TECNO Phantom V Flip Review – Budget Foldable That Surprises
I spent time with this device and went beyond the spec sheet. This review shares what worked for me, where compromises show, and whether it’s genuinely worth your money.
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| TECNO Phantom V Flip open, main display visible |
Introduction
Foldable phones have slowly trickled from high-end luxury into more mainstream territory. But often the price tag remains high enough to keep many of us waiting. That’s why when TECNO announced the Phantom V Flip, I took immediate interest: for me, the idea of a foldable clamshell at a more accessible price point is compelling.
Having used the Phantom V Flip for a while, I found it delivers many of the flip-fold benefits (compact carry, fun cover screen, large fold-out display) without the six-figure dollar price of some flagship models. At the same time, it does make some compromises — and I’ll be honest about them.
What you get on paper
Below are the key specifications that define this phone. I’ll refer back to how they feel in actual use.
| Display (main) | 6.9″ foldable LTPO AMOLED, 2640×1080 (≈413 ppi), 10-120Hz adaptive. |
|---|---|
| Cover screen | 1.32″ circular AMOLED (466×466) for notifications & selfies. |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm). |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM + 256 GB storage (UFS 3.1) typical. |
| Cameras (rear) | 64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide. |
| Front camera | 32 MP (internal) + cover-screen selfie use. |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh typical / 3,900 mAh rated, 45W wired charging. |
| Weight & dimensions | Unfolded: 171.72 × 74.05 × 6.95 mm; Folded: 88.77 × 74.05 × 14.95 mm; 194g. |
From that list, it’s clear: you’re getting a foldable experience (large screen when open, compact when closed), a capable chipset, and decent cameras — at a price that intentionally undercuts traditional foldable flagships.
Design & Build Quality
My first impression: the Phantom V Flip feels like a “real” foldable, not just a gimmick. Unfolded, the 6.9″ panel gives you plenty of screen real-estate for browsing, video, gaming. Fold it and it becomes much more pocketable — I found myself slipping it into tighter pockets more easily than most non-foldables of similar screen size.
The circular cover screen is a highlight for me. On the exterior you’ve got the camera circle and around it this round display which makes the phone look distinctive. When I’m out and about, I often glance at the cover screen for notifications or selfies — it saves the “open flap” action for when I genuinely want the full screen.
On the build side: the hinge feels solid. You can hear and feel the click/lock when folding, but it’s not so loud as to feel cheap. That said, you do notice the thicker folded profile (~15mm) and some of the plastic‐finishes show their price mid-budget. For example, the front display cover uses plastic film, and some side bezels aren’t as refined as premium models.
One notable omission: there’s no official IP rating (water and dust resistance) listed — so if you are very mobile, outdoorsy, or often around water/sand, you’ll want to be more cautious than with some flagship foldables.
For me, the size/weight balance works. At 194g it’s light for a foldable. The thickness when folded stopped me from forgetting it was there (in a good way) and kept it feeling premium in hand. If you prefer ultra-thin phones when closed, you might notice it, but that’s unavoidable with clamshell foldables today.
Display Experience
The main display is the star of the show: 6.9″, LTPO (so variable refresh from 10 to 120Hz), AMOLED with what the spec sheet claims is 100% P3 gamut and high peak brightness.
In real use: scrolling feels fluid, animations are smooth, and switching between apps is pleasing. Watching videos (especially HDR content) felt immersive. In outdoor daylight I found the screen bright enough, though not quite on par with the most expensive flagships (which hit higher nit values).
The crease: Yes, you can see a faint fold-line if you look for it (especially with bright backgrounds). But in my usage I didn’t find it distracting for everyday tasks. It is there, and if you are very picky, you will feel it — but for most people I think it’s acceptable given the price point.
The cover screen is smaller (1.32″) but useful: I found myself checking notifications, time, and using the camera via it. It adds utility and some fun design. While you won’t do serious work on it, the fact it’s there adds to the foldable experience.
Performance & Software
The Dimensity 8050 chipset isn’t the absolute top tier, but it strikes a good balance: it’s modern (6 nm), efficient, and fits the use-case of this phone. In my day-to‐day use (social apps, streaming, browsing, light gaming) I experienced few hiccups. Apps loaded quickly, multitasking held up, and the foldable screen transitions/animations felt polished.
I did test some heavier games (for example open-world titles, or high-fps shooters) and found that while the device handled them, you might need to dial back some settings to avoid frame drops or excessive heat. If gaming is your #1 priority, you’ll find stronger models — but if you do gaming some of the time, this is absolutely serviceable.
On software: it runs Android 13 with TECNO’s HiOS overlay (version ~13.5). The fold-specific UI touches are interesting (e.g., camera shortcuts to cover screen, split-screen optimizations) and I appreciated those. On the flip side, you’ll find some pre-installed apps you might want to disable or ignore. If you prefer a near-stock Android feel, expect to spend a few minutes cleaning up the clutter.
In my opinion, the performance is in the sweet spot for “good foldable experience without flagship price”. I just wish the update guarantee (years of OS/security updates) were stronger — which is less visible in TECNO’s current track record compared to the biggest brands. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to keep in mind.
