Design and display
The Tecno Pop 8 has a simple yet stylish design, with two colour options: Gravity Black and Mystery White.There is a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, too. The phone boasts an IPX2 splash-resistant rating, adding durability to its repertoire. The design is pleasant and suitable for a phone in this price range.
Its 6.6-inch Dot-In display is the highlight of the phone, with a 90Hz refresh rate and HD+ resolution. Tecno emphasises the multimedia experience on the Pop 8, evident in the 90Hz refresh rate display and DTS Dual Stereo Speakers. The large screen, coupled with the dynamic refresh rate, delivers an impressive video playback and general usage. The speakers promise 400% louder sound, providing an immersive audio experience, making it an attractive choice for media consumption. The display’s Dynamic Port feature for notifications adds a modern touch to the user experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the Pop 8 is powered by the UniSoC T606 octa-core chipset, which is good enough for everyday tasks. The phone has 4GB of RAM and 4GB of virtual RAM, which makes multitasking reasonably smooth. The phone runs on HiOS 13 based on Android 13 Go Edition, having a clean and responsive user interface, which delivers a smooth overall experience. However, it’s worth noting that the phone may struggle when running more demanding apps or games.
The base model of the Pop 8 offers 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While this might be sufficient for many users, those with a penchant for extensive media or app installations might want to consider the 128GB storage variant. The phone has a microSD slot for expandable storage up to 256GB, providing flexibility for users with growing storage needs.
The Pop 8 boasts a 5,000mAh battery, providing ample juice for a full day of usage. The 10W charging support, although not the fastest, ensures that the device won’t keep you waiting for too long. And the plus point is that it has a USB-C port. There is a 3.5mm audio jack as well.
Camera
The Pop 8’s camera setup is modest, with a 12-megapixel rear camera featuring an f/1.85 aperture, an AI Lens and dual-LED flash. The 12MP camera clicks good enough pictures in good lighting conditions, though the camera falters in low-light situations, but that’s expected. The secondary AI Lens is not much of use. The 8MP front-facing camera, coupled with Dual LED flash, caters to selfie enthusiasts.
Our quick take on Tecno Pop 8
Tecno Pop 8 is a refreshing and simple addition to the budget smartphone market. With its large display, commendable battery life, and multimedia-focused features, it caters to users seeking a reliable phone without breaking the bank. While it has some limitations, Tecno manages to strike a balance that aligns with the expectations of its target audience. If you’re looking for an affordable smartphone that covers the basics well and comes with a few modern touches, the Tecno Pop 8 is worth considering.