TECNO Phantom V Fold2 and Phantom V Flip2 were launched in select global markets last September. Both devices are not available in Malaysia, but at the TECNO Future Lens 2024 event today in Chongqing, China – I had the opportunity to try both devices.
These two second-generation Phantom V devices are surprisingly attractive foldable screen devices. This article will answer the question of whether these are devices that TECNO should focus on selling in Malaysia or not?
SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN
SPECIFICATIONS TECNO Phantom V Fold2 5G TECNO Phantom V Flip2 5G
Internal SCREEN: 7.85” LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2296 x 2000
External: 6.42” LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 2550 x 1080
Inside: 6.9” LTPO AMOLED+120Hz , 1080 x 2640
External: 3.64” AMOLED, 60Hz, 1056 x 1066
CPU Dimensity 9000+ (4 nm)
1x 3.20 GHz Cortex-X2
3x 2.85 GHz Cortex-A710
4x 1.80 GHz Cortex-A510 Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)
4x 2.6 GHz Cortex-A78
4x 2.0GHz Cortex-A55
GPU Mali-G710 MC10 Mali-G77 MC9
MEMORY 12GB RAM LPDDR5
12GB Virtual RAM 8/12 GB LPDDR5 RAM
8/12 GB Virtual RAM
STORAGE 512GB UFS 3.1 256/512 GB UFS 3.1
REAR CAMERA 50MP (Wide Angle), f/1.9, OIS
50MP(Telephoto), f/2.0, 2x Optical Zoom
50MP (Ultra Wide Angle), f/2.2
50MP (Wide Angle), f/1.9, OIS
50MP (Ultra Wide Angle)
External FRONT CAMERA: 32MP, f/2.5
Internal: 32MP, f/2.5 32MP, f/2.5
AUDIO Stereo, Dolby Atmos Stereo, Dolby Atmos
BIOMETRY Underscreen fingerprint scanner Button fingerprint scanner side
OTHER HiOS 14.5.0, Android 14
2 Years Update
WiFi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3 HiOS 14.5.0, Android 14
2 Years Update
WiFi 6
Bluetooth 5.3
IP54 PROTECTION None
BATTERY 5,750mAh
70W Wired
15W Wireless 4,720mAh
70W Wired
PRICE Karst Green / Rippling Blue
$1,099 (~RM4,866) Travertine Green / Moondust Grey
STARTING $699 (~RM3,095)
The Phantom V Flip2 reminds me of the design of the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 that we reviewed last year with a bit of a mix of the Honor Magic V2 design (but thicker). The giant rectangular camera bump is neat and unsharp, the open mode is still thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6, and the design is definitely premium. It really feels luxurious and unlike other TECNO devices.
The Phantom V Flip2 reminds me of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 but the outer screen design is square, not like a folder. This device also feels premium and luxurious in the hand, unlike the first generation Phantom V Flip last year. The overall build of this device is also better in my opinion than the Xiaomi MIX Flip. It really doesn't feel like a device that is said to be "cheap" compared to its competitors.
USAGE EXPERIENCE
Both TECNO Phantom V Fold2 and Phantom V Flip2, I only had less than 10 minutes to try them because I had to share them with a much larger number of Indonesian media friends. So this article is based on my experience by comparing these two devices with other foldable screen devices that I have tested.
The most surprising thing for me was the Phantom V Fold2 which provides a usage experience similar to the Galaxy Z Fold5. This is because the Dimensity 9000+ chip used has the capability of approaching the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Then the operating system used is HiOS 14.5.0 based on Android 14 which is packed with interesting features and functions such as the Ella virtual assistant which has ChatGPT 3.5 integration, various interesting generative AI features and in some aspects faster than Galaxy AI and camera capabilities that are on par with flagship devices.
However, I don't like it when foldable screen devices don't have complete productivity features like those developed by Samsung for their One UI. The operating system on the device feels like it's still in its first generation and is still immature. However, due to the lack of additional features and functions, this device feels consistently fast and smooth.