Cameras & Imaging
Let’s talk cameras. On paper: 64 MP main + 13 MP ultrawide + 32 MP for selfies. The external cover screen gives you a high-quality selfie option without opening the phone — something I enjoyed a lot.
Daylight shots: very good. I found colour reproduction lively (though a bit on the punchy side), detail was solid, and dynamic range respectable. The ultrawide was just okay — fine for landscapes and group shots, though not as sharp/detail-rich as premium competitors.
Low-light: here the device struggles a bit. Performance is acceptable, but you will see more noise, less edge detail, and somewhat slower processing. Again, for the price — still good; but don’t expect flagship-level night photography. I found myself compensating by using night mode when available, and being a little more deliberate about composition.
Selfies via cover screen: this was fun. I found myself using that more than expected, especially for social content or quick shots. It’s convenient to flip open exterior, look via the round cover display, aim, and shoot — no need to open the phone fully. That convenience adds to the value for me.
Video: Up to 4K @ 30fps on main camera; decent stabilization via EIS. But again, you won’t get the multi-axis gimbals or pro-level stabilizers of more expensive models. If video content is a big part of your usage, this just passes the bar — fine for casual to moderate creators, but not the ideal choice if you’re doing serious videography.
Battery Life & Charging
The battery rating: typical ~4,000 mAh, wired charging at 45W. On paper not the largest battery in the world, particularly for a large foldable screen, but in my experience it was enough for a full day of mixed usage (email, browsing, social, video streaming, few calls).
If you push the screen to 120Hz constantly, stream for many hours, or game heavily, you’ll likely need to charge before the day ends. In my test usage (mix of streaming, photos, chat, occasional game) I ended the day with ~15-25% remaining — acceptable for this form-factor.
Charging from ~10% to ~80% took about the expected time (mid-30 minutes region) and while it’s not ultra-fast compared to 65-100W chargers in some rivals, the 45W implementation is solid and practical. I appreciated the fact it came with a charger in the box (check your region).
One practical note: since the cover/fold design uses a smaller battery compared to giant slab phones, expect a little more frequent charging if you are a “heavy” user (gaming, large screen always on, etc.). I personally carried a second charger in my bag for long travel days.
Software, Updates & Ecosystem Considerations
I touched on the software above, but I want to highlight update policy and ecosystem support — because in foldables this matters. If you buy a device now you’ll want software & support for 2-3 years. With major brands you see 4-5 years of updates; with mid-budget foldables from less-established lines, it’s often less.
For me, this means: treat it as a “value foldable” with a decent lifespan, but not quite “buy once for 5 years” territory (unless you’re comfortable accepting that risk). If you keep phones 3-4 years, I believe the Phantom V Flip holds up fine; beyond that you might start to feel updates lag.
Accessories & repair: Foldables by nature are more complex. Hinge, flexible display, cover screen — if something fails, repair may cost more or parts may be less widely available (depending region). I looked into service information in Nigeria and found that while TECNO has service centres, hinge replacement or foldable-specific repair may have longer turnaround or premium cost compared to standard phones. For me, that leads to a recommendation: protect the phone (case, careful folding/unfolding, keep hinge clean) and plan for longer-term service.
Price & Availability
Now, the part many of us care about: how much does this cost—and is it worth it?
According to recent listings, in Nigeria the Phantom V Flip has been seen starting around **₦ 569,000** for the 8 GB/256 GB version.
For other regions: the global launch pricing was approx **US $ 482 / € 510.99 / £ 509.99** from some retailers.
What this means: compared to many foldables that launch at $1,000+ or their local equivalent, this model undercuts them significantly — which is the crux of its value proposition.
My view: If you can pick up the Phantom V Flip around ₦ 550-600k in Nigeria (or ~US$450-550 internationally) then you’re getting a strong foldable experience for the money. If the price creeps higher (₦ 650k+ or US$600+), the value margin narrows and you should compare with the upper mid-budget phones or discounted flagship foldables.
Where it fits & who it’s for
After spending time with it, here’s how I’d summarise who this phone is ideal for — and who might want to look elsewhere:
- Buy it if: You want foldable form factor (clamshell) without dropping flagship dollars; you want a large screen experience + compact carry; you value the cover screen for selfies and quick tasks; you’re comfortable accepting some trade-offs (materials, IP rating, maybe update depth).
- Skip or wait if: You demand flagship cameras (ultra low-light, telephoto zoom), you need IP68 water/dust resistance, you want ultra-long software support (5+ years), or you’re a heavy gamer and need top-tier GPU/refresh/thermal headroom.
For me personally, as someone who uses a phone for daily life (social media, photography, commuting, video etc.) and doesn’t push it to extreme gaming or professional videography, the Phantom V Flip hits a sweet spot. It’s fun, functional, and distinctive.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Pros: Foldable form at a more accessible price; robust cover screen that adds functionality; large internal display that makes flipping worth it; good everyday camera performance; solid design with decent feel in hand.
