| Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.0 out of 5 | |
| Price | $65 / ₦96,100 - ₦117,600 (depending on variant) |
| Best For | Students, first-time buyers, backup phone users |
| Release Date | September 2025 |
| Availability | Nigeria, Kenya, India, Pakistan, and other emerging markets |
Introduction
I'll be honest - when I first heard about the Tecno Pop 10, I thought it was just another forgettable budget phone. The market is flooded with cheap smartphones that promise a lot but deliver very little. However, after spending a few weeks with this device, I was genuinely surprised. Tecno has managed to pack in features that most competitors at this price point don't even think about offering. We're talking about a 120Hz display, IP64 water resistance, dual stereo speakers, and even an IR blaster - all for around $65. That's impressive, and honestly, a bit unexpected.
The Tecno Pop 10 doesn't try to be something it's not. It knows its audience - budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks. And in that regard, it succeeds admirably. Sure, it has its limitations, but for the price, those compromises are entirely reasonable.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice when you pick up the Tecno Pop 10 is that it doesn't feel cheap. Yes, it's plastic, but it's well-executed plastic with a matte finish that resists fingerprints surprisingly well. The phone weighs just under 200 grams, which makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The flat sides and flat back panel give it a modern look, and I actually appreciate the design simplicity.
What really caught my attention is the camera module design. Tecno clearly took inspiration from the iPhone 16 with that distinctive camera bump layout. Whether you love it or hate it, it definitely makes the phone stand out from the typical budget device crowd. Inside that module, you'll find the single rear camera, LED flash, and interestingly, an IR blaster positioned right there.
The IP64 rating is a huge plus. This is a significant upgrade from the IP52 rating on the previous Pop 9 model. IP64 means the phone is fully protected against dust ingress and can handle water splashes without issues. I accidentally spilled some water on it during testing, and it kept working perfectly. Tecno also claims the phone can survive drops from up to 1.5 meters, which adds peace of mind for clumsy users like me.
On the bottom edge, you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack (thank you, Tecno!), USB Type-C port, microphone, and one of the stereo speakers. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is well-positioned on the power button and responds quickly. Face unlock is also available as an alternative unlocking method.
Display - The Surprising Star
Here's where the Tecno Pop 10 really impressed me. The 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate is exceptional for this price bracket. I cannot stress enough how rare it is to find a 120Hz display on a phone that costs $65. Most budget phones are still stuck at 60Hz, and once you experience the smoothness of 120Hz, going back feels jarring.
Scrolling through social media, browsing websites, and navigating the UI all feel fluid and responsive. The difference is immediately noticeable, especially when switching between apps or scrolling through long lists. Yes, the resolution is HD+ (720 x 1612 pixels), which works out to around 267 pixels per inch. It's not Full HD, and text isn't razor-sharp if you look closely. But for everyday use - watching YouTube, checking Instagram, reading messages - it's perfectly adequate.
The display gets reasonably bright for outdoor use, though it's not the brightest screen I've tested. Direct sunlight requires you to crank up the brightness, but it's manageable. Colors look decent with good saturation, though they're not as vibrant as AMOLED panels. The screen-to-body ratio is decent, though there are noticeable bezels, especially the chin at the bottom. The centered punch-hole camera is small and unobtrusive.
Performance - Realistic Expectations
The Tecno Pop 10 runs on the Unisoc T7250 chipset, which is an entry-level processor built on a 12nm process. It's paired with either 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of RAM depending on which variant you choose. Let me set realistic expectations here - this is not a performance powerhouse, and it's not trying to be one.
For basic everyday tasks like calling, texting, using WhatsApp, browsing Chrome, checking emails, and watching videos, the phone performs adequately. Apps open reasonably quickly, and you can multitask between a few apps without major issues. I used it for typical daily activities - social media scrolling, YouTube videos, messaging apps - and it handled everything fine.
However, heavy multitasking will slow things down. If you try to keep too many apps open simultaneously, you'll notice stuttering and lag. Gaming is possible but limited. Casual games like Candy Crush, Temple Run, or Among Us work fine. But demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile struggle even on the lowest settings. If mobile gaming is important to you, this isn't the phone for that purpose.
