TECNO pioneers premium foldables market with launch of PHANTOM V Fold

TECNO’s premium sub-brand, PHANTOM, has launched a new flagship smartphone, the PHANTOM V Fold, marking the brand’s emphatic entrance into the foldable device market. The phone was unveiled on April 18, 2023, three months after the launch of the Phantom X2 Pro that features the world’s first retractable portrait lens.

PHANTOM V Fold is the latest innovation from the Phantom X2 series. It continues to revolutionise the premium smartphone experience through outstanding technologies and exceptional performance. The phone delivers an immersive visual experience through an optimally sized flagship dual screen and an ultra-clear 5-lens photography system for unparalleled image-making.

Two flagship screens create new possibilities

Empowering users to discover greater smartphone fluency, whether gaming, watching movies or at work, PHANTOM V Fold’s flagship dual LTPO screens have an adaptive 10-120Hz high refresh rate, delivering smooth motions and fluid transitions, both when folded and unfolded.

The phone’s 6.42-inch sub-screen has a unique micro-curved design and a 21:9 aspect ratio for a classic single-screen flagship smartphone experience. The result of extensive research into usage scenarios and global smartphone use, the sub-screen’s dimensions are optimal for single-handed operation, sitting naturally in the palm while allowing the users to comfortably take command using just a thumb.  Unfolded, PHANTOM V Fold reveals an outstanding 7.85-inch display with an optimal 8:7 aspect ratio on an ultra-flat screen with a virtually invisible crease. 

PHANTOM V Fold reimagines the foldable device experience with premium features and powerful systems.

TECNO’s technologies inspire an almost-invisible screen crease

PHANTOM V Fold’s main inner screen is enhanced by the results of TECNO’s continuous pursuit of the next best technologies. The brand’s self-developed, aerospace-grade drop-shaped hinge creates an ultra-flat main inner screen surface that is virtually crease-free. The hinge’s innovative reverse snap structure significantly improves the phone’s structural stability, while its aerospace-grade construction materials create strength with a light weight.

The self-developed fixed-axis rotation and slide technology hinge design ensure PHANTOM V Fold’s main inner screen fits tightly together, ultimately delivering a crease that is almost unnoticeable. When new, the device’s screen crease measures just 0.11mm, and the device is capable of 200,000 folds.

TECNO’s self-developed aerospace-grade hinge creates an ultra-flat main inner screen with a crease measuring just 0.11mm.

Five lenses for unprecedented image-making

PHANTOM V Fold’s ultra-clear 5-lens photography system creates an unprecedented image-making experience with lenses to meet a wide range of uses. With three rear lenses and two front lenses, users can explore the world through new lenses.

Enabling spectacular night-time image making, PHANTOM V Fold’s 50MP Super Night main camera features a super light-sensitive custom 1/1.3-inch sensor, large f/1.85 aperture and 7P composition. The phone’s night imaging capabilities are further enhanced by AI-powered Super Night Portrait, Super Night Mode and Super Night 4K Video, which reduce noise and capture crisp lines to make the night come alive in exquisite detail. Making up the other rear lenses are a powerful 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical and 20x digital zoom, and a 13MP ultra wide-angle lens.

In addition to the rear lenses, a further two front lenses – one on the sub-screen and one on the main inner screen – bring more fun to photography, with exciting image-making possibilities. The foldable screen design allows for large-screen image capturing, with a preview displayed to the subjects on the sub-screen, while the front camera on the main inner screen enhances video calling and video conferencing.

HiOS13 fold provides a super-optimised experience

Though the large-screen foldable smartphone experience has much to offer, it has often been hampered by having operating systems unsuitable for the devices. As a result, TECNO developed HiOS13 Fold – a highly optimised and customised operating system based on Google’s Android 13, specially designed for the foldable device.

Large-screen capabilities such as split screens, picture-in-pictures, parallel windows, and drag and drop across screens, as well as differentiated interactive animation designs, create a system that empowers users’ productivity and overall enjoyment. Foldable customisations have been made to the top 1,000 apps with the highest download frequency globally, of which 90 percent have been adapted to support split-screen and multi-window modes. In total, over 2000 apps have been adapted for HiOS13 Fold.

Over 2000 apps have been adapted for the PHANTOM V Fold’s HiOS13 Fold operating system.

MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ delivers a first for the industry

PHANTOM V Fold is the world’s first left-right foldable smartphone to be powered by MediaTek’s flagship Dimensity 9000+ processor. In developing the phone, TECNO deepened its long-term collaboration with industry giant MediaTek, with the chipmaker developing a dual-5G processor with dual-SIM functionality customised for the PHANTOM V Fold’s large-screen design. The processor delivers exceptional performance that allows efficient multitasking and seamless switching between screens.

Besides the processor, PHANTOM V Fold’s performance is further enhanced by 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, as well as 256/512GB UFS 3.1 flash storage. It is also equipped with a powerful 5000mAh (type) battery, with rapid 45W charging capable of boosting the phone to 40 percent in just 15 minutes and fully charging in just 55 minutes.

The development of PHANTOM V Fold reflects TECNO’s intensive efforts to bring desirable, high-end technologies to frontier markets through its PHANTOM sub-brand. Combining advanced innovations with bold style, PHANTOM V Fold delivers a premium foldable experience to new audiences. It empowers users to show their identity and become pioneers in business and in society, while enjoying a first-class foldable device experience. 

The PHANTOM V Fold will retail at Ksh129,999 for the 256 +12 GB, and Ksh143,999 for the 512 +12 GB, exclusive of VAT. The device will be available at select TECNO stores countrywide, Safaricom shops, as well as the PHANTOM website: https://shop.mobile-phantom.com/ke/phantom-v-fold.html

About TECNO

TECNO is an innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 countries across five continents. Since its launch, TECNO has been revolutionising the digital experience in emerging global markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies.

Today, TECNO has developed into a recognised leader in its target markets, delivering state-of-the-art innovation through a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, HiOS operating systems and smart home products.

Guided by its brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals. By creating stylish, intelligent products, TECNO inspires consumers worldwide to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information about TECNO, please visit www.tecno-mobile.com.

About PHANTOM

PHANTOM is a premium technology sub-brand of TECNO. Established in response to the growing global demand for high-end smart products, PHANTOM creates premium, stylish, bold devices that stand at the vanguard of innovation.

As a pioneering international technology brand, PHANTOM empowers consumers to become pioneers and creators, enhances business and entertainment, and encourages new ways of thinking and doing, with a spirit of modern individuality.

Infused with the brand’s signature flare, PHANTOM’s products are a source of inspiration for its audiences to be the leaders of change, to seek the extraordinary in their everyday lives, and to elevate every experience to an unforgettable moment. To learn more about PHANTOM, please visit www.mobile-phantom.com.