TECNO Phantom V Flip 2: An Affordable Flip Smartphone for Worldwide Markets

TECNO Phantom V Flip 2: An Affordable Flip Smartphone for Worldwide Markets

TECNO Phantom V Flip 2: An Affordable Flip Smartphone for Worldwide Markets


### TECNO Phantom V Flip 2: A Chic and Budget-Friendly Mid-Range Flip Smartphone

The TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 emerges as a fresh option in the foldable smartphone arena, boasting a chic design, satisfactory performance, and a sizable cover display at a budget-friendly price. Although it doesn’t reach the high-end specifications of flagship foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series, it offers considerable value for users in developing markets seeking a foldable experience without overspending.

#### **Android Central Rating: 3/5 Stars**
The TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 stands out as a decent mid-range flip phone featuring an extensive cover screen, good camera capabilities, and numerous AI functionalities to explore. Nonetheless, the software can feel rough around the edges, and locating desired features might require some effort. While not all functions prove particularly beneficial, TECNO has succeeded in delivering an elegant flip phone that is economically accessible for those who may find premium flagships out of reach.

### **Advantages:**
– **Upscale-looking design**
– **Expansive cover screen display**
– **Acceptable camera performance**
– **Quick wired charging**
– **Cost-effective pricing**

### **Disadvantages:**
– **Difficult cover screen navigation**
– **Phone tends to heat up**
– **Software feels unfinished**
– **Battery life is merely satisfactory**
– **Lacks an IP rating for water and dust protection**

### **Pricing & Availability**
The TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 was revealed on September 13 and became available for purchase on September 23 across various regions, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Priced at approximately $699 USD, the phone comes in two color options: Travertine Green and Moondust Grey. However, it will not be available in the United States.

### **Highlights**

#### **Design**
The Phantom V Flip 2 stands out with its upscale design, despite being a mid-range option. The front cover panel is black, accented with a gold frame and rings around the camera lenses, bestowing a refined appearance. The Travertine Green shade, in particular, radiates a classy jade-like finish. The phone feels comfortable in hand, although it is slightly heavier than some competitors due to its larger battery.

#### **Display**
The internal 6.9-inch OLED screen boasts a 120Hz refresh rate and full HD+ resolution, delivering a fluid and vibrant viewing experience. The crease in the foldable display is minimal, though it is perceptible when running a finger across it. The hinge feels robust and supports the device well at varied angles.

#### **Camera Quality**
The Phantom V Flip 2 is equipped with dual 50MP cameras for wide and ultrawide photography, yielding surprisingly good results for its price range. Colors tend to be well-balanced, and low-light performance is reasonable. However, zooming in on photos uncovers some noise and muddiness, yet overall, the camera performance is praiseworthy for a mid-range flip device.

#### **Charging Efficiency**
A standout feature of the Phantom V Flip 2 is its rapid 70W wired charging, reaching 50% in just 15 minutes and fully charging in under an hour. This is a notable perk, particularly given the phone’s somewhat mediocre battery life.

### **Cover Screen Functionality**
The Phantom V Flip 2’s 3.6-inch OLED cover screen marks a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering additional functionality and app compatibility. Unlike many other flip phones, TECNO allows relatively easy access to apps like Google Messages, YouTube, and Instagram from the cover screen. However, the user interface can be perplexing, and not all apps are supported, which may be aggravating when dealing with notifications.

Navigation on the cover display is also somewhat counterintuitive. Swiping right merely changes wallpapers, while swiping left opens the AI Wallpaper Generator and NFC Tag reader. Accessing apps necessitates swiping up, but returning to the home screen can be a hassle, requiring you to lock and unlock the device.

### **Areas for Improvement**

#### **Build Quality**
Although the phone appears premium, the back panel has a hard plastic feel, which diminishes the overall impression. This is somewhat anticipated at this price level but is important for potential buyers to consider.

#### **Battery Longevity**
Despite housing one of the largest batteries in a flip phone, the Phantom V Flip 2 struggles to last an entire day. Users might realistically expect around six hours of screen-on time, which is disappointing. Thankfully, the quick charging helps alleviate this drawback, but the absence of wireless charging is a negative aspect.

#### **Performance & Heat Issues**
Fueled by the MediaTek Dimensity 8020