Tecno has recently launched a new budget smartphone in India named the Tecno POP X. The phone officially hit the market on March 4, 2026, and its pricing and features are currently the talk of the town. It comes in a single variant – 4GB of RAM paired with 64GB of storage and is priced at a mere ₹8,499.
This device is primarily designed for first-time smartphone buyers and those who require a phone for basic, simple tasks. It is available in two color options: Chilly Green and Flare White. All in all, Tecno has attempted to pack several modern features into an affordable package.
Display Features
The phone’s biggest highlight is its 6.75-inch HD+ LCD screen. It features a 120Hz refresh rate—a rarity in phones within this price segment. This ensures smooth scrolling experiences across social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
The display offers decent brightness indoors, making it comfortable for watching videos; however, visibility may feel slightly reduced when using the phone outdoors under direct sunlight. Overall, for a device priced under ₹10,000, this can be considered a good, decent display.
Performance & Software
Powering the device is a Unisoc T7250 octa-core processor. This chipset is capable of handles everyday tasks smoothly such as using WhatsApp, Facebook, making calls, and light gaming. While performance may slow down slightly during heavy multitasking or when playing graphics-intensive games, most users will encounter no issues during standard daily usage.
The phone runs on HiOS 15, which is based on Android 15. Users can expect to receive one year of OS updates and two years of security patches.
Battery & Charging
The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery. Under typical usage conditions, it is capable of lasting a full day, though actual battery life may vary depending on individual usage patterns. While the device supports 15W fast charging, the retail box includes a 10W charger. A full charge can take approximately two hours. For those who spend their entire day outdoors or tend to worry about battery life, this can be considered an excellent option.
Design and Other Features
The phone is both slim and lightweight. It holds an IP64 rating, offering a degree of protection against dust and light rain. It features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports storage expansion via a microSD card. It also includes an IR blaster, allowing you to control appliances such as air conditioners or televisions. Thanks to its slim and lightweight profile, the in-hand grip feels excellent.
Camera Details
On the rear, the device sports a 13MP AI-enhanced main camera. Several camera modes are available, including AIGC Portrait, Night Mode, and various beauty effects. In daylight conditions, the photos produced are decent – bordering on perfect. An 8MP selfie camera is situated on the front. However, image quality drops significantly in low-light or nighttime conditions—a perfectly normal occurrence for a phone in this price range.
Ella AI Features
Tecno features its own proprietary AI assistant named Ella. It supports and functions in numerous languages, including Bengali, Hindi, and Tamil. Through voice commands, users can identify songs, edit photos, or generate images. There is also an option to make walkie-talkie-style calls—even without a cellular network connection—provided the devices are in close proximity. These features could prove to be genuinely useful for users in India.
Pros and Cons – In Brief
- Pros: The 120Hz display offers a very smooth experience; the battery provides long-lasting endurance; it features an IP64 rating; the AI features perform well in local languages; and the build quality is reasonably good relative to the price point.
- Cons: Due to a relatively weak chipset, performance can be sluggish during heavy-duty tasks; the display resolution is limited to HD+; camera performance is poor in low-light conditions; the software contains some bloatware; and software updates will be provided for a limited duration.
All things considered, the Tecno POP X serves as a simple, reliable daily driver. It is not, however, the ideal choice for those seeking high-performance power or professional-grade camera capabilities. However, if you are looking for a phone with good battery life, a smooth screen, and reliable performance at an affordable price, this could be a good option.
