Tecno Pop 8: Unveiling The Charm Of Tecno's Latest Entery-Level Marvel!

Body

Picture this: a sleek frame measuring 163.7×75.6×8.6 mm, designed to fit perfectly in your palm. The Pop 8 boasts a glass front, a trendy plastic back, and a sturdy plastic frame. Here are the relevant specs:

The Go edition of Android, used in the Tecno Pop 8, is the lightweight champion in the Android universe! Think of it as Android's way of ensuring everyone gets a taste of the smartphone pie, even if one does not have the latest and greatest hardware. Android Go edition is essentially a stripped-down version of the regular Android operating system. It's optimized to run on smartphones with modest hardware specifications. By trimming down some of the frills and heavy graphical elements, Android Go ensures a smooth and efficient user experience, even on devices with limited processing power and storage.

If you are used to the regular Android, you'd want to know the key differences between it and the Go edition before deciding on the Tecno Pop 8. Here they are:

• Lite Apps: Android Go promotes the use of lightweight versions of popular apps. These applications are designed to consume less data, storage, and memory, ensuring a faster and more responsive experience on entry-level devices.
• Optimized OS: Android Go features optimizations throughout the operating system. From memory management to background tasks, everything is fine-tuned to work seamlessly on phones with lower RAM capacities.
• Data Management: Android Go includes built-in data-saving features, allowing users to monitor their data usage more effectively. This is particularly beneficial in regions where mobile data can be expensive or limited.
• Storage Optimization: The Go edition ensures that the operating system itself occupies less space, leaving more room for apps, photos, and other user data on the device.

Android Go edition is perfect for entry-level and budget smartphones. These are the devices that often struggle to cope with the demands of full-fledged Android versions. By embracing Android Go, these phones can provide a reliable and smooth user experience without compromising on essential features. In this way, Android Go edition truly democratizes the smartphone experience, bringing the power of technology to more hands around the world.

The sturdy yet stylish shell that encases all the Pop 8's technological marvels comes with dimensions that strike a balance between a spacious screen and comfortable handling. The ergonomic, rectangular design of the phone ensures a firm grip, making it comfortable for prolonged use. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite series or engaging in marathon texting sessions, this phone won't wear out your hand muscles.

Tecno's choice of plastic for the back and the frame materials isn't just about aesthetics, it's a smart move that combines durability, affordability, and functionality. Plastic, when engineered right, can be surprisingly durable. It's less prone to shattering than glass, making the Pop 8 a reliable companion for your everyday adventures. Accidental drops might not be as heart-stopping with a plastic-clad phone. Plastic is also cost-effective, allowing Tecno to keep the phone's price reasonable, making it accessible to a wider audience without compromising on essential features. And plastic is inherently lighter than metal or glass. This not only contributes to the phone's overall portability but also ensures it won't weigh you down during extended use.

However, plastic does have some cons too, when compared with glass and metal builds. Glass-backed phones exude a premium feel and look excellent, though they are more fragile and prone to cracks upon impact. Metal builds provide a solid, premium appearance and offer good heat dissipation, though they can be heavy and might interfere with wireless signals.

The Tecno Pop 8 flaunts four dazzling hues - Alpenglow Gold, Gravity Black, Magic Skin, and Mystery White. If you're the adventurous soul, always seeking the next thrill and embracing life with an optimistic spirit, Alpenglow Gold is your color. It resonates with the go-getters, the ones who chase sunsets and believe in the beauty of new beginnings. It's a hue for those who radiate warmth and positivity, just like the golden hour of a day.

Gravity Black is the choice for the enigmatic, the mysterious, and the trendsetters. It's the color of sophistication, embodying a sense of timeless elegance. If you have a penchant for the unknown, an affinity for the night, and an aura of intrigue, Gravity Black is your style statement. It complements those who navigate life with a sense of quiet confidence and a touch of mystique.

