If you’re in search of a budget-friendly smartphone with decent specifications, the Tecno Pop 3 is worth considering. This device offers a good balance between affordability and functionality, making it an ideal choice for students, first-time smartphone users, and those looking for a reliable backup phone.
Price
| Tecno Pop 3 (1GB RAM + 16GB Storage) | ₦35,000 |
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General Information
Launch
| Released | December 2019 |
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Body
| Dimensions | 166.7 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm |
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| Weight | 180.5 g |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
Display
Screen
| Type | IPS LCD |
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| Size | 6.52 inches |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
Hardware
Platform
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie), HIOS 5.5 |
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| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 |
Memory
| RAM | 1GB |
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| Internal Storage | 16GB |
| Card Slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
Camera
Main Camera
| Resolution | 8 MP, autofocus |
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| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
Selfie Camera
| Resolution | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
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| Features | LED flash, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps |
Connectivity
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
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| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS |
| NFC | No |
| Radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 |
Battery & Other Features
| Battery | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
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| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| 3.5mm Jack | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
Miscellaneous
| Colors | Midnight Black, Vacation Blue, Hillier Purple |
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Customer Reviews
| Average Rating | 4.2 out of 5 (based on 58 reviews) |
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| Review by Adeola Ogunleye (March 12, 2024) | Rating: 4/5 Great value for the price! The battery lasts all day, and the camera is decent for casual use. |
| Review by Chinonso Okeke (July 25, 2024) | Rating: 4/5 Perfect budget phone. It’s a bit slow with heavy apps, but overall, I’m satisfied. |
Pros and Cons of Tecno Pop 3
Pros
- Big Battery: The 3500 mAh battery lasts about a day or more with normal use like calls and texting.
- Big Screen: The 5.7-inch display is good for videos and browsing.
- Extra Storage: Comes with 16GB, plus a microSD slot for up to 128GB more.
- Dual SIM: Use two SIM cards, perfect for travel or separate numbers.
- Fingerprint Unlock: Has a back fingerprint scanner for quick access.
- Light Software: Runs Android 8.1 Oreo (Go Edition), simple and easy for basic tasks.
Cons
- Really Slow: The MediaTek MT6580 chip with 1GB RAM lags with apps or multitasking.
- Low Screen Quality: The 480 x 960 resolution isn’t sharp or bright.
- Weak Cameras: The 5MP rear and 5MP front cameras are blurry, especially in low light.
- No 4G or 5G: Only supports 3G, so internet is slow.
- Old Software: Stuck on Android 8.1 or 9, no updates expected.
- No Fast Charging: Takes 2–3 hours to charge with 5W via micro-USB.
- Plastic Build: Feels cheap and can scratch or break easily.
FAQ
The Tecno Pop 3 is a decent choice for users who need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, social media, and light apps. However, if you need more RAM, better performance, or larger built-in storage, you might want to consider the Tecno Pop 4, Pop 5, or other budget-friendly Tecno models.
No, it uses slow 5W charging with micro-USB and takes about 2–3 hours to charge fully.
The 3500 mAh battery lasts about a day with normal use (calls, texting) or 8–10 hours with more use.
No, it’s not safe from water or dust.
No, it only supports 3G.
No, wireless charging.
