The TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 has arrived, offering an exciting foldable phone experience at a price point aimed to challenge industry giants like Samsung and Google. However, while it offers plenty of innovations, it also comes with a set of drawbacks that potential buyers should be aware of. In this review, we’ll cover the major pros and cons of to the newly launched Phantom V Fold 2 to help you determine if this device is the right foldable for you.
Pros of the TECNO Phantom V Fold 2
1. Competitive price for a foldable device
TECNO has positioned the Phantom V Fold 2 as a more affordable option compared to other foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Google’s Pixel Fold. It is priced at approximately $1,099.99. For consumers wanting to explore foldable technology without breaking the bank, this is a huge win. You get access to high-end features such as a large foldable display and solid camera setup at a fraction of the cost of more established brands.
2. Impressive dual display
The TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 sports a large, foldable AMOLED display that offers users a rich viewing experience. When unfolded, the 7.8-inch screen feels expansive, perfect for multitasking, video streaming, or reading documents. The outer 6.4-inch cover display is also convenient for quick tasks, making the foldable experience more versatile. The vibrant color reproduction and adequate refresh rate make everyday tasks smooth and visually pleasing, although brightness issues remain a concern.
3. Battery life
One of the standout features of the Phantom V Fold 2 is its 5,000 mAh battery, which offers more than enough juice to get through an entire day, even with heavy use. TECNO’s optimization ensures power-efficient performance despite the large dual displays. Users report that the device easily lasts from morning to night on a single charge, an area where many foldables struggle.
4. Solid camera system
TECNO has invested in a capable camera system for the Phantom V Fold 2. It comes with a triple-lens rear camera setup: a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto camera. These lenses work well in most lighting conditions and produce sharp, vibrant images, making this foldable a solid choice for casual photographers. However, there are some limitations, which we will discuss in the cons section.
Drawbacks of the TECNO Phantom V Fold 2
1. Outdated processor
One of the most significant downsides of the TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 is its reliance on an outdated chipset. The device is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 processor, which is now over two years old. While this chipset was impressive when it first launched, the competition has since moved on to faster, more efficient processors like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2. This outdated chipset can affect performance, particularly in intensive apps, gaming, and multitasking scenarios. Compared to rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which uses the latest Snapdragon chipset, the Phantom V Fold 2 feels slower and less capable.
2. Software and UI challenges
TECNO’s custom HiOS software still lags behind competitors when it comes to polish and usability. Compared to the sleek and intuitive interfaces of Samsung’s One UI or Google’s Pixel experience, HiOS feels rough around the edges. The UI is cluttered, with less refined animations and a less user-friendly layout. Many users report struggling to find basic features, with some settings buried deep in menus. This can be frustrating, especially for first-time foldable phone users.
Additionally, there have been reports of software bugs affecting everyday use, particularly with third-party apps not scaling properly on the foldable display. While TECNO is likely to push software updates to address these issues, it remains a concern for users who prioritize a smooth and intuitive user experience.
3. Inferior hinge quality
Foldable phones live and die by the quality of their hinges, and unfortunately, the TECNO Phantom V Fold 2’s hinge doesn’t match up to premium competitors. Users report that the hinge feels less robust, with a lack of premium feel. More concerning is the hinge’s inability to hold the phone at intermediate angles. For example, if you’re trying to position the device halfway open for hands-free video calls or multitasking, the hinge often struggles to maintain its position. In comparison, Samsung’s Z Fold 5 offers much smoother, more stable hinge performance.
4. Notification issues with smartwatches
Many users have reported problems with receiving notifications when pairing the Phantom V Fold 2 with their smartwatches. This is a significant issue for those who rely on wearable tech for calls, messages, or health monitoring. The root of this problem seems to lie in TECNO’s software, which may not yet fully support or synchronize notifications as seamlessly as brands like Samsung or Apple. While a minor issue for some, this could be a dealbreaker for users who depend on their smartwatch for important alerts throughout the day.
5. Camera limitations
While the Phantom V Fold 2’s camera system performs well in most situations, it does have some notable limitations. The zoom capabilities, for example, are not on par with other flagship foldables. The 2x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom work in a pinch but lack the clarity and detail offered by devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with its 3x optical and 30x digital zoom. Video recording also suffers from some questionable processing choices, with inconsistent stabilization and color reproduction under certain conditions, particularly in low light.
6. No wireless charging
One glaring omission is the lack of wireless charging, a feature that has become standard in many high-end phones, including foldables. While the Phantom V Fold 2 supports fast wired charging, the absence of wireless charging feels like a missed opportunity, particularly for users who value the convenience of simply placing their phone on a charging pad without plugging in cables.
7. Display brightness and refresh rate
Another area where the Phantom V Fold 2 falls behind is in the brightness and refresh rate of its displays. Both the inner and outer displays struggle to compete with the brightness levels of rival devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Google Pixel Fold. This becomes especially noticeable when using the phone in bright outdoor environments, where visibility is compromised.
Additionally, while the phone supports a 120Hz refresh rate, users have noted that it doesn’t always remain stable, particularly when streaming video content. This can lead to a choppy or inconsistent viewing experience, which detracts from the otherwise impressive display quality.
8. Build quality
While the Phantom V Fold 2 is relatively slim for a foldable, it’s not the thinnest or most compact on the market. Some users might find the phone a bit bulkier than they’d like, particularly when compared to newer models like the Huawei Mate X3, which is thinner and feels more ergonomic.
Moreover, the hinge, although smooth, doesn’t allow for positioning at all angles. This limits its versatility, particularly when compared to devices like the Galaxy Z Fold series, where users can set the phone at various angles for different modes of use (e.g., tent mode or half-folded for video calls).
Conclusion: Is the TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 worth buying?
The TECNO Phantom V Fold 2 offers a reasonably priced entry into the foldable phone market, with a decent camera system, solid battery life, and large, immersive displays. However, it falls short in several key areas, particularly when it comes to performance, software quality, and build materials. The outdated processor, inferior hinge design, and lack of wireless charging all make this device less appealing when compared to flagship foldables from Samsung or Google.
If you’re seeking an affordable foldable and are willing to overlook some shortcomings, the Phantom V Fold 2 is a good option. But for users who want the latest tech, premium build quality, and a polished user experience, other devices may be more suitable.