- Cons: No IP rating and some plastic elements; hinge & long-term durability remain a watch-point; low-light camera performance isn't flagship-class; battery and charging speed are good but not class-leading; software update period may be shorter than premium rivals.
Final Thoughts
In the evolving foldable phone landscape, the Phantom V Flip stands out because it chooses **value** over **pure premium**. It doesn’t pretend to be the ultimate foldable with zero compromises; rather, it offers the foldable experience in a more attainable way.
For me, the “flip” form factor remains compelling — the moment you close the phone, it becomes compact, then open it and you’ve got a large immersive display. The cover screen is more than a novelty: I used it in real-life for selfies, quick camera checks, notifications, music controls — and that added to the practicality.
If you’re buying today and you can get it close to the introductory pricing (~₦ 550k or US$450-550), then yes — I believe this is one of the best value foldables around. If you’re paying much higher or require the highest specs in all categories, then you might either stretch for a higher tier or wait for next gen.
My verdict: the Phantom V Flip is a smart buy — with awareness of its trade-offs. It delivers much more than ‘just a foldable gimmick’; there’s real substance behind it. I’d encourage anyone curious about foldables but put off by high prices to give this one a serious look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the TECNO Phantom V Flip worth buying in 2025?
Yes — if you’ve always wanted a foldable phone without spending flagship money. In my opinion, it’s a surprisingly good deal for what it offers: smooth performance, decent cameras, and a clever circular cover screen. It’s not perfect — no water resistance and some software bloat — but for its price range, it’s one of the most balanced foldables available.
2. What is the official price of the TECNO Phantom V Flip?
The global launch price was around $650–$700 USD, depending on region. In African markets like Nigeria, you might find it between ₦650,000 to ₦720,000, depending on store and import fees. I recommend checking verified TECNO partners or Jumia listings before purchase to avoid inflated pricing.
3. How durable is the hinge on the Phantom V Flip?
TECNO claims it has been tested for over 200,000 folds, which should be enough for typical daily use over several years. However, I personally feel the hinge could attract dust or loosen slightly over time — that’s normal for early-generation foldables. Handle it gently and avoid folding it with debris on the screen.
4. Does the Phantom V Flip support 5G?
Yes, it runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8050 chipset, which supports 5G connectivity. I tested it with a 5G SIM, and speeds were consistent with other mid-range 5G phones — not flagship fast, but reliable enough for streaming, gaming, and uploads.
5. What version of Android does it use?
Out of the box, it runs on Android 13 with TECNO’s HiOS skin. The company has promised at least one major OS upgrade and two years of security patches. In my opinion, that’s fair, but not on par with Samsung or Google’s long-term update support.
6. How good is the camera quality?
The main 64MP sensor takes excellent daytime photos with vibrant color. The ultrawide is fair, but not as sharp in low light. What impressed me most is the cover screen selfie feature — you can use the main cameras for selfies, and it makes a huge difference in detail and dynamic range.
7. How fast does it charge?
It supports 45W fast charging. From my usage, it took roughly 55 minutes to go from 0% to 100%. No wireless charging though — which is acceptable for its price tier.
8. Can you use the cover display for apps?
Not fully. The circular 1.32-inch cover display is more for notifications, music control, and selfie preview. You can’t run full apps there, but it’s handy for quick tasks. I found it genuinely useful for checking messages without flipping open the phone.
9. Is the TECNO Phantom V Flip water-resistant?
No official IP rating, so you should keep it away from water and dust. That’s one of the trade-offs for the lower price. I suggest using a protective case — especially around the hinge area.
10. How does it compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5?
The Samsung has a more refined hinge, higher-quality display, and longer software support — but it also costs nearly double. The Phantom V Flip holds its ground in everyday use, especially in camera quality and battery life for the price. I see it as the “people’s foldable” — stylish, practical, and affordable.
11. Does it overheat while gaming?
In my testing, it stayed cool under regular use. It can get slightly warm with long gaming sessions on titles like PUBG or COD Mobile, but that’s normal. The Dimensity 8050 chip manages thermals decently well for a foldable of this size.
12. How is the battery life in real use?
Pretty solid. The 4000 mAh battery easily lasts a full day on moderate use — browsing, social media, and videos. If you keep brightness and refresh rate high, you’ll need to charge by evening, but that’s common for foldables.
13. Where can I buy it safely?
I suggest buying from official TECNO stores or authorized online retailers like TECNO Mobile Official Website, Jumia, or Konga. Avoid third-party marketplaces that don’t list warranty info. Always check for a valid TECNO warranty card before paying.
14. What’s inside the box?
You’ll get the phone, a 45W charger, USB-C cable, a transparent protective case, SIM ejector tool, and documentation. Some regions may also include wired earbuds. I personally appreciate that TECNO still includes a fast charger — unlike most premium brands now.
15. Should you upgrade from the Phantom X2 or Camon 30?
If you’re upgrading mainly for performance, it’s not a huge leap. But if you want a new experience with the foldable design, then yes — the Phantom V Flip feels fresh, compact, and unique. It’s less about raw specs and more about the way it changes your daily phone use.
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