Tecno Pop 5c Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Tecno Pop 5c is an entry-level smartphone released in November 2021. It offers basic features and specifications at an affordable price point. With its compact design and budget-friendly price, the Pop 5c aims to cater to users who are looking for a simple and functional device without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Tecno Pop 5c features a plastic frame and back, which is to be expected in this price range. It has a compact form factor with dimensions of 145.2 x 74.1 x 9.9 mm, making it easy to hold and operate with one hand. The build quality feels decent, although it does have a slightly cheap feel to it. The device is available in two color options - Lake Blue and Dark Blue, giving users a choice to pick a color that suits their style.

Display

The device sports a 5.0-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The pixel density of approximately 196 ppi is not the sharpest, but it is acceptable for everyday usage. The colors and viewing angles are decent, considering the price point of the device. However, outdoor visibility may be a challenge due to the lack of brightness and sunlight legibility.

Performance

Under the hood, the Tecno Pop 5c is powered by a quad-core Unisoc SC7731e processor clocked at 1.3 GHz. It is paired with 1GB of RAM, which is on the lower side but expected for an entry-level device. The performance of the device is decent for basic tasks such as web browsing, social media usage, and light app usage. However, it might struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking. The Mali-400 GPU handles graphics, providing a satisfactory gaming experience for casual games.

Software and User Interface

The Tecno Pop 5c runs on Android 10 (Go edition) with Tecno's custom skin, HIOS. Android Go is a stripped-down version of Android optimized for low-end devices with limited hardware capabilities. It comes with pre-installed Go versions of popular Google apps, which are lightweight and consume less storage and memory. HIOS adds a few additional features and customization options to the user interface.

Camera

In terms of photography, the Tecno Pop 5c features a 5MP rear camera with autofocus and an LED flash. The camera performance is average, capturing decent photos in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and acceptable detail. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to produce satisfactory results, and the lack of a dedicated night mode further limits its capabilities. The device also offers a 2MP front camera with an LED flash, which is suitable for basic selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The Tecno Pop 5c is equipped with a 2400mAh non-removable battery. Considering the low-power specifications of the device, the battery capacity is sufficient to power the device through a day of moderate usage. However, heavy users may need to carry a charger or power bank for extended usage. The device does not support fast charging, so it may take some time to fully charge the battery.

Connectivity and Networking

In terms of connectivity options, the Tecno Pop 5c supports dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM) and offers 2G and 3G network compatibility. Unfortunately, it does not support 4G LTE connectivity, which could be a drawback for users who rely on faster data speeds. Other connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Tecno Pop 5c with other devices in the same price range, it faces tough competition from brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung. These brands offer devices with better specifications, including higher RAM, more storage, faster processors, and better camera capabilities. Additionally, some devices in this segment offer 4G LTE connectivity, which is a significant advantage in terms of internet speeds. However, if budget and basic functionality are the primary concerns, the Tecno Pop 5c could still be a viable option.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Tecno Pop 5c offers a basic smartphone experience at an affordable price point. It is a suitable choice for users who prioritize budget over advanced features and specifications. The device's compact design, decent performance, and acceptable camera capabilities make it suitable for everyday tasks such as calls, messaging, web browsing, and social media usage. However, users looking for a more powerful device with better camera performance and 4G LTE connectivity should explore other options in the same price range. Overall, the Tecno Pop 5c provides value for money for those seeking a simple and functional smartphone without breaking the bank.