Foldable smartphones have become a significant advancement in smartphone hardware, offering users a unique and flexible display experience. However, these devices often come with a high price tag, making them inaccessible for many consumers. In an attempt to bridge the gap in affordability, Tecno has entered the competitive foldable market with the Tecno Phantom V Fold. This review will explore the device’s design, screens, internals, software, camera performance, and provide final thoughts on its overall value proposition.
Design and Screens
The Tecno Phantom V Fold strikes a balance between affordability and quality. Constructed with a combination of a plastic rear panel, a Gorilla Glass front, and a flexible ultra-thin glass screen, the device offers an appealing design. The inclusion of an aluminum frame adds a premium touch. Although the rear panel comes with a textured finish, a matte finish could have enhanced its appearance further.
The outer display is a 6.42-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2550 pixels. It boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 100 nits of brightness. However, the device lacks an in-display fingerprint scanner and instead utilizes a side-mounted scanner. The main attraction is the Phantom V Fold’s inner display, which measures 7.85 inches. It features a similar LTPO AMOLED panel, providing a resolution of 2000 x 2296 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. With a maximum brightness of 1100 nits, the inner display offers a vibrant viewing experience. It’s important to note that the screen is softer than regular glass and exhibits a crease, which might concern some users.
The device does not support mid-fold positions, necessitating the use of additional accessories like a stand-equipped case. It lacks an IP rating, which means users should exercise caution and avoid exposing the device to risky environments. These limitations become apparent when compared to premium offerings from competitors like Samsung.
Internals and Software
Powering the Tecno Phantom V Fold is MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000+ SoC, known for its performance and efficiency. The device is available in two storage configurations: 256GB of internal storage with 12GB of RAM or 512GB of internal storage with 12GB of RAM. The Dimensity 9000+ SoC delivers a seamless user experience, and the generous amount of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance for daily tasks. Whether it’s web content consumption, eBook reading, or streaming Netflix, the device handles it all. Gaming is also possible, albeit with some limitations.
Software-wise, the device runs on Android 13 paired with Tecno’s Hi OS Fold 13, a custom Android skin. While this customization may not appeal to everyone, it offers some useful features. The multi-screen management method enables split-screen or picture-in-picture usage, and software touches like Social Turbo enhance functionality for apps like WhatsApp. Smart Touch allows for instant text extraction from pages and photos displayed on the screen. However, the device comes with preinstalled third-party apps that may not be of interest to all users, occupying valuable storage space.
The Tecno Phantom V Fold Specs have a 5,000mAh battery, which supports 45W fast charging. Unfortunately, it lacks wireless charging, an omission that could have been addressed given the device’s size. Battery endurance is satisfactory for a day of usage, with moderate users likely to have some extra charge remaining. However, factors such as high screen brightness and intensive usage will impact battery life.
Camera Performance
The Tecno Phantom V Fold Specs give features of five cameras, including a 50MP f/1.9 main camera, a 50MP f/2.0 telephoto lens, and a 13MP f/2.2 ultrawide lens. These cameras handle most photography and videography tasks. Additionally, there are two selfie cameras: a 16MP lens on the folding display and a 32MP camera on the outer screen. Video recording capabilities reach up to 4K resolution at 60fps.
The camera performance of the Phantom V Fold reflects its pricing. While image quality is generally acceptable, it falls short of the computational photography found in devices like the Google Pixel. Saturation levels may leave something to be desired in certain situations. Ultrawide shots tend to appear muddy and exhibit a different tint compared to the main camera. Low-light photography in Night Mode lacks sufficient lighting and fails to produce impressive results. Front-facing photos appear sharper and more detailed when captured using the inner selfie camera. If smartphone photography is a priority, users may need to exercise patience or consider alternative options.
Final Thoughts
The Tecno Phantom V Fold aims to provide a more affordable foldable smartphone option, offering sharp displays, a capable chipset, and a decent battery. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive alternative to offerings from Samsung and Google. However, there are limitations to consider. The camera performance is not exceptional, and the device’s foldability features are somewhat limited. Additionally, the software experience falls short of Samsung’s optimization and the streamlined approach of the Pixel Fold. These factors should be taken into account, particularly for discerning buyers.
Ultimately, the Tecno Phantom V Fold remains one of the more affordable foldable options available. If users can overlook its limitations, they will have a device that meets their needs and expectations for a foldable Android phone. Importing the device may be necessary for some, as availability in North America is limited.
Tecno Phantom V Fold Specs:
| Specification | Tecno Phantom V Fold |
|---|---|
| Design | Plastic rear panel, Gorilla Glass front, Aluminum frame |
| Outer Display | 6.42-inch LTPO AMOLED, 1080 x 2550 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 100 nits brightness |
| Inner Display | 7.85-inch LTPO AMOLED, 2000 x 2296 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 1100 nits brightness, foldable with crease |
| Internals | MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ SoC, 12GB RAM (256GB/512GB storage options) |
| Software | Android 13 with Tecno’s Hi OS Fold 13, custom Android skin, preinstalled third-party apps |
| Battery | 5,000mAh, 45W fast charging, no wireless charging |
| Camera System | Main: 50MP f/1.9, Telephoto: 50MP f/2.0, Ultrawide: 13MP f/2.2, Selfie (Inner Display): 16MP, Selfie (Outer Display): 32MP |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K at 60fps |
PROS
- Good-quality displays
- Capable Dimensity chip
- Large battery capacity
- Generally cheaper compared to competitors
CONS
- Unimpressive cameras
- Limited foldability features
- Bloatware in the UI
- Limited availability for US buyers
Overall Rating: 6.8
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good effort. overall good site.
impressive Specs and features on cheap price.