I am a child of the ’80s, meaning I grew up with tech like Tamagotchis, classic retro consoles, and, of course, flip phones. So, when foldable smartphones hit the market, you better believe I was excited about the return of the flip phone, at least in some capacity. I loved what Samsung did with their Galaxy Z Flip series, but at over $1,000, it wasn’t exactly a good option for someone wanting to test out the technology. Enter TECNO and their latest iteration of the foldable smartphone, the Phantom V Flip 2.
This second-generation flip phone from TECNO aims to bring the foldable experience to a wider audience with its more affordable price point. It offers all the features you’d expect from more expensive models while maintaining a modern look with that classic “flip phone” aesthetic. After about two weeks with the Phantom V Flip 2, I have to say I’m impressed, even though it lacks some of the more advanced features found on pricier models.
From the moment you unbox and pick up the Phantom V Flip 2, the device feels surprisingly premium, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that belies its mid-range price tag. The hinge mechanism, a crucial component of any foldable, feels sturdy and satisfying to use. While it may not have the same luxurious snap as some higher-end competitors, it’s more than adequate for daily use and inspires confidence in its longevity. During testing, I still got that odd sense of satisfaction when hanging up a call with a simple close of the phone—something modern smartphones simply miss out on.
Looking at the inside screen of the Phantom V Flip 2, you’ll find a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display that far exceeds expectations for its price tag. With a resolution of 2640×1080 pixels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, this screen is a joy to use. Colours pop, blacks are deep, and the high refresh rate makes everything from scrolling through social media to playing games feel buttery smooth.
“From the moment you unbox and pick up the Phantom V Flip 2, the device feels surprisingly premium, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that belies its mid-range price tag.”
The crease where the screen folds is visible, as with most foldables, but it’s less noticeable than you might expect and rarely detracts from the overall experience. Honestly, if I hadn’t known this was a cheaper phone when picking it up for the first time, I would have assumed it was more in line with what the Xiaomi Mix Flip or the Galaxy Z Flip charge.
As we’ve seen with other flip-style foldable smartphones, the Phantom V Flip 2 features a stunning 3.6-inch external display that gives you quick access to a range of tasks and features. I will say this is one of the larger cover screens you’ll find on a flip-style foldable, and TECNO has made excellent use of the real estate.
As I mentioned, not only can you check notifications and control music playback, but you can also interact with a wide range of apps directly from the cover screen. It even allows you to have access to your virtual pet from the external screen. Honestly, what more could you ask for on a phone like this? Sure, it also allows you to perform basic functions without ever opening the device, but let’s be real—90% of the time, it’s reserved for that little pet.
Despite its sleek design, the Phantom V Flip 2 is meant to be a more mass-market device, especially at its starting price of $699 USD, so some compromises had to be made. Under the hood, the phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8020 chipset. While it may not be the absolute top-of-the-line processor, it provides more than enough power for everyday tasks and even some light gaming. Paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the phone handles multitasking with ease and rarely shows signs of slowdown.
Even though the phone is less powerful than many flagships we typically review at CGM, I had no issues with daily tasks and even jumped into games like Diablo Immortal and Genshin Impact. Will this be the best experience possible from a smartphone? No, but it doesn’t need to be. It is more than capable of handling most things the average person does with their phone.
Even the camera on the Phantom V Flip 2 manages to impress me, something Samsung has struggled with in its Galaxy Z range of devices. The dual 50MP rear camera setup, consisting of a main sensor and an ultrawide lens, captures surprisingly good photos in various lighting conditions. Colours are well-balanced, and the level of detail is impressive for a phone in this price range. The 32MP front-facing camera also performs commendably for selfies and video calls.
I tested the phone in various conditions to get a sense of how it performed, and the Phantom V Flip 2 delivered solid results in most cases. It did struggle a bit in night and low-light settings, but even then, with some patience, you can still manage decent shots. Colours looked good across the board on all three cameras. As expected, the main shooter delivered the best results, but even the selfie camera produced acceptable photos.
Don’t get me wrong—if you’re looking to use your phone for content creation, I would recommend a device built with the camera in mind. While the Phantom V Flip 2 is solid for a foldable, there are many phones that deliver better photography results, including the Pixel 9 Pro XL, Xiaomi 14 Ultra, and the iPhone 16 Pro.
“I was surprised at how long the Phantom V Flip 2’s battery actually lasted.”
What surprised me beyond the camera was the battery. TECNO has managed to pack a sizable 4,720mAh battery into this compact form factor, which is larger than what you’ll find in many competing flip phones. This translates to all-day battery life for most users, and even heavy users should be able to make it through a full day without needing a charger.
I was surprised at how long the Phantom V Flip 2’s battery actually lasted. I expected to reach for my charger around 7 or 8 p.m. after a day of use, but the phone made it to about 11 p.m., and even then, it still had around 20 percent left. When you do need to top up, the 70W fast charging support gets you back up and running quickly, with the ability to charge from 0 to 50 percent in just 15 minutes.
The software experience on the Phantom V Flip 2 is a bit of a mixed bag, but I would describe it as inoffensive. Running on Android 14 with TECNO’s HiOS overlay, the phone offers a range of features and customization options. Unfortunately, all those features result in an interface that can feel a bit cluttered at times, and there’s a learning curve when it comes to finding and using all the available features. Some users may appreciate the abundance of options, while others might prefer a more streamlined experience. Even the interface for adjusting the front screen can be a bit tedious—it gets the job done, but a bit of refinement could have gone a long way.
“For those curious about foldable phones but put off by the high prices of flagship models, the TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 presents an enticing option.”
While I like most of what the TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 brings to the table, one area where it falls short of some competitors is its update policy. With only two years of Android OS updates promised, it lags behind other manufacturers who offer longer support. For people who update their phones yearly, this may not be a big issue, but for those who want to keep their phones running strong for more than two years, the lack of updates could be a major drawback. While it may not be a deal breaker for many, it’s worth considering when making your purchase.
Despite a few shortcomings, the TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 represents an impressive effort in the mid-range foldable market. For those curious about foldable phones but put off by the high prices of flagship models, the TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 presents an enticing option. It delivers most of the foldable experience without requiring you to sell a kidney to afford it. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive alternatives, it nails the basics and even exceeds expectations in many areas, especially considering the price of entry.
The TECNO Phantom V Flip 2 isn’t perfect, but it’s a strong contender in the growing market for more affordable foldables. TECNO has created a foldable phone that’s not just a novelty but a genuinely usable and enjoyable device for everyday use. While it may not be the absolute best foldable on the market, it’s certainly one of the most interesting and accessible options available.
