The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pop 9 4G and Oppo A18 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they diverge significantly in their core processing power, with the Pop 9 utilizing a Unisoc T615 (or Helio G50 in India) while the A18 features the MediaTek Helio G85. This comparison will dissect these differences and determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A18 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 9 4G’s Unisoc T615/Helio G50, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones prioritize affordability, the A18’s extra processing power justifies a slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 22 | 2023, September 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 26 | Available. Released 2023, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 166 x 77 x 8 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 163.7 x 75 x 8.2 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz (India), 120Hz (International) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 720 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) - InternationalOcta-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - India | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T615 (12 nm) - InternationalMediatek Helio G50 - India | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 - InternationalPowerVR GE8320 - India | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, ColorOS 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glittery White, Lime Green, Startrail Black | Glowing Black, Glowing Blue |
| Models | KL4h | CPH2591 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | ₹ 10,290 |
Tecno Pop 9 4G
- Potentially lower price point (especially in India)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Likely similar battery life to Oppo A18
- Significantly weaker processor (Unisoc T615/Helio G50)
- Slower app loading times and multitasking
- Less capable for gaming
Oppo A18
- More powerful MediaTek Helio G85 processor
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better gaming experience
- Potentially improved image processing
- Slightly higher price
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- May not offer significant camera improvements
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Oppo provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in the processing power driving the display. A more powerful chipset, like the Helio G85 in the A18, can handle smoother animations and faster refresh rates (though neither phone is confirmed to have a high refresh rate). The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison difficult, but the A18’s superior processing suggests a potentially more fluid visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A18’s stronger processing capabilities could translate to better image processing, potentially resulting in sharper images and more accurate colors. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G85 is likely more advanced than the one in the Unisoc T615/Helio G50. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, which are generally of low quality and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core differentiator here is the chipset. The Oppo A18’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Tecno Pop 9 4G’s Unisoc T615 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) in international markets, or the even slower MediaTek Helio G50 (2.2 GHz Cortex-A53) in India. The G85’s higher clock speeds and more efficient Cortex-A75 cores will result in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Unisoc T615/Helio G50 will struggle with demanding applications, while the G85 offers a more comfortable experience. The A18 is the clear winner for performance-sensitive users.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 15W wired charging. Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data, but typical capacities for phones in this price range are around 5000mAh. The A18’s more efficient chipset could potentially lead to slightly better battery life, even with a similar capacity. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The 15W charging speed on both phones is relatively slow, meaning a full charge will take over two hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 4G if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a potentially lower price point, especially in the Indian market where it uses the Helio G50. Buy the Oppo A18 if you want a more capable device for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a generally smoother user experience, and are willing to spend a little more for that performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T615 in the Tecno Pop 9 4G struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc T615 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Helio G85 in the Oppo A18 provides a much smoother experience for these everyday tasks.
❓ Is the Oppo A18 a good choice for playing games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Oppo A18’s Helio G85 chipset allows for playable frame rates in PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings. However, don’t expect a high-end gaming experience. The Tecno Pop 9 4G’s Unisoc T615/Helio G50 will struggle significantly with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low-light conditions?
Without detailed camera sensor information, it's difficult to say definitively. However, the Oppo A18’s more powerful processor is likely to offer better image processing, potentially resulting in slightly cleaner and more detailed low-light photos. Expect results to be limited on both devices.
❓ The Tecno Pop 9 4G is available with different chipsets depending on the region. Does this significantly impact performance?
Yes, the difference between the Unisoc T615 and the MediaTek Helio G50 is substantial. The Helio G50, found in the Indian market version of the Pop 9 4G, is noticeably slower than the T615. If performance is a priority, the international version with the T615 is preferable, but the Oppo A18 still offers a superior experience overall.
