Tecno Phantom V Flip Hands-On: Game-Changer for Affordable Foldables

In a year already marked by significant strides, Tecno has once again captured attention with the launch of its Phantom V Flip in India. Following the monumental success of the Phantom V Fold, the Flip version arrives with a tantalising price tag of Rs 49,999, making it an unparalleled offering in the foldable smartphone segment. This is particularly noteworthy given that comparable devices have traditionally commanded a much higher price.

Display and Design

The Phantom V Flip boasts a 6.9-inch AMOLED display that is more than just easy on the eyes. One of its standout features is the almost imperceptible crease when the phone is unfolded. Tecno claims that when the device is folded, the gap is a mere 0.1mm, a feat that is nothing short of incredible. Adding to its allure is an IPX4 water resistance rating, ensuring that the device can withstand minor splashes.

Hinge and Build Quality

During our hands-on experience, we noticed that the hinge action felt somewhat springy. The textured back also felt nice particularly in the lavender colour. However, it's crucial to note that we were testing an early engineering sample shipped from China, not the final product that will roll off Tecno's manufacturing lines in Noida, India.

Secondary Display and Camera

The device's rear panel features a unique 1.3-inch circular screen, reminiscent of a smartwatch display. This secondary screen offers a range of widgets and even allows users to operate the camera app. However, it lacks third-party app support, primarily due to the screen's aspect ratio. Notably, popular apps like WhatsApp are not operable from this secondary display.

Camera Capabilities

The rear panel is also home to dual cameras, including a 64-megapixel sensor with an RGBW pixel layout, designed to enhance low-light performance. The device also offers a front-facing camera complete with a flash, discreetly integrated into the primary display's sensor hub.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Phantom V Flip is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 6nm chipset, coupled with 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage and 8GB of RAM. This 5G-enabled device also features stereo speakers and a 4,000mAh battery that supports 45-watt wired charging. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner adds to the phone's ergonomic design. The software suite includes a generative AI engine preloaded on the device, leveraging ChatGPT technology to enhance user experience. It is based on Android 13 with Tecno’s standard issue UI.

Final Thoughts

The Tecno Phantom V Flip is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the foldable smartphone market. While we reserve our detailed insights for the full review, it's clear that this device offers a compelling blend of features at an unbeatable price point.