Magic Skin is for the dreamers, the artists, and the free spirits. It's a hue that embraces creativity and self-expression. If you find magic in everyday moments, appreciate the beauty in imperfections, and believe in the power of imagination, Magic Skin speaks to your soul. It's a canvas waiting for your unique story and artistic flair to unfold.

And Mystery White is the epitome of simplicity and purity. It appeals to the minimalist, the perfectionist, and the purveyor of timeless classics. If you find solace in clean lines, value clarity in thoughts, and have an eye for detail, Mystery White is your color. It represents a fresh start, a blank page ready for your ideas and aspirations to fill it with purpose.

Remember, while these color personalities provide a fun perspective, the best color for your Tecno Pop 8 is the one that resonates with you the most. After all, your phone isn't just a gadget - it's an extension of who you are!

If we compare the Tecno Pop 8 with the predecessor Pop 7, there's little change in the build, though the Pop 8 is a bit slimmer. The Pop 7 was 163.9×75.5×8.9 mm, and it featured a glass front and plastic back and frame.

IP Rating

(Related: IP ratings explained.)

So, the Tecno Pop 8, like its predecessor Pop 7, does not come with an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. Should you be concerned? Well, let's break it down.

While having an IP rating is undoubtedly a bonus, the absence of one doesn't mean your Tecno Pop 8 is flimsy. Tecno, like many other reputable brands, designs their phones to withstand everyday wear and tear. However, it's essential to exercise caution. Avoiding exposure to water, dust, and extreme environments is a good practice for any smartphone, IP rating or not.

Here are some tips for keeping your Tecno Pop 8 safe:

• Water Avoidance: Steer clear of water bodies. Be it rain, a spilled drink, or a bathroom shelf - water is a smartphone's nemesis. Store your phone in a safe place when near water sources.
• Dust Protection: Dust might seem harmless, but it can wreak havoc on your phone's internals. Keep your Pop 8 away from dusty pockets and dirty surfaces.
• Safe Handling: A little care goes a long way. Invest in a secure pocket or pouch for your phone when you're on the move, protecting it from accidental drops and scratches.
• Protective Accessories: Consider investing in a protective case and a screen protector. A durable case provides a cushion against falls and bumps, reducing the risk of damage. A quality screen protector adds an extra layer of defense against scratches and minor impacts; it keeps your display looking pristine, ensuring a clear view and responsive touch experience.

By combining mindful usage with the added protection of a case and screen protector, you're significantly enhancing your Tecno Pop 8's longevity and resilience.

Display

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The 6.6-inch IPS LCD display steals the spotlight with its 90 Hz refresh rate, ensuring buttery-smooth visuals. With a resolution of 720×1612 pixels, every image comes to life, offering a pixel density of approximately 267 PPI.

Here are the relevant specs:

The IPS LCD (In-Plane Switching Liquid Crystal Display) is a technology that has the ability to offer vibrant colors, wide viewing angles, and excellent color accuracy. Whether you're viewing your favorite photos, watching videos, or playing games, the IPS LCD ensures every detail pops, making your content look stunning from almost any angle.

The refresh rate of your display is like its heartbeat. Most phones typically operate at a standard 60 Hz refresh rate, meaning the screen refreshes 60 times per second. The Tecno Pop 8, however, kicks it up a notch with a 90 Hz refresh rate. This results in silky smooth scrolling. Ever noticed how some displays feel incredibly smooth when you scroll through your social media feed or browse web pages? That's the magic of a higher refresh rate. With 90 Hz, the screen refreshes 90 times per second, resulting in buttery-smooth scrolling and navigation.

For gamers, a higher refresh rate translates to smoother animations and more responsive touch controls. Even though the Pop 8 is not designed for the hardcore gamers, it does minimize motion blur during the casual gaming sessions, making fast-paced games more enjoyable and precise. Apart from that, whether you're watching high-octane action scenes or simply swiping through your gallery, the 90 Hz refresh rate enhances the overall viewing experience, making everything feel more responsive and lifelike.

