TECNO has finally made its entry into the Flip phone segment with the launch of the PHANTOM V Flip 5G. TECNO unveiled the Phantom V Flip 5G in Kenya in mid-November this year, months after the launch of the Phantom V Fold.
Even though it came late in the (Flip phone) game, after almost all the major brands had introduced their models to the market, it’s only fair to admit that TECNO went all out when it comes to the design of the Phantom V Flip 5G.
And just like it proclaimed in its launch release that its first-ever flip phone is expected to deliver an advanced form factor and fashion-forward design, TECNO’s Phantom V Flip 5G sure does that and more.
Design and Build
You notice that TECNO went all out and spared nothing immediately when you unbox the device from its packaging. The box contains all the necessary accessories plus a matte plastic, synthetic leather case fitted with a ring. The two covers are loosely bound together with a synthetic leather which also holds the metal ring for hanging the phone on one’s finger, hang it onto a hook, trouser loops or even carrier bag (though the last two options may not be ideal as the leather connecting the covers to the ring may snap into two under pressure, leading the device may fall off without the user noticing while they’re in a hurry or be snatched off in crowded areas).
In terms of design, the Phantom V Flip 5G comes in a synthetic leather body, just like its case, and is available in two colour variants – Mystic Dawn and Iconic Black (same as our review unit). The device features a circular cover screen display, a key departure from other Flip phone models in the market, and a dark round bezel. Then between the cover and bezel, we have the two cameras and flash, located from the centre bottom towards the right.
At the top, and like in other Flip phones, we have the black metallic hinge with the ‘PHANTOM’ logo imprinted prominently across the hinge. The back of the phone cover features nothing much apart from the ‘PHANTOM’ logo which is this time engraved vertically from the bottom left towards the top.
Even without the case, and weighing a comfortable 194g, the phone feels compact and fits firmly on the palm. And with its rugged synthetic leather design, it has a rough and rugged feel when you run your finger against it.
The control button and the fingerprint sensor (which doubles up as the power button) are located on the right panel of the device. And remember the volume and power button can also be used to take selfies and other photos using the main camera (when the phone is folded) as well as for taking photos when the device is unfolded.
At the bottom, we have the USB-C slot (for charging and data transfer) and one of the stereo speakers. Then on the left panel towards the top we have the SIM tray (single SIM for the review unit which we have).
Screen and Display
The phone’s round cover screen, dubbed ‘The Planet’ by TECNO may be due to its shape, measures 1.32 inches. The main foldable screen display is 6.9 inches, with a thin plastic film for extra protection against scratches and a plastic bezel fitted around the screen.
The round cover can be customized to display notifications and a number of widgets according to the user’s preferences.
When unfolded, the device measures 171.72mm. Then we have the 6.9-inch AMOLED foldable main screen display, which covers 94.5% of the entire area.
On top of the main screen we have the punch hole for the 32MP selfie camera, positioned at the centre. Then at the top right corner, just below the earpiece, sits the front dual-LED flash to ensure the user captures quality images in low light environments.
Camera and Photography
The Phantom V Flip 5G has a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultra-wide angle camera positioned on the smartphone’s circular front cover. The secondary camera (or selfie camera, for those who choose to use it to take their selfies instead of the front camera when the phone is folded) is located on top of the main screen and has a capacity of 32MP.
In its folded state, the main camera can be used to shoot selfies and snap other objects (in AI cam or portrait format) as well as to record videos.
And instead of relying on one’s fingers as the shutter, which may even cover the screen leading to photos where the object is not very visible, one can also use the volume button to shoot photos or record videos. By default, the phone comes with the volume button set as the shutter though it can be changed to act as the zoom button.
Using the main camera, the user can capture photos and record video AI cam; portrait; super night; AR shot; Pro; Slow motion; and Panorama formats. The main camera also has time-lapse; Sky shop; and Dual video features (which can be used when the phone is unfolded as both the main and selfie cameras are used to record).
Apart from shooting selfies and to record videos in Dual video mode, the front (or secondary) camera can be set to shoot images and record videos via various methods. These include Shooting Gestures (whereby the device takes a photo as soon as the palm is recognized on the preview screen, ideally for situations when being discreet is required); Voice shooting mode whereby the camera begins taking shots when a voice command is made; Touch Shooting; Smile Shot mode for the camera to auto-shoot when a smiley face is detected; and Fingerprint Printing mode.
