Tecno Phantom 9: Five Applaudable (and Disappointing) Features

Tecno recently unveiled the newest addition to its Phantom series some couple of days ago. The device, Tecno Phantom 9 succeeds the Phantom 8 that was released over a year ago and as you’d expect, comes with a handful of improvements.

In that light, I’ll highlight 5 applaudable features that I find really interesting on the Phantom 9 smartphone. In the same vein, I’ll also point out some disappointing specs that the device houses.

You ready? Let’s go.

Top Tecno Phantom 9 features

1. AMOLED Display

Tecno did well to use an AMOLED display on the Phantom 9 smartphone. Asides from making the device worthy of being called a ‘true flagship smartphone,’ it positions it as a brilliant upgrade to the old Phantom 8.

The Phantom 9 is the second smartphone (after the Phantom 6) from Tecno Mobile to come with an AMOLED display out-of-the-box. Compared to LCD and other display technologies being used on other Tecno smartphone, users of the Phantom 9 wood enjoy better visual experience, darker/pure blacks, truer colours, and higher refresh rates.

Other noteworthy features of the Phantom 9 6.4-inch display include a Gorilla Glass (version 3) protection, Full HD (2340 x 1080 pixels) resolution.

2. In-display fingerprint sensor

Though the in-display fingerprint sensor technology is fast becoming an old one, it’s still particularly new in this part of the world as not a lot of OEMs have adopted the tech. With the Phantom 9, however, Tecno becomes one of the early Africa-focused smartphone brand to implement the under-display (or in-display, whichever you choose to call it) fingerprint technology on its product.

The Phantom 9 becomes the first smartphone from the brand (and Transsion Holdings at large) to have its fingerprint sensor embedded in the screen . The fluidity and unlock speed of the fingerprint reader is a little bit rusty (per the YouTube reviews I’ve watched) but its a step in the right direction.

The next Phantom flagship (Phantom 10… or Phantom X?) or whichever device the OEM releases next would definitely have a better in-display fingerprint sensor.

3. Pricing

When I saw the recommended retail price of the Phantom 9, I was impressed. Considering the price of previous flagship smartphones from the series, as well as the features the device comes with, the Tecno Phantom 9 is a steal for NGN 77,000.

For context, when the Phantom 6 and Phantom 8 launched, they were sold for NGN 80,000 — NGN 100,00. The Phantom 9 with 6GB of RAM, 128GB internal storage (with dedicated SD card slot), triple rear camera (16 + 8 + 2 MP), 32MP selfie camera, and 3,500 mAh battery launching at NGN 77,000 is applaudable. Also, the Phantom 9 sports about just the same specs as Huawei’s new Y9 Prime smartphone and sells for less — the Huawei Y9 Prime costs NGN 83,900.

The Let Downs

4. Micro USB

It’s 2019, guys! Micro USB on a supposedly flagship device? That’s disappointing. I’d have overlooked this and given the Phantom 9 a 9.99/10 rating if it were a midrange smartphone but it isn’t. The Phantom series is Tecno’s top-tier category that houses some of its devices. It’s only normal for these devices to have the best of features.

Beside USB-C isn’t a new port/technology, it has been used by many small and big smartphone companies as far back as 2016 when it was adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Tecno should fix up, really.

5. Mediocre chipset

Now, the Phantom 9’s chipset isn’t exactly mediocre but MediaTek Helio P35 and “flagship” shouldn’t be in the same sentence. Not in 2019 where there are more powerful chipsets.

The Helio P35 is a great processor, no doubt. Coupled with 6GB of RAM, the Phantom 9 would definitely handle regular usage pretty well. But you shouldn’t expect to play heavy, graphics-intensive game smoothly on the device.

Conclusively, despite the few holdbacks I had about the processor and USB port, the Phantom 9 has a handful of features to compensate for its price. The triple camera, AMOLED display, under-display fingerprint, collosal built-in storage and more, the Phantom 9 is a great buy if in market for a flagship-like Android smartphone on a budget.

What are your thoughts on the Tecno Phantom 9 smartphone?

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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TECNO is well known on the African continent for its affordable offerings. However, the Chinese company has a premium line, the TECNO Phantom. After over a year of silence, the Phantom isn’t dead. There will be a TECNO Phantom 9 in a few weeks to come and TECNO is going big with this.

The Phantom exhibits the best that TECNO has to offer. The Phantom 9 will come with an AMOLED Display, an under-the-display fingerprint scanner, triple cameras, and a new design.

TECNO Mobile India posted a teaser video that confirmed the release date (India, 10th July 2019) and the key feature, under display fingerprint reader. TECNO Phantom 9 release in regions like Nigeria, Kenya, and others may follow swiftly in late July or early August.

According to the renders, the TECNO Phantom borrows a lot from the recently released Huawei P30 Lite . From the camera alignment to the U shaped notch which deviates from what Infinix S4 presented and way better than the TECNO Phantom 8.

TECNO Phantom 9, Tech-ish

TECNO Phantom 9 expected Specs

The Phantom has a lot to prove in a market that has been infiltrated with equally potent Xiaomi devices. However, at an expected price of UGX 1,200,000 ( KShs 32,000, NGN 117,000 ), we believe it will be an undeniable deal. Because of the high price, we shall not be surprised if Phantom 9 doesn’t make it to some markets.

John Ivan is a tech writer based in Kampala with a rich background in digital marketing, Web 2.0, influencer strategy, and content creation. With years of experience in consumer tech blogging, he blends industry insight with storytelling to make technology accessible and relevant. At Dignited.com, John covers the latest in digital trends, gadgets, and how tech is shaping lives across Africa.

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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