Unboxing and First Impressions of the Tecno Phantom

Recently, I had the opportunity to unbox and review the Tecno Phantom, a premium foldable smartphone that marks Tecno's entry into the global market. Priced at Rs. 699 in Pakistan, the Tecno Phantom features high-end specifications, competing directly with other flagship devices.

Design and Build Quality

Upon unboxing, the first thing that catches the eye is the Tecno Phantom's sleek and modern design. The unit I reviewed features a leather-like finish complemented by sturdy metal rails, elevating its premium look and feel. The Dolby Atmos branding at the bottom, alongside a second-generation microphone and dual speaker system, highlights Tecno’s commitment to sound quality. Interestingly, the design is crafted by Louis Vuitton, adding a high-fashion element to the device.

The unique folding mechanism features one curved side and one flat side, making it a true head-turner. The green color, a signature hue from Louis Vuitton, adds a touch of sophistication.

Display

The Tecno Phantom boasts a stunning 120Hz AMOLED display with a brightness level of 1600 nits, offering a smooth and immersive experience. Whether the phone is folded or fully extended, the high refresh rate and vibrant colors contribute to its premium feel. The external screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, enhancing durability, especially in folded mode.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus chipset, the Phantom delivers flagship-level performance. While the foldable design may slightly impact benchmark scores compared to traditional smartphones, it excels in everyday tasks and demanding gaming. The device scored close to a million on the Antutu benchmark, demonstrating its robust capabilities.

In testing demanding games like PUBG Mobile, the Tecno Phantom handled everything seamlessly, running at maximum settings with no noticeable lag. Its innovative hinge design allows users to stop the device at various angles, making it versatile for different modes, including use as a mini-laptop.

Camera and Photography

The Tecno Phantom features a triple-camera setup, including two 50MP sensors for ultra-wide and portrait shots, along with a 2X portrait lens. The front camera, capable of 1080p video recording, offers a 32MP resolution, ensuring high-quality selfies even in low light.

Notably, its AI capabilities—like the AI Eraser and framing features—enhance photo quality post-capture. Low-light photography, in particular, benefits from advanced image processing, with a significant difference between the initial shot and the final processed image.

Battery and Charging

The Phantom shines in the battery department, packing a substantial 5750mAh battery, larger than many competitors. It supports 70W fast charging via USB-C, allowing users to quickly power up without long waits. Remarkably, it manages to house this large battery despite its foldable design, making it one of the top devices in terms of battery life.

Software and Features

Running on an advanced software platform, the Tecno Phantom offers AI-assisted capabilities such as photo interpreting and improved multitasking options. The phone adapts to its folding modes, seamlessly transitioning between apps. For instance, when partially folded, it optimizes the camera interface accordingly.

The device supports various video recording options, including 4K at 60fps for the rear camera and 1080p for the front. The only downside is the limitation on the front camera, capped at 1080p despite its capable 32MP sensor.

Special Additions and VIP Card

An intriguing addition to the Tecno Phantom package is a VIP card, though details on its benefits remain sparse. It is speculated that the card may offer some premium services, but availability in the Pakistani market is uncertain.

Along with the phone, Tecno includes a transparent case and themed stickers. While these accessories enhance the package, the much-anticipated stylus pen was unavailable for testing at the time but is expected to launch in Pakistan soon.

Tecno Phantom B – A More Affordable Option

For those who find the Tecno Phantom a bit too high-end, there’s the Tecno Phantom B, priced at Rs. 199,000. This version offers 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, providing similar features but with some compromises, such as a slightly less powerful MediaTek Dimensity 8100 chipset. Despite these differences, it still delivers excellent performance for everyday use.

The Phantom B retains the 50MP dual-camera setup and a smaller 4720mAh battery while supporting 70W fast charging. Although it doesn’t match the flagship performance of the Phantom, it remains a strong choice for those seeking a high-end smartphone at a lower price point.

Conclusion

The Tecno Phantom and Phantom B cater to different market segments. The Phantom is a top-tier foldable device that combines premium features, striking design, and powerful performance. In contrast, the Phantom B offers impressive specifications at a more accessible price.

As foldable devices gain popularity, the Tecno Phantom lineup emerges as a worthy competitor. If you’re in the market for a foldable smartphone that delivers on performance, design, and battery life, the Tecno Phantom may be the ideal choice.