Tecno Introduces Budget-Friendly Foldable Phones

ByJim Miller

Tecno is making waves with its latest offerings in a market dominated by high-priced foldable smartphones. 

The Chinese manufacturer, known for its stronghold in emerging markets, has just unveiled its second-generation foldable devices: the Phantom V Fold 2 and the Phantom V Flip 2. 

These new entries challenge the notion that cutting-edge folding technology must come with a premium price tag.

The Phantom V Fold 2: Big Features, Small Price

Tecno's book-style foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, is turning heads with its $1,099 price point – a figure that directly competes with Samsung's clamshell Z Flip 6. 

But don't let the low price fool you; this device has features rivaling its more expensive counterparts.

Design and Display

The Phantom V Fold 2 boasts a sleek design, measuring less than 12mm when folded and a mere 6.1mm unfolded. Despite housing a larger battery, Tecno has shaved off an impressive 50 grams, bringing the weight down to 249 grams.

Display-wise, users are treated to:

  • A 6.42-inch FHD+ AMOLED cover display with a 21:9 aspect ratio
  • A spacious 7.85-inch 2K AMOLED main display
  • Both screens feature 120Hz refresh rates and LTPO technology

For the productivity-minded, the device is compatible with the Phantom V Pen, adding versatility to the foldable experience.

Under the Hood

Powering the Phantom V Fold 2 is the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chip, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While not the latest chipset, it still delivers flagship-level performance.

Battery life shouldn't be a concern, thanks to:

  • A massive 5,750 mAh battery
  • 70W wired fast charging (full charge in 50 minutes)
  • 15W wireless charging support

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup is nothing to scoff at:

  • Triple 50MP rear camera system (main, ultrawide, and 2x “portrait”)
  • OIS-enabled main camera with 4K/60fps video recording
  • Dual 32MP selfie cameras (one on the cover, one on the main display)

The Phantom V Flip 2: Style Meets Affordability

While detailed specifications for the Phantom V Flip 2 weren't provided, Tecno emphasizes its fashion-forward design and affordability, targeting users who want a stylish foldable without the hefty price tag.

Market Impact and Availability

Tecno's aggressive pricing strategy could disrupt the foldable market, especially in regions where the brand has a strong presence. 

The Phantom V Fold 2 will be available in Karst Green and Rippling Blue colorways, featuring a unique “marble-patterned fiberglass and pleated leather textures” back panel.

As foldable technology becomes more accessible, it's clear that Tecno is positioning itself as a serious contender in this space. While the brand may not be a household name in the US, its ability to offer feature-rich foldables at competitive prices could change the game in many markets.

For more information on the evolving foldable smartphone market, check out this comprehensive guide from PCMag.

It remains to be seen how these devices will perform in real-world usage. Still, one thing is sure: Tecno is challenging the status quo and potentially bringing foldable technology to a much wider audience.