Lava Bold N1 vs Tecno Pop 9: The Best Cheap Smartphone Duel 2025!

Looking for cheap smartphones with full features in 2025? Lava Bold N1 and Tecno Pop 9 appear as the top two choices in the entry-level segment, combining modern designs, qualified performance, and of course, friendly prices. This article will discuss the comparison of the two smartphones to help you determine the best choice.

In terms of design, Lava Bold N1 attracts attention with its appearance that resembles the iPhone 16, using a vertical camera module and a glossy rear panel that gives a premium impression. Meanwhile, Tecno Pop 9 is no less interesting with shiny rear panels, suitable for young users who want a stylish appearance. Both have obtained IP54 certification, which makes them resistant to dust and water splashes – fitur who are rarely found in this price class.

When discussing the screen, Lava Bold N1 relies on a 6.75 -inch HD+ panel with a 90Hz refresh rate. As a comparison, Tecno Pop 9 although it has a slightly smaller screen size of 6.67 inches, but excels with a 120Hz refresh rate. This provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience. The second resolution is equivalent to HD+, quite sharp for daily needs.

Continue to the camera feature, Lava Bold N1 is equipped with a 13MP main camera and a 5MP front camera for selfies. Tecno Pop 9, on the other hand, offers the same main camera 13MP, but excels with an 8MP front camera, giving better selfie results. Therefore, for users who prioritize selfie quality, Tecno Pop 9 is slightly superior.

In terms of performance, Lava Bold N1 is supported by Octa-core Unisoc processors, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of internal memory, with the support of microSD expansion. The operating system used is the Android 14 Go Edition, which is known to be lightweight and free of bloatware, suitable for devices with entry-level specifications. Tecno Pop 9 relies on the MediaTek Helio G50 chipset (international variant using Dimensity 6300), also with 4GB of RAM, but offers a storage capacity of up to 128GB. With a larger memory capacity, Tecno Pop 9 provides extra space for applications, photos and videos.

Regarding battery life, both of these smartphones have a 5,000mAh battery capacity, enough for full day use. However, Lava Bold N1 only supports 10W filling, while Tecno Pop 9 offers 18W fast charging, so the charging process becomes faster and more efficient.

Both of these devices are also equipped with attractive security features, including fingerprint sensors on the side and face unlock features for extra protection. IP54 certification on both provides protection from dust and water splashes, making it a formidable choice for daily use.

In terms of price, Lava Bold N1 is priced starting from Rp. 5,999,000, while Tecno Pop 9 starts from Rp. 6,699,000 in India (around Rp. 9,499,000 for international prices). With a price difference that is not too significant, Lava Bold N1 is the most economical choice for users with a limited budget. However, Tecno Pop 9 offers larger storage and better front camera, so that the price can be considered commensurate.

Observing all these features and specifications, Lava Bold N1 is very suitable for users who prioritize affordable prices, modern design, and lightweight Android experience. Meanwhile, Tecno Pop 9 is recommended for those who are looking for high screen refresh rates, better front camera quality, and more efficient charging speeds.

By considering all these aspects, the two smartphones offer more value in their respective classes. The final choice of course depends on your needs and preferences in finding the best smartphones in 2025.