Tecno Phantom V Fold Review: Best Entry

The foldable phone market is booming. Since the first Samsung Galaxy Fold in 2021, there have been many new entrants into the space. Samsung has released four generations of foldable phones, Google has released the Pixel Fold , Motorola has revived the Razr Flip, Tecno has the Phantom V Fold, and Oppo has released its Find foldable phones. One trend that has emerged is that there are now two distinct types of foldable phones: expensive and entry-level.

I have been using the TECNO Phantom V Fold as my primary phone for over a month now and can confirm the TECNO Fold is the most affordable foldable phone on the market, and it offers a lot of great features for the price. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the Phantom Fold’s design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall value for money.

Here’s a closer look at what’s good, what’s not so good, and how it stacks up against the competition.

What’s Good?

The TECNO Phantom Fold impresses with its sleek and premium design. The foldable display unfolds to reveal a large, immersive screen that provides an exceptional viewing experience. The device feels sturdy, thanks to its robust build quality and reliable hinge mechanism.

Additionally, the TECNO Phantom Fold boasts a powerful processor, delivering smooth performance even when multitasking or running demanding applications. The device offers ample storage space for apps, media, and files, ensuring you have plenty of room for all your needs. However big and heavy the phone is, I have gone jogging with it more than once and taken stunning photos with it. Check the Camera Review section for the picture sample.

1. Foldable display: The V Fold has a 7.8-inch foldable display that’s sharp, bright, and responsive. It’s perfect for watching videos, playing games, or working on documents.
2. Powerful performance: The TECNO Phantom V Fold is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 4nm 9000+ processor, which is one of the most powerful mobile chipsets on the market. It can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. I had ease while switching between playing games and replying to a message on the opened social media apps.
3. Affordable price: As I mentioned earlier, One thing is becoming evident: there are very expensive foldable phones and more affordable entry-level options available. The TECNO Phantom Fold is among the best and most affordable foldable. For context in Uganda, Samsung Galaxy Fold will cost you over 10 million shillings meanwhile Phantom Fold is 4 million shillings.
4. Bragging Rights : Alright, listen up folks, I’ve stumbled upon something extraordinary. Ever since I laid my hands on this snazzy Phantom foldable phone, I’ve unintentionally skyrocketed to local stardom. They now call me the ‘Foldable Guy’ in my neighborhood – I mean, who wouldn’t want a phone that folds like origami? Although I must admit, my neighbors can be a tad clueless. They keep mistaking my foldable for a Samsung Galaxy Fold as if that’s the only folding phone in existence! Come on, TECNO Mobile, step up your game, and let the world know about your own foldable marvel. Believe it or not, this gizmo is a better conversation starter than the hyped-up iPhone 14. If you’re in the market for some serious bragging rights, my friend, this foldable wonder is the way to go.

Another set of features and gestures I enjoyed and feel it’s worth mentioning is the “special function” features like MemFusion, App Twin (clone and use dual accounts for certain apps), Smart Panel, and Social Turbo among others which allow using the phone easy and intuitive. Below are the main screen features and how you can use them. From Split-screen to driving mode and compatibility mode. You

What’s Not So Good?

The TECNO Phantom v Fold has many great features, but it does have a few drawbacks to keep in mind. First, its camera performance, although decent, may not be as good as some high-end smartphones. Another downside is that the Phantom does not support e-sim cards or comes with a digital smart pen. Personally, I was hoping that Transsion would include a pen for drawing on the large 7.85-inch screen

• Camera: The TECNO Phantom Fold’s camera is not as good as some competition. The main sensor is 50MP. The biggest flaw I have noticed is the AI camera mode, the picture quality looks better before you take a photo and drops in quality after taking the photo. I want to believe it’s a software issue specifically for the Phantom Fold OS as their AI mode works fine and is optimized for other TECNO phones.
• Battery Life: The TECNO Phantom Fold has a large 5000mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge. I have found myself out of battery by 17:00hrs on a full charge in the morning after running on full 120Hz refresh rates for both screens and active usage. Such levels of stress testing were to determine the battery’s strength. I doubt a normal user would put the phone to such heights. From my test, it’s safe to peg the Fold battery life at a full day.
• eSim Card Support : TECNO and its sister brands from Transsion are slow to adopt new trends and features . USB Type-C became widely available on their devices in 2021, and I expected the TECNO Phantom Fold, which is geared towards the American and European phone market, to have eSIM card support. This is one of those features that you may not necessarily need, but you realize its absence when it’s not included. I understand why TECNO didn’t include it, as eSIM adoption is low in Africa and their main markets. It makes sense to skip this feature until the next Phantom Fold generation.

TECNO Phantom V Fold Camera Review

The TECNO Phantom Fold has a triple-lens rear camera system, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide sensor, and a 50MP telephoto sensor. The main sensor captures detailed and vibrant shots in well-lit conditions. Take note that the AI camera mode overedits pictures, it’s advisable you turn the mode off if you want better and clearer pictures from the main camera. I had an unpleasant experience using the camera in low light, the AI night mode does a good job when the subject is near but horrible, especially for distant or landscape pictures. The ultrawide sensor is also good, but it can produce slightly soft photos.

The camera app offers various shooting modes and editing tools you can always tweak and use to enhance your photography experience. The dual mode for example allows you can use both the selfie and back camera at once when recording videos. You can as well use the back 50MP main camera to take selfies. It’s worth noting, the camera app has a dedicated mode for video templates with transitions, animations, and background audio you can use if you want for creative videos. I have taken a sample video to try out and was pleased with the results. You can just check it out with other photo samples.

In terms of a selfie camera, the V Fold has two front-facing cameras i.e. 16MP front-facing camera and a 32MP exterior front camera. Both cameras take good selfies in well-lit conditions. However, it can struggle in low light as well. Selfie enthusiasts will appreciate the front-facing camera, which produces clear and vibrant self-portraits.

Overall, the TECNO Phantom V Fold’s camera is not bad, but it’s not as good as some of the competition. The recent Camon 20 can wipe the floor with the camera and personally prefer the Camon 20 camera to the V Fold.

The images above and below have been resized for bandwidth. You can view the originals here . You’ll also find pictures indoor pictures, selfie shots, and low light/night photo samples when you open the link.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and the TECNO Phantom V Fold delivers decent performance in this department. With its 5000mAh sizable battery capacity, the device can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy usage. However, extensive use of large displays or power-hungry applications may result in faster battery drain. The inclusion of 45W fast charging technology ensures that you can quickly top up the battery when needed, reducing downtime.

READ ALSO: What’s the Best Tecno Phone You Can Buy in 2023? Here’s the Answer.

TECNO Phantom V Fold Price

One of the most appealing aspects of the TECNO Phantom Fold is its affordability compared to other foldable devices on the market. As an entry-level foldable smartphone, it offers a more accessible price point while still providing a unique foldable experience.

The TECNO Phantom V Fold is priced at just $999, a fraction of the cost of other foldable phones. This makes it a great option for people that buy flagship devices and looking to try out a new form factor in terms of a foldable phone.

In Uganda, the Phantom V Fold cost UGX 3.999.000 for the top-spec 256/12GB RAM version. The same phone retails at Ksh 140,000 in Kenya as well.

TECNO Phantom V Fold Review: Verdict

The TECNO Phantom Fold is a great entry-level foldable phone. It offers a lot of great features for the price, including a foldable display, powerful performance, long battery life, and an affordable price. If you’re looking for a foldable phone without breaking the bank, the TECNO Phantom V Fold is a great option. I consider the TECNO Phantom V Fold a flagship killer and we give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

TECNO Phantom V Fold Specs

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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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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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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