The phone runs Android 15 Go Edition with Tecno's HiOS interface on top. Android Go is specifically optimized for low-spec devices, so the phone runs more smoothly than you'd expect given the modest hardware. The interface is colorful and customizable, though it does come with some bloatware that you'll want to uninstall or disable.
Battery Life - Solid and Dependable
The 5000mAh battery is one of the strong points of the Tecno Pop 10. Combined with the efficient Android Go operating system and HD+ display resolution, the phone delivers excellent battery life for its class. With moderate usage - around 3-4 hours of screen-on time with social media, messaging, and some video watching - I consistently got through a full day with 30-40% battery remaining.
Light users can easily stretch this to a day and a half. Even with heavier usage involving lots of YouTube streaming and photography, the phone comfortably lasted from morning to night. Battery anxiety is simply not an issue with this device.
The phone supports 15W fast charging, though interestingly, it only comes with a 10W charger in the box. That's a bit disappointing. With the 10W charger, expect charging times of around 2.5 to 3 hours from empty to full. If you have a 15W charger lying around from another device, you can use that for slightly faster charging. The charging port is USB Type-C, which is great to see on a budget device.
Camera Performance - Gets the Job Done
The camera setup is modest: a 13MP rear camera with f/2.0 aperture, autofocus, and LED flash, plus an 8MP front camera with its own LED flash. Let's be clear - this is an entry-level camera system, and you should set your expectations accordingly.
In good daylight conditions, the 13MP rear camera produces decent, usable photos. Colors are reasonably accurate, contrast is acceptable, and there's adequate detail for social media sharing. The autofocus works reliably and locks onto subjects fairly quickly. Photos look perfectly fine when viewed on the phone's screen or shared on Instagram or WhatsApp.
Portrait mode is available and does an okay job, though edge detection isn't perfect. You'll occasionally see background blur applied to parts of the subject or vice versa. HDR mode helps balance exposure in high-contrast scenes. There's also a night mode, which does brighten up dark scenes, but don't expect miracles. Low-light photos are soft, noisy, and lack detail - but that's par for the course at this price point.
The 8MP selfie camera is adequate for video calls and casual selfies. The LED flash is genuinely useful for low-light selfies, which is a thoughtful addition. Beauty modes and filters are available if that's your thing. Both cameras can record video up to 1080p at 30fps, and the quality is acceptable for casual recording.
If camera quality is your top priority, there are better options in this price range. But for users who just need a functional camera that works for everyday photography, the Tecno Pop 10 delivers.
Audio Experience - Surprisingly Good
Here's another area where the Tecno Pop 10 punches above its weight. The dual stereo speakers are a genuine highlight of this phone. Most budget devices settle for a single bottom-firing speaker, but Tecno included proper stereo speakers here. They provide decent volume and clarity for watching videos, playing games, or even casual music listening.
There's minimal distortion at maximum volume, though bass is understandably lacking. Still, for a budget phone, the audio quality is impressive. The speakers are positioned well - one on the bottom edge and one integrated into the earpiece, creating a genuine stereo effect.
The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is greatly appreciated. It's a feature that's disappearing even from mid-range phones, so it's nice to see Tecno keeping it. Audio quality through wired headphones is clean and clear. The phone also includes an FM radio, which is a nostalgic touch and practical when you don't want to use mobile data for music.
Special Features
The IR blaster is an interesting addition that adds genuine utility. You can use your phone as a universal remote to control TVs, air conditioners, set-top boxes, and other infrared devices. I set it up to control my TV and AC, and it works reliably. It's a small feature that makes a practical difference, especially when you can't find your actual remote.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, unlocking the phone almost instantaneously. Face unlock is also available and works well in good lighting, though it struggles in dim conditions. The phone supports dual SIM with a dedicated microSD card slot, so you don't have to choose between two SIM cards and expandable storage.
What Could Be Better
While the Tecno Pop 10 offers impressive value, there are areas where the budget nature of the device shows through. The Unisoc T7250 processor is adequate but not powerful. You'll experience occasional stuttering with demanding apps, and heavy gaming is essentially off the table. The 2GB RAM variant in particular feels quite limited - I'd strongly recommend going for at least the 3GB RAM version.
