Tecno Pop 9 5G eyeballs launch with iPhone 16-esque looks and budget specs

Tecno has confirmed that it will ditch the geometric look of the Pop 8 for a raised camera hump ostensibly inspired by the new Phone 16 and 16 Plus in its successor.

The newer handset is not likely to be capable of Apple's Spatial Video, however: despite its eyeball-themed teasers, it seems to have only 1 rear camera in that housing. Nevertheless, Tecno asserts that it will offer "Stunning Clarity" with its single Sony IMX582 sensor - not to mention a ring-flash off to one side.

Accordingly, the OEM heavily implies that it will be the best (or at least the newest) rear camera available in a smartphone priced at INR 9,499 (~$115) or less.

The Pop 9 will also offer 5G thanks to a series-first Dimensity 6300 SoC - then again, it should be noted that the Redmi 13C 5G is currently available on Amazon.in for INR 9,199 with a main camera of 50MP in resolution where the IMX582 is 48MP.

The 13C will also be able to match the Pop 9 with a 5,000mAh battery (a spec likely to be phased out of higher-end smartphones soon enough).

Then again, the Tecno device is also touted as offering officially IP54-rated water- and dust-resistance - not to mention a 120Hz refresh rate for its flat display where the 13C is 90Hz.

The Pop 9 5G will be unleashed to meet its potential buyers' gaze on Amazon from September 24, 2024.