The 720×1612 px resolution offers sharp and detailed visuals, perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming videos. Colors pop, texts are crisp, and images are clear - your everyday content looks fantastic on this display. While this resolution is excellent for most daily activities, you might crave a higher resolution if you're into professional photo or video editing, or if you're a VR enthusiast. These activities benefit from higher resolutions as they demand intricate detail and precision.

In a nutshell, the Tecno Pop 8's display, with its IPS LCD technology and impressive 90 Hz refresh rate, offers a delightful visual experience.

For comparison, the predecessor Pop 7 featured a similar display with the same type, resolution, and pixel density, but had a lower refresh rate of 60 Hz. So the Pop 8's display is an upgrade.

Networks

The Tecno Pop 8, like the predecessor Pop 7, supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.

SIM

The Tecno Pop 8, like the predecessor Pop 7, supports dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).

Chipset

Under the hood, the Pop 8 is powered by the robust Unisoc T606 chipset (12 nm). It's equipped with an octa-core CPU, promising snappy performance for your daily tasks. The Mali-G57 MP1 GPU ensures your casual gaming experience is as immersive as ever.

Here are the relevant specs:

The Unisoc T606 chipset is a reasonably powerful engine designed to deliver smooth performance and efficiency. Think of it as the phone's central command, orchestrating every task and ensuring your user experience remains snappy and responsive.

The Tecno Pop 8's CPU has eight processing cores, all working harmoniously to handle various tasks.

The Cortex-A75 cores, though modest, are the performance cores, designed to handle tasks that demand a lot of processing power. Think of them as the sprinters - quick and powerful. They kick into action for tasks like gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps. Their speed ensures these tasks are handled swiftly and smoothly.

On the other hand, the Cortex-A55 cores are the efficiency cores. They're like the marathon runners - incredibly efficient and power-friendly. These cores handle everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and emails. They ensure your phone remains energy-efficient during light usage, preserving battery life.

In the octa-core setup of the Pop 8's CPU, both types of cores have the same clock speed. The clock speed refers to how many cycles per second a CPU core can execute instructions. In this case, both types of cores run at 1.6 GHz. While this might seem puzzling, the magic lies in the cores' architecture and efficiency. The Cortex-A75 cores are designed for high-performance tasks, so they can execute complex instructions swiftly. The Cortex-A55 cores, while operating at the same speed, excel in handling simpler tasks efficiently. Despite running at the same speed, their roles and strengths make them ideal for specific tasks.

This balanced combination ensures your Tecno Pop 8 can handle everything from casual gaming sessions to everyday web browsing, offering a seamless experience tailored to the demands of each task. It's this intelligent division of labor that makes the Pop 8 a versatile powerhouse in your pocket!

Memory and Storage

Storage woes? Not with the Tecno Pop 8! Choose from variants sporting 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM coupled with 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage. Here are the relevant specs:

Worried about running out of space for your favorite apps and pics? Fear not! There's a microSDXC card slot onboard for expandable storage, ensuring you never have to bid farewell to your precious memories.

For comparison, the predecessor Pop 7 offered 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 type internal storage. So the Pop 8 is an upgrade in the memory and internal storage department. Like the Pop 8, the Pop 7 also featured a microSDXC card slot.

Cameras: Capturing Moments, Making Memories

Let's talk cameras - the Pop 8 boasts a dual main camera setup, featuring a 13 MP wide lens with an aperture of f/1.8 and a depth-sensing 0.08 MP lens. Say cheese, and capture stunning photos with the help of Dual-LED flash and HDR mode. On the front, an 8 MP selfie camera adorned with Dual-LED flash promises Instagram-worthy selfies, even in low light conditions.