The HD+ display resolution is acceptable but not ideal. Text and images could be sharper with Full HD resolution. The camera system, while functional, doesn't compete with slightly more expensive devices. Low-light photography in particular is quite weak.
The phone only ships with a 10W charger despite supporting 15W charging, which seems like an odd cost-cutting measure. Charging times are longer than they need to be. The plastic build, while well-executed, obviously doesn't have the premium feel of glass or metal. And like most budget devices, there's bloatware pre-installed that needs to be cleaned up.
Who Should Buy This Phone
The Tecno Pop 10 is perfect for students who need a reliable smartphone on a tight budget, first-time smartphone users who want something simple and straightforward, parents or grandparents who just need basic functionality, anyone looking for a durable backup device, and budget-conscious buyers who want the most features for their money.
It's not ideal for mobile gamers seeking performance, photography enthusiasts who want great camera quality, power users who need top-tier specifications, or anyone who demands flagship-level features and build quality.
Final Verdict
I started this review skeptical, and I'm ending it impressed. The Tecno Pop 10 is proof that budget smartphones don't have to be boring or compromised. By focusing on features that genuinely matter to everyday users - smooth display, good battery life, stereo speakers, water resistance - Tecno has created a device that feels more expensive than its $65 price tag suggests.
Yes, the processor is modest and the camera is basic. But for users who primarily use their phone for communication, social media, and content consumption, those compromises are entirely acceptable. The 120Hz display alone makes this phone feel significantly more premium than typical budget offerings.
If you're shopping in the ultra-budget segment and value practical features over raw specifications, the Tecno Pop 10 is easily one of the best choices available. It's a phone that understands its audience and delivers exactly what they need without unnecessary compromises. That focus and smart prioritization make it a winner in my book.
| PROS |
|
✓ Excellent 120Hz display for the price ✓ IP64 water and dust resistance ✓ Dual stereo speakers with good volume ✓ Solid 5000mAh battery life ✓ IR blaster for remote control functionality ✓ 3.5mm headphone jack included ✓ USB Type-C charging port ✓ Android 15 Go Edition ✓ Side-mounted fingerprint sensor ✓ Dedicated microSD card slot ✓ Unbeatable value for money |
| CONS |
|
✗ Modest processor struggles with heavy tasks ✗ Basic camera quality, especially in low light ✗ HD+ resolution isn't the sharpest ✗ Only 10W charger included (supports 15W) ✗ Plastic build feels budget ✗ Pre-installed bloatware needs removal ✗ 2GB RAM variant is too limited ✗ Not suitable for gaming |
| Quick Specifications | |
| Display | 6.67" IPS LCD, 120Hz, 720x1612 pixels |
| Processor | Unisoc T7250 (12nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 2GB/3GB/4GB + 64GB/128GB (Expandable) |
| Battery | 5000mAh with 15W charging support |
| Rear Camera | 13MP, f/2.0, LED flash |
| Front Camera | 8MP with LED flash |
| OS | Android 15 Go Edition with HiOS |
| Special Features | IP64 rating, Dual stereo speakers, IR blaster, Side fingerprint |
| Connectivity | 4G Dual SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm jack |
| Price | $65 (₦96,100 - ₦117,600) |
| Rating Breakdown |
| Display: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| Battery Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5 |
| Performance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3/5 |
| Camera: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ 3/5 |
| Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5 |
| Audio: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4/5 |
| Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| Bottom Line: RECOMMENDED |
|
The Tecno Pop 10 earns a solid recommendation for anyone shopping in the ultra-budget segment. It delivers features that genuinely matter - smooth 120Hz display, IP64 protection, dual stereo speakers, and reliable battery life - without asking you to compromise on build quality. At $65, it represents exceptional value for students, first-time buyers, and anyone who needs a dependable smartphone without breaking the bank. While it won't win any performance benchmarks or photography awards, it succeeds at what it's designed to do: provide a solid, reliable smartphone experience at an incredibly affordable price. In a market full of forgettable budget phones, the Tecno Pop 10 actually stands out. |
| Sources & References |
|
Official Sources: 1. Tecno Mobile Official Website - Pop 10 Specifications 2. GSMArena - Tecno Pop 10 Full Technical Specifications Note: This review is based on hands-on testing with the device. Individual experiences may vary based on usage patterns, software updates, and regional variants. |
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