Tecno POP1 (2018)
This phone comes equipped with a 5.5 inch TFT display, a Mediatek MT6737 chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.
Is this phone worth its price? Hopefully, it will become clear by the end of my review.
Table of Contents
- Tecno POP1 specifications
- Weight, dimensions, colors
- System, chipset, performance
- Display type, size, resolution
- Memory, storage
- Cameras, flash
- Connectivity, network, wireless
- Battery type, capacity, charger
- Features, sensors, specials
- Verdict, pros and cons
This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Tecno POP1 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.
Tecno POP1 specifications
| Brand | Tecno |
|---|---|
| Name | POP1 |
| Model | POP1 |
| Release date | 2018 |
Weight, dimensions, colors
| Dimensions | 5.96 x 2.83 x 0.33 inch |
|---|---|
| Colors | black, blue, champagne, red |
| SIM type | Nano SIM |
Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).
System, chipset, performance
| OS version | Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) |
|---|---|
| SoC | Mediatek MT6737 |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Mali-T720 MP2 |
| Performance | AnTuTu v9: 40959 |
The Tecno POP1 comes with Android OS v7.0 (Nougat) out of the box. Google has integrated many services with Android. These include Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Drive. The mid-range CPU can deliver fast, efficient performance for many tasks. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency. We use AnTuTu app to measure general processing performance. AnTuTu Benchmark is the most popular benchmark app for Android phones.
Display type, size, resolution
| Display type | TFT |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5.5 inch |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 px |
| Multitouch support | yes |
The 5.5 inch phone comes with TFT display. A thin-film transistor (TFT) features a thin-film transistor for each individual pixel. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.
Memory, storage
| RAM | 1 GB |
|---|---|
| Internal storage | 8 GB |
| Memory card slot | microSD |
1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. Most people think a smartphone needs at least 32 GB of storage. The POP1 has only 8 GB. We can expand the internal storage (8 GB) with a compatible microSD card.
Cameras, flash
| Main camera | 5 MP, 2592 x 1944 px, autofocus |
|---|---|
| Flash | LED |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP |
This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The POP1 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).
Connectivity, network, wireless
| GSM 2G bands | 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
|---|---|
| Network coverage | 2G / 3G |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | v4.0, A2DP |
| GPS | A-GPS |
| NFC | no |
| FM radio | yes |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| Headphone | 3.5 mm jack |
The 3G is obsolete now, because most phones can use 4G and 5G networks. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The POP1 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.
Battery type, capacity, charger
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable |
|---|
The Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The Li-ion is a low maintenance battery. It does not need periodic full discharge. The battery of POP1 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.
Features, sensors, specials
| Sensors | accelerometer, light, proximity |
|---|---|
| Specials | Dual SIM, HiOS |
Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.
Verdict, pros and cons
Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Tecno phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.
Pros
- microSD slot
- Dual SIM support
Cons
- weak performance
- TFT display
- limited-size screen
- insufficient memory
- insufficient internal storage
- single camera setup
- no OIS function
- no 4G support
- no 5G support
- no NFC feature
- no Type-C USB port
- low-capacity battery
- no digital compass
- no fingerprint reader
Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.
I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.