I'm sure, if TECNO sells this device in Malaysia at a cheaper price than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fol6 or Honor Magic V3 along with eye-catching marketing - people will buy it. I'm very disappointed that this device is not sold in Malaysia and only had a short time to test it. If you want to know the quality of the camera of this device, see below.
The Phantom V Flip2 also offers the same HiOS experience as it runs version 14.5.0 as well. It is also still based on Android 14 and comes with a variety of interesting features including the clever Ella. However, for a foldable screen device like this, I don't really care if it doesn't have productivity features. As long as it has a feature like FlexCam, that's enough for me.
I'm also not very confident in the durability of the Dimensity 8020 chip which is just Dimensity 1100. It's less efficient and with only receiving software support for about 2 years, its selling price doesn't convince people to buy it. Compared to the Galaxy Z Flip6 which uses the same chip as the Z Fold6, the Phantom V Flip2 is a premium mid-range device with a premium flagship price.
However, what TECNO offers on the outer screen is very different from what Samsung does on their Cover Screen. TECNO supports more applications on the outer screen, the same notification system as the inner screen, as well as the use of widgets and simple customizations which are really useful.
For camera capabilities, it offers quite good and acceptable capabilities. Its quality is definitely better than the Galaxy Z Flip6. I also respect TECNO for being able to build this device with solid quality compared to the MIX Flip which feels a little cheap.
COMING SOON BY TECNO MALAYSIA
TECNO Malaysia really hopes that the Phantom V Fold3 and Phantom V Flip3 will be sold in Malaysia. This is because they realize that people are getting to know TECNO more and more. However, they are worried about the selling price that will be set by TECNO headquarters. They do not want to sell a premium device if the response is not encouraging.
The Phantom V Fold2 is sold at $1,099 (~RM4,866) with a variant of 12/512 GB. While the Phantom V Flip2 is sold at a starting price of $699 (~RM3,095). Both of these devices are not sold in Malaysia because the first-generation Phantom V Fold and Phantom V Flip did not receive a good response. With the rapid development of technology, as well as the collaboration with Google – they hope that the selling price for the third-generation Phantom V can be accepted by users in Malaysia.
At the TECNO Future Lens 2024 event, several AI imaging technologies were introduced. Among the devices expected to receive this technology is the Camon 40 series. Tecno Malaysia wants to try to bring in a model with high specifications first after seeing that the Camon 30 Premier can be a challenger to the Xiaomi T series with Leica cameras.
Believe me, I was able to try the Camon 30 Premier unit from an Indonesian media friend and it is indeed a fierce competitor to the Xiaomi 14T. If the Camon 40 Premier (name not yet determined) is accepted by Malaysians, then they will consider selling the third-generation Phantom V.
CONCLUSION
TECNO Phantom V Fold2 and TECNO Phantom V Flip2 are both interesting devices. TECNO is smart in developing HiOS with interesting AI features and consistently fast and smooth performance. Camera capabilities have also improved, because they developed all the algorithms and technology themselves. Then with this premium and luxurious design, in my opinion it is not wrong if they want to sell at a high price.
One thing that TECNO should realize, if they want to sell at a high price, software support and customer service support after purchase must be on par with competitors. At least, Android updates are 4 years and early sales must follow Samsung's strategy of giving many attractive free gifts.
PROS and ADVANTAGES
Both second-generation Phantom V have a premium build that is on par with competitors.
HiOS with interesting AI features, again Ella with ChatGPT 3.5.
Camera capabilities that are increasingly beautiful and high quality.
Fast and smooth performance.
CONS and DISADVANTAGES
HiOS on both devices is still Android 14.
Not many special features and updates are limited to 2 years.
The Phantom series does not have an interesting public exposure.
Quite expensive selling price for an old generation processor chip.