Rear Camera

Image credit: Tecno

Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Tecno Pop 8
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	13 MP (wide), 0.08 MP (depth)
Aperture	f/1.8, N/A
Pixel Size	1.12 μm, N/A
Autofocus	AF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR

The star of the show, the 13 MP wide lens, is your go-to for capturing detailed, vibrant photos. With a wide aperture of f/1.8, this lens excels in low-light conditions, allowing more light to enter the sensor. This means your photos come out crisp and clear, even in challenging lighting situations. Whether you're capturing a sunset or a candlelit dinner, this lens ensures your moments are immortalized with clarity and brilliance.

Accompanying the main wide lens is the 0.08 MP depth sensor. While it might seem modest in terms of megapixels, its role is pivotal. This depth sensor adds a dimension of depth to your photos, enhancing the bokeh effect in portrait shots. It precisely calculates the distance between the subject and the background, creating that beautiful, professional-looking background blur. Your portraits will pop, with the subject beautifully separated from the background, giving your photos a touch of artistic flair.

AF (autofocus) is like having a sharp-eyed assistant right in your camera. It ensures your photos are always in focus, regardless of the subject's distance. Whether you're capturing a close-up shot or a scenic landscape, autofocus swiftly adjusts the focus, ensuring your images are sharp and detailed, every time.

The Tecno Pop 8 doesn't just rely on natural light. It comes prepared for low-light scenarios with its dual-LED flash. This feature illuminates your subjects evenly, preventing harsh shadows and ensuring your night-time photos are well-lit and natural-looking. Say goodbye to grainy, poorly lit night shots - the dual-LED flash guarantees your photos are Instagram-ready, day or night.

Finally, HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is like a magical touch-up for your photos. It balances the contrast between light and dark areas, ensuring both well-lit and shadowed areas are perfectly exposed. This means your photos retain all the intricate details, even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you're photographing a dazzling sunset or a shaded forest, HDR mode ensures your images are vibrant, detailed, and true to life.

With this impressive combination of lenses, autofocus, dual-LED flash, and HDR, the Tecno Pop 8's main camera setup is your ticket to capturing stunning, professional-quality photos. Every detail, every color, and every moment is captured with precision, ensuring your memories are preserved in the best possible light!

The main camera setup of the Pop 8 is a substantial upgrade over the older Pop 7's, which sported a dual-camera setup with an 8 MP (f/2.0) wide lens with support for AF and a 0.08 MP depth sensor. It could record 1080p videos at 30 fps and its feature set consisted of a dual-LED flash.

Front Camera

Image credit: Tecno

The selfie camera sits inside a centered punch-hole on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Tecno Pop 8
Resolution	8 MP
Video Recording	Yes
Other Features	Dual-LED flash

The selfie camera of the Tecno Pop 8 is also an upgrade over that of the Pop 7, which featured a 5 MP shooter. It also had video recording capabilities and featured dual-LED flash.

Enduring Battery

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Fueling this phone is a non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery, ensuring your adventures last all day long. Here are the relevant specs:

While it supports 10 W wired charging, you won't find yourself tethered to a socket too often.

The older Pop 7 had a similar battery setup, supporting the same charging power. Not much change here.

Sound

Here are the relevant specs:

The older Pop 7 featured a loudspeaker but not with dual speakers. So the Pop 8 is an upgrade in the audio department.

Connectivity

With support for Wi-Fi, the Tecno Pop 8 ensures you can connect to the common Wi-Fi networks.

The phone features Bluetooth, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices.

It supports GPS, so your phone always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world.

Sadly, NFC enthusiasts might have to wait for the next Tecno surprise; the Pop 8 does not have NFC.

The inclusion of FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your phone, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your phone's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your smartphone to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors

The Tecno Pop 8 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Pop 8.

The phone features some unspecified censors as well. To have a rough idea about what those might be, you may be interested to know about the sensors featured in the predecessor Pop 7, which had proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, and accelerometer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Tecno Pop 8 release date?

  The Tecno Pop 8 was announced on the 30th October, 2023. It is expected to release in November 2023.