The Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 is the latest addition to the clamshell-style foldable phone market, offering significant upgrades over its predecessor, the Phantom V Flip, which was released in 2023.
Tecno has brought Phantom V Flip 2 to the forefront as a competitor to premium flip phones like the Motorola Razr 50 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, all while maintaining a more affordable price tag. Priced at $699, the Phantom V Flip 2 is packed with modern features, including an upgraded cover screen, a larger battery, faster charging, and a powerful processor, making it an enticing option for users looking for a budget-friendly foldable.
A redesigned cover screen for better usability
One of the most noticeable changes in the Phantom V Flip 2 is its redesigned cover screen. The circular cover display from the previous model has been replaced with a larger, 3.64-inch square AMOLED screen that Tecno calls the “ThruPool Cover Screen.” With a pixel density of 413 ppi, this cover screen is not only bigger but also more functional, allowing users to interact with over 2,000 apps without opening the main display. It supports a full keyboard, enabling tasks such as dialing numbers, replying to messages, and even playing mini-games like managing interactive virtual pets. The cover screen customization options allow users to make their device more personal.
Moreover, the cover screen significantly enhances the phone’s usability, offering full-screen multitasking and quick operation methods, making it easy to check notifications and interact with apps without unfolding the phone. Tecno’s focus on this screen aligns with similar designs seen in premium phones like the Motorola Razr 50 and Razr 40 Ultra, further solidifying the Phantom V Flip 2’s position in the market.
Enhanced camera system with AI-powered features
The Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 features a revamped dual-camera system, both equipped with 50MP sensors. The primary camera sports a 1/1.57-inch sensor, while the ultra-wide lens offers a 114-degree field of view (FoV) and can shoot macro photos from as close as 5-10 cm. Thanks to a 2x lossless zoom feature, users can capture detailed shots without the need for a dedicated telephoto lens.
On the front, the phone houses a 32MP selfie camera, complete with autofocus (AF) and its own flash, ensuring high-quality selfies, even in low-light conditions. With Tecno’s AI-powered camera features, such as Universal Tone Technology, AIGC Portrait, and Magic AI Eraser, users can expect top-tier photo and video capabilities. The phone’s FreeCam system also allows for creative shots at various angles, such as time-lapses, long exposures, and selfies using the rear camera in a half-folded position.
Strong internal performance and display quality
The Phantom V Flip 2 is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 8020 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing ample processing power for everyday tasks. For users who need more memory, Tecno has introduced MemFusion technology, which allows the phone to extend the RAM by an additional 8GB.
The 6.9-inch main display is a Full HD+ LTPO AMOLED panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, offering smooth performance for gaming, video playback, and scrolling. With 100% DCI-P3 color gamut support and 2160Hz PWM dimming, the screen ensures vibrant visuals while reducing eye strain. Additionally, Dolby Atmos-powered dual stereo speakers deliver rich and immersive sound quality, perfect for multimedia consumption.
Improved durability with an upgraded hinge mechanism
Tecno has improved the durability of the Phantom V Flip 2 by equipping it with a Double Helix Star Track Water Droplet Hinge. Made from aerospace-grade super-strength steel, the hinge is designed to withstand 400,000 folds under normal conditions, withstanding up to 150,000 folds in high temperatures and 100,000 folds in low temperatures. This robust hinge allows the phone to fold smoothly and maintain multiple angles between 30° and 150°, ideal for hands-free usage when taking photos or watching videos.
Despite being a bit thicker than some of its competitors, measuring 7.64mm when unfolded and 16mm when folded, the Phantom V Flip 2 offers a comfortable in-hand feel at 196 grams. Tecno’s attention to detail is evident in its use of Corning Gorilla Glass and a flash sand etching technique, which gives the phone a diamond-like finish that resists fingerprints and sweat.
Long-lasting battery with industry-leading fast charging
Battery life is another area where the Phantom V Flip 2 shines. The phone features a 4,720mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade from the 4,000mAh battery in the previous generation. While the capacity is slightly smaller than the HONOR Magic V Flip’s 4,800mAh battery and the Xiaomi Mix Flip’s 4,780mAh, Tecno’s offering leads the pack in terms of charging speed. The 70W fast wired charging system can charge the battery to 50% in just 15 minutes and fully charge it in 43 minutes, outpacing competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, which charges at only 25W.
However, the Phantom V Flip 2 does not support wireless charging, which might be a drawback for some users. Despite this, the phone’s fast charging capabilities and large battery make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize battery life.
AI integration for enhanced user experience
Running on Android 14, the Phantom V Flip 2 comes with Tecno’s custom AI assistant, Ella. This assistant, powered by Gemini AI, can perform tasks such as summarizing texts, generating content, proofreading, and even rewriting documents. The AI features extend to camera functionality, with intelligent tools like AI Cut-Outs and AI Pattern recognition. These features, combined with the overall user-friendly interface, offer a modern experience for those looking for an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone.
Pricing and availability
The Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 is available in two colors: Moondust Grey and Travertine Green. Priced at $699, the phone is set to launch first in Africa on September 23, with subsequent availability in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The affordable price makes the Phantom V Flip 2 an attractive option for users in emerging markets who want the benefits of a foldable phone without paying flagship prices.
Our opinion:
The Tecno Phantom V Flip 2 brings a host of improvements to the foldable phone market, offering a stylish design, enhanced camera capabilities, strong performance, and fast charging, all at an affordable price. While there are some downsides, such as the lack of wireless charging and an unpolished software experience, the overall package is impressive for its price point. Tecno’s focus on delivering value for money makes the Phantom V Flip 2 a compelling option for users looking to experience the benefits of foldable technology without breaking the bank.