Tecno Phantom 9 Review: Under

TECNO refreshed their flagship series with the TECNO Phantom 9 this month. The new smartphone sports a 6.40-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, AI triple rear cameras, in-display fingerprint scanner, and a dot notch. Check out our TECNO Phantom 9 review below.

TECNO Phantom 9 Review:Design and Build

The Phantom 9 sports a slightly larger screen (6.4-inches) compared to the Phantom 8 which has a 5.7-inch screen. It has a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080) or 403 PPI density, which is a good resolution for a screen of this size. The screen has a 19.5:9 ratio.

Also located here is the 32MP camera, the earpiece and two LED flashlights that are cleverly hidden in the thin top bezel.

Going over to the edges of the phone, there is a volume and power button on the right side. These are clicky and easy to reach because they reside near the middle of the frame. The top left side has the card tray. The tray has 3 slots to accommodate two nano-sized SIM cards and a microSD card, all at the same time.

TECNO Phantom 9 still uses a micro USB port

At the bottom edge, there is a 3.5mm audio jack, a micro USB port, a microphone, and a down-facing loudspeaker. I don’t really understand why TECNO continues to use micro-USB port instead of Type-C port on their smartphones.

The fingerprint scanner has been shifted to the display

Apart from the protruding triple-rear cameras and LED flash, there is nothing to interrupt the beautiful Lapland Aurora back. However, this beauty gets filled with fingerprints because it’s made of plastic. The good news is that TECNO included a case in the package to protect from scratches and fingerprints.

The Phantom 9 is a pleasure to hold in the hand

Wielding the TECNO Phantom 9 in the hands is a good experience. You will notice that the Phantom 9 is lighter than the Phantom 8. It’s solid with a comfortable grip and feels really thin which can be attributed to its curved sides.

Under-Display fingerprint scanner

Unlocking the device is a tad slower but a lot cooler

The fingerprint scanner has been shifted to exist under the display. This is a very excellent feature on a below UGX 1M device. It works well however; it is a bit slow and needs close to a second to unlock the device. This is a lot slower than physical scanners. Because it relies on the backlight, it becomes even slower to unlock the Phantom 9 in very bright environments. Thankfully, there is a face unlock feature which is faster.

Display and Multimedia

TECNO went for a dot notch on the Phantom 9. The bezels around the display have almost disappeared especially on the sides and top. The 6.4-inch full HD+ AMOLED display has 84% screen-to-body ratio. The screen has a good viewing experience with nice viewing angles. The colors are punchy while the blacks are deep thanks to the AMOLED screen.

Media consumption (videos, games and viewing photos) on the Phantom 9 is awesome because of the large screen real estate. We didn’t find it necessary to hide the notch because it’s not very intrusive. However, apps are still displayed in their default display ratio that doesn’t extend to cover the notch area.

The Phantom 9 depends on a single down-facing speaker for your audio needs. While not as loud as what TECNO furnished into the now extinct Boom smartphones, the speaker on the Phantom 9 is crisp and loud. This makes it good for casually watching videos, listening to music, or playing games. Serious audiophiles might want to plug a good pair of headphones via the 3.5mm audio port for better music experience.

TECNO Phantom 9 Review:Camera

The TECNO Phantom 9 is equipped with a tripartite of cameras stacked vertically and a 32MP camera resting in the dot notch to take care of the selfies and face unlock. The rear camera trinity comprises of a 16MP main shooter with f/1.8 and Phase-detect-auto-focus, an ultra-wide 8MP lens and a 2MP, f/2.8 depth sensor.

The trinity of cameras on the Phantom 9

The cameras come with standard features like AI Cam mode, Professional, Panorama, AR Stickers, HDR, Google Lens and more. There is AI capability that analyzes the scene and adjusts the settings for a better shot. AI on the Phantom 9 is well adapted for dark skins.

The Phantom 9 brings some camera capabilities that are unheard of at this price. It is capable of taking macro shots from as close as 3cm. This is vital when capturing small details. We took a few macro shots and the results were very exciting. It was hard to believe you can get so much photo power for less than a million Uganda Shillings.

Speaking of photo power, the TECNO Phantom 9 captures photos with plenty of details with good contrast. Colors are also punchy but sometimes the saturation tends to be on the warmer side.

• Main Lens
• Wide angle lens

Selfies, as expected are good with sharp details and accurate colors. The beauty effects implemented come out naturally and don’t look very artificial like on the Infinix Note 6 . Check out the samples below.

There is AI scene recognition; AI Face Beauty which reduces blemishes and gives a younger look. The selfie camera has a pair of LED flashlight to improve detail in dark environment. TECNO is the first company to break through the limitations of a dot notch to include LED lights in a thin bezel.

For videos, the TECNO Phantom is capable of recording at a maximum of 1080p at 30fps. There’s no video stabilization so footages can come out shaky if you don’t use steady hands.

OS, UI,and Apps

The device runs on HiOS 5 based on Android 9 Pie Oreo. The interface doesn’t differ a lot from what the Spark 3 . You can choose to navigate using the usual on-screen keys or using gesture navigations which can be enabled in settings.

When it comes to features, the Phantom 9 has WhatsApp Mode, Bike Mode, Security and Privacy settings, Split-screen, One-handed mode and more.

Performance

TECNO Phantom 9 is powered by an octa-core Helio 35 chipset clocked at 2.3GHz. This is a mid-range chipset but with an above-average RAM capacity. We didn’t have any major performance issues. The Phantom 9 sliced through the tasks we threw at it with major confidence. Whether it is gaming or multitasking, the Phantom 9 didn’t choke.

In terms of storage, you get a handsome 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. This is a good storage head start but if you fancy more space, there’s a dedicated microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 1TB cards and OTG support.

TECNO Phantom 9 Review:Connectivity and Battery Life

The Phantom 9 has all the basic connectivity features which include dual-SIM with 4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. However, TECNO has been slow to upgrade their devices from the micro USB. Look at the differences between micro USB and USB Type-C . We are still hoping and praying for the USB Type-C.

The battery capacity didn’t change from what the Phantom 8 offered, at 3,500mAh. The battery is not as strong as that of the Infinix Note 6 but we were able to complete a full day without worrying about a blackout.

Even after being connected to WiFi, over 100 tweets, pics here and there, we comfortably went through the day on a single charge. Battery stamina is very dependent on usage though but it will only be a few instances where you need to run to the charger before the day ends.

Verdict

The TECNO Phantom 9 packs big improvements over its predecessor while also sees some downgrades from what the Phantom 9 offered. It has better and prettier design but it is vulnerable to fingerprints and scratches. The AMOLED display with a smaller notch is a big step in the right direction but the slow fingerprint scanner makes us wish they kept the physical scanner. It also packs a lot of power in terms of hardware but sees reduced 4G speeds compared to the older Phantom 8.

It’s a versatile performer that can satisfy those who want to raise their selfie game or fancy being trendy with newer tech. What might break this awesome package is the presence of cheaper options that have a few caveats from what the Phantom 9 offers. Even with this competition, I think the TECNO Phantom 9 has a good fighting chance.

UPDATE:

TECNO Phantom 9 is finally available across Kenya for KES. 24,999. You should be able to pick up the device from all TECNO retail shops, Safaricom outlets, and JUMIA at a recommended retail price of KES. 24,999. It is unclear whether or not pricing will vary from different outlets based on the press release.

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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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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