Tecno Phantom V Flip Review: A Value-for-Money Foldable Phone

In 2023, foldable phones gained mainstream popularity, with Tecno's Phantom V Flip emerging as an affordable option. Priced at Rs 49,999 during its early bird release, it garnered attention for its unique form factor and budget-friendly approach. This review examines whether the Phantom V Flip strikes the right balance between value and quality.

Design and Display:
The standout feature of the Phantom V Flip is its vertically foldable design, boasting a 6.9-inch primary display and a 1.32-inch circular outer display. The premium lychee-pattern leather finish on the back panel provides a secure grip, setting it apart from other foldable phones. While the metallic hinge ensures a minimal gap when folded, there's a slight bend due to its first-generation implementation. The primary display, an LTPO FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, impresses with vibrant visuals and excellent gaming performance. However, its peak brightness of 800 nits falls short for outdoor use.

The circular cover display is a unique feature, offering quick access to various functions and notifications. While it doesn't support third-party apps yet, Tecno's first-generation effort is commendable.

Cameras:
The Phantom V Flip sports a 64MP RGBW primary camera, utilizing innovative pixel technology for improved light intake. While it excels in capturing detail, the dynamic range could be enhanced, and portrait mode background blurring is slightly aggressive. In low-light scenarios, image quality suffers with washed-out colors and reduced detail.

For selfies, the phone features a 32MP dual-flash autofocus camera, providing excellent results even in low-light conditions. The FreeCam arrangement allows versatile camera angles, enhancing creativity in photography.

Video recording supports up to 4K 30fps from the rear camera and 2K 30fps from the front camera. However, lack of stabilization hardware leads to shaky videos in motion.

Performance and Battery Life:
Powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 8050 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Phantom V Flip delivers smooth performance for most tasks. While benchmark scores are in line with expectations, the chipset choice may be considered modest for its price range. The phone handles day-to-day tasks efficiently, with occasional heating during intensive gaming.

In terms of battery life, the phone lasts approximately a day with moderate usage. The inclusion of 45W fast charging ensures quick refueling, taking just over an hour for a full charge.

Verdict:
The Tecno Phantom V Flip offers a unique foldable experience at an affordable price, with impressive build quality and decent camera performance. While it falls slightly short in raw power and battery life, it excels in design and value. For those seeking a distinctive smartphone, the Phantom V Flip is a compelling choice.

Pros:
- Good value for money
- Impressive build quality
- Decent camera performance
- 45W fast-charging support

Cons:
- Modest chipset choice
- Battery life could be better

Editor's Rating: 8.5/10