users say it does the job, especially in good lighting. But when it comes to video quality or low-light shots, people weren’t impressed. One user simply called it “meh,” while another said, “Videos come out blurry at night.”
In short, it’s not a content creator’s dream, but it works for casual use.
The bottom line from users
If you’re looking for a reliable budget smartphone that handles daily tasks and doesn’t constantly need charging, the Tecno Pop 9 is a strong pick. It’s not perfect, especially if you’re into photography or gaming, but for the price, most users we spoke to felt it was worth it.
Table: User feedback snapshot: Pros & cons
Here’s a quick snapshot of what users love and where they feel Tecno could do better:
| Aspect | User Praises | User Complaints |
| Battery Life | “Lasts all day,” “impressive endurance” | “Potential quick battery drain under heavy usage” |
| Performance | “Fast and cool,” “doesn’t lag (for basic use/light gaming)” | “Lags a lot,” “keeps hanging,” “gets warm with heavy games” |
| Camera | “Good camera” (general), “surprisingly good photos” (5G variant) | “Horrible videoing,” “not strong suit,” “only good with enough light,” desire for higher MP |
| Value | “Very good device,” “worth the money,” “affordable” | – |
| Design | “Sleek and stylish,” “good design” | – |
| Features | Dual speakers, IR remote control | Missing “split app, screenshot, micro-intelligence features” from Pop 7 |
| Charging | – | “10W charger is slow,” “Pop 8 had 18W” |
What phone sellers in Nigeria are saying about the Tecno Pop 9
How much does the Tecno Pop 9 cost in Nigeria?
We spoke with several phone sellers across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt to get a sense of current market pricing, and while it varies slightly depending on the store and region, here’s the general price range most shared:
- 3GB RAM / 64GB storage – “I sell it between ₦99,500 and ₦120,000, depending on the colour and accessories,” said Michael, who runs a stall at Computer Village in Ikeja. A few sellers also mentioned that the price can dip as low as ₦89,400 when there’s a discount or promo.
- 3GB RAM / 128GB storage – Dealers like Sola at Royalline Phones listed it between ₦111,600 and ₦129,000.
- 4GB RAM / 128GB storage – “That one’s for customers who want a little more speed and storage,” noted Blessing from 3CHub. She priced it between ₦127,500 and ₦157,000.
You can pick it up from a wide range of sellers, including Jumia, Konga, Slot, Pointek, NamzyPhones, Rifugio Nigeria, Royalline, 3CHub, SPOP, and Kara Nigeria. Most sellers told us availability is steady, but some specific variants (especially the higher storage ones) occasionally run out.
What sellers are telling their customers
Everyone we spoke to agreed on one thing: Nigerians aren’t just buying phones for specs, they’re buying them for real-life use. And that’s where the Pop 9 shines.
Chuks, who manages a phone booth at Wuse Market in Abuja, explained it this way:
“Customers want a phone that lasts. Not just battery, but in general. The Pop 9 gives them that, and it doesn’t cost too much.”
Here’s what sellers consistently highlight when recommending the Pop 9:
- Long-lasting battery life
- Reliable LTE and 4.5G connectivity
- Smooth 120Hz display (surprisingly good at this price point)
- Built-in infrared remote control
- 15W fast charging on select models
According to Grace from NamzyPhones, battery life is the most significant selling point:
“In areas where light [electricity] is not stable, people just want a phone that won’t die quickly. Once I mention the battery on this one, they nod.”
Sellers also emphasised that the Pop 9 is a smart buy, especially with inflation making every naira count. As Chidi put it:
“It’s not about show-off. Most customers now want something that works and won’t cost them too much to replace.”
Tecno’s position in the Nigerian market
From every seller we interviewed, one thing is clear: Tecno still owns the streets.
“I barely sell Samsung these days unless it’s a rich customer. It’s Tecno, Infinix, or Itel, all day,” said Ahmed at a shop in Balogun Market.
Why? Sellers gave us a breakdown of what keeps Tecno on top:
- Cameras tuned for darker skin tones
- Long-lasting batteries
- Easy repairs, spare parts are everywhere
- Affordable pricing
- Celebrity ambassadors Nigerians know and trust
“It’s everywhere, kiosk, supermarket, even some roadside shops,” noted Esther. “You don’t have to look too far to find a Tecno.”
Table: Tecno Pop 9 price comparison (Naira) by variant & retailer (Approximate as of Mid-2025)
Note: Prices are approximate and subject to change based on retailer promotions, stock availability, and market fluctuations.
Image source: FRED’S TECH HUB on YouTube
Is the phone worth buying in Nigeria?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Android phone in Nigeria in 2025, the Tecno Pop 9 is worth considering. It gets the basics right, with a long-lasting battery, smooth display, and enough power for everyday tasks like chatting, browsing, and light streaming.
Its 5000mAh battery stands out, especially in areas with unstable electricity. The 6.6-inch screen and 120Hz refresh rate make day-to-day use feel snappy, while Android 14 Go Edition helps optimise performance on lower RAM.
You also get thoughtful extras, such as an infrared remote, IP54 splash resistance, and dual SIM support, features that directly address real-world Nigerian needs.
Things to watch out for
- The camera is average, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Some older features, like split screen and gesture shortcuts, are missing.
- Not ideal for heavy gaming or multitasking, lag and heat build-up can occur.
Pro tips for getting the best out of it
To make your Pop 9 last longer and perform better:
- Stick to light or mid-weight apps, and avoid running multiple heavy apps at once.
- Clear background apps regularly to free up RAM and avoid slowdowns.
- Use lite versions of apps like Facebook Lite and YouTube Go, as they run smoother on the Go Edition.
- Turn off auto-sync for non-essential apps (e.g., cloud drives, email accounts you rarely use).
- Keep the software updated when available, but avoid sideloading risky apps that may drain memory or battery.
- Buy a fast charger (15W) if your model comes with the slower 10W version; it saves time daily.
- Use a case and screen protector to preserve resale value. Tecno phones have strong demand in the second-hand market.
In a time when everything is getting more expensive, the Tecno Pop 9 is one of those phones that just works, without breaking the bank. It’s not flashy, but it’s reliable, affordable, and built for the way Nigerians use their phones.