The front camera has Slow Motion, Time-lapse; AR Shot; and Wide Selfie capabilities and features, giving the user a number of options to work with for their optimum creative output when capturing and recording their unforgettable moments for posterity.
Audio and Video
The Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G comes fitted with a hybrid stereo speaker setup. The earpiece acts as a speaker, while the other speaker has a dedicated driver at the bottom of the phone near the USB-C port to the right.
For external audio output, one can either connect to the phone via Bluetooth or use USB-C earphones via the USB-C port. For enhanced audio quality, the Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G has DTS (Digital Theater Systems) Sound capability with various modes – Smart (the default for the phone), Music, Video, and Game. Then there’s the Equalizer which can also be activated for the delivery of the user’s sound quality.
Specifications:
| Dimensions | Weight: 194 g
Height: · Unfolded: 171.72mm · Folded: 88.77mm Width: 74.05mm Thickness: · Unfolded: 6.95mm · Folded: 14.95m |
| Build | Eco (synthetic) leather back, aluminum frame, steel hinge
Material: · Main Screen: OLED Foldable Screen · Cover Screen: OLED |
| Colour Variants | Mystic Dawn, Iconic Black |
| Screen Display | Size:
· Main Screen: 6.9″ (94.5% of screen-to-body ratio) · Cover Screen: 1.32″ Resolution: · Main Screen: FHD+(2640×1080) · Cover Screen: 466×466 Refresh Rate: · Main Screen: LTPO 10-120Hz Self-adapted · Cover Screen: 60Hz |
| Platform | OS: Android 13, HIOS 13.5
Processor: Mediatek MT6893 Dimensity 8050 CPU: Octacore |
| Memory | Storage of 256GB internal
8GB RAM (expandable up to 8GB) |
| Camera | Rear camera:
· Main Camera: 64MP · Ultra-wide Angle Camera: 13MP Front Camera: 32MP
Shooting Mode: · Rear camera: Film; Video; AI cam; Portrait; Super night; Documents; AR shot; Pro; Slow motion; Panorama; Time-lapse; Sky shop; Dual video · Front camera: Film; Video; AI cam; Portrait; Super night; AR shot; Slow motion; Wide Selfie; Time-lapse
Video Recording: · Rear camera: Rear Video Recording support 4k@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps. Supports Zoom, AI Focus, HDR, Video Filter, Video Bokeh, Video Makeup. · Front camera: Front Video Recording support 1080p@30/60fps. 2K@30fps. Support Video HDR Video Filter Video Bokeh Video Makeup. |
| Battery | · 4000mAh
· Charging: 45W SuperCharge capability |
| Biometrics | · Fingerprint
· Facial Recognition |
| Sensors | · Geomagnetic Sensor
· Light Sensor · Accelerometer · Gyro Sensor · Hall Sensor · Proximity sensor · Support for step counting |
| Network | Single SIM (Though dual SIM model also available) |
| Connectivity | · WiFi
· Bluetooth · USB Type-C · Earphone (Type-C) · NFC · Location |
| Audio and Video | Dual Speakers with Stereo support |
| In the Box | · Phone
· USB Type-C Cable (for charging and data transfer) · Charger · SIM Eject pin · Protective Case · Carlcare Service Card · Stickers · Warranty Card · Instruction Manual |
Battery and Performance
The Tecno Phantom V Flip 5G runs on Android 13, with Tecno’s own HiOS 13.5 skin. The processor is the Mediatek MT6893 Dimensity 8050 to run and support the phone’s internal capabilities from photography, shooting videos, to gaming, as well as multi-tasking situations.
With 256GB of internal storage, the device has 8GB of RAM, expandable to 16GB. With these specs, the phone should meet the creative and entertainment needs of its 18-35 year-old targeted demographic in as far as creating content or gaming is concerned.
The 4000mAh battery has a 45W SuperCharge capability. In periods of non-intensive use, the battery can go for over 24-hours before it completely runs out of charge. However, the user need not worry as the phone attains full charge in slightly less than an hour, just over 50 minutes according to our analysis.
Conclusion
With the Phantom V Flip 5G with a price tag of Kshs 95,000 (at Jumia, Kilimall, or offline retailers), TECNO has boldly decided to tell the brand’s ardent fans that it can innovate and design devices that can play and compete in the foldable smartphones segment. The device stands out because of its design aesthetics as well as the accessories it’s bundled together with in the box when shipping. This is definitely a phone worth looking at for Flip phone fans looking for a relatively low priced upgrade.
Be the first to comment