Book-style foldable smartphones have come a long way. What was once a niche product is now a growing segment within the smartphone market. Hence, more brands seem interested in this space now.
One such player is Tecno, which recently launched its second-generation foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2. Tecno may not be a household name globally, but it has built a strong reputation in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.
Tecno’s latest foldable is the company’s yet another bet on the foldable market, building on the success of its first Phantom V Fold. Unlike its competitors, Tecno approaches this segment differently, offering a unique value proposition. And it clearly seems to be working in the brand’s favor.
So let’s explore how the Phantom V Fold 2 undercuts other book-style foldables and stands out in a competitive market.
1. Price that Doesn’t Fold You in Half
The biggest draw of the Phantom V Fold 2 is undoubtedly its price. Launched at just Rs 79,999 (~$945) in India, it sits comfortably below established players like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which can reach upwards of Rs 188,500 (~$2,225).
That’s a significant difference, especially for early adopters who want to experience a foldable phone without breaking the bank. Now, a lower price tag might lead us to assume the company may have cut back on features, but the Phantom V Fold 2 doesn’t disappoint.
Sure, it doesn’t have top-of-the-line specs, but you get a flagship processor (though not the latest), a decent camera system, and a large, beautiful foldable display. Let’s dive deeper into the details.
2. Design That Doesn’t Feel Budget
The Phantom V Fold 2 takes a familiar approach to foldable design, with a large, flexible inner display and a secondary outer screen. And let me be clear, the device doesn’t look or feel cheap. It uses a sleek aluminum frame and faux leather back designed by luxury brand Loewe that gives it a tactile and premium feel similar to higher-end competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 or Huawei Mate X5.
Tecno has also addressed concerns about durability, with a hinge mechanism rated for over 400,000 folds—on par with or even better than pricier alternatives. It also has an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating.
3. Competitive Displays
Foldable displays are a hallmark of this category, and Tecno hasn’t cut corners here. The Phantom V Fold 2 features a 7.85-inch LTPO AMOLED inner display with a 120Hz refresh rate, putting it in line with flagship foldable.
The outer screen measures 6.42 inches and is equally impressive with FHD+ resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection. You even get stylus support here, which comes packed in the box itself. It’s a pressure-sensitive pen that can be used to take a screenshot, jot down notes, or draw if you’re into such stuff.
4. Performance
Tecno equips the Phantom V Fold 2 with the Dimensity 9000+ chipset. It’s MediaTek’s flagship processor of 2021, so multi-tasking or using a demanding app won’t be much of a hassle here.
But if you compare it with the latest foldables from other brands, there is a significant performance difference here. Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, featuring the same Snapdragon chip, deliver better performance in benchmarks and sustained workloads.
That said, unless you’re a power user pushing your device to its limits, the differences should be negligible in day-to-day tasks.
5. Software Experience
Software optimization remains a critical factor for foldable, and Tecno has tailored its HiOS Fold UI to take advantage of the large-screen real estate. It has features like split-screen multitasking, app continuity, and floating windows that mimic the software experience you get on Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s MIUI Fold.
Where it cuts costs is in terms of software updates. While Samsung and Google now offer up to seven years of major OS upgrades and security patches, Tecno’s update policy is far less. You get only two years of Android and three years of security updates.
Phantom V Fold 2 launched with Android 14, meaning the platform updates will go up to Android 16, and security patches will last a year longer. That’s even less than what other brands offer for their regular smartphones.
6. Camera
Foldable phones often prioritize form factor over camera performance, and the Phantom V Fold 2 follows the same route. It features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP primary sensor, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The camera system performs well in good lighting and delivers detailed and vibrant shots, but don’t expect anything extra-ordinary here
Here are some of the camera samples from our review for you to glance at.
7. Battery and Charging
One area where Tecno excels is battery life. The Phantom V Fold 2 packs a 5750mAh battery, larger than what most foldables offer. Paired with efficient hardware, it should comfortably last a day of typical use, even with heavy multitasking.
Tecno also offers 45W fast charging, which can fully recharge the phone in just 40 mins. By comparison, Samsung’s $1800, Galaxy Z Fold 6 supports only 25W charging and has a 4400mAh battery.
8. Where the Phantom V Fold 2 Stands
The Phantom V Fold 2 isn’t trying to outdo Samsung, Huawei, or Xiaomi in every category—it’s about offering an accessible alternative. It delivers a well-rounded experience with a premium design, competitive displays, and solid performance at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
For users who want a foldable phone but can’t justify the steep prices of flagship models, the Phantom V Fold 2 is a viable option for them. While it may not dethrone market leaders in terms of innovation or features, it’s redefining what’s possible for mid-range foldables.
By undercutting its rivals on price without compromising too much on the essentials, Tecno has made foldable phones accessible beyond the ultra-premium segment. And that’s something I truly appreciate.
