It's a dawn of a new beginning in Tecno's World of smartphone production. I was enthusiastic and inquisitive about this device from the get go. I eager to know the full specifications of the device not until it was finally unveiled and launched in Nigeria on 1st July, 2021.
During its launched, it had in attendance almost all the celebrities across different works of life.
Many were fascinated by the premium looking device under the android operating system.
I took my time in analysing the Tecno Phantom X and I can tell you that the device is worth giving a shot. Although devices like Redmi note 10S and others are using similar hardware components and at cheaper price. Do check back to see my comparison between the two devices.
As I consider the device specifications I believe that there is hope for brands like Tecno getting to the top, but as I also compared the price with others I began to wish that Tecno drop the price of this phone down a wee bit. Ride with me in this voyage in analysing the Tecno Phantom X smartphone.
In summary the Key Specs
- SCREEN = 6.7" 1080 x 2340 pixels
- WEIGHT = 201g
- MAIN CAMERA = 50 MP 1080p
- PLATFORM = Android 11, HIOS 7.6
- RAM = 8 GB RAM
- STORAGE = 256 GB ROM
- CHIPSET = Helio G95 Octa-core processor
- BATTERY SIZE = 4700 mAh Li-Po 33W fast Charging Technology
CHIPSET OR MICROPROCESSOR
Earlier I made a review on
Redmi note 10S using the same Chipset. You can gi through the review to acquaint yourself about the device. The Mediatek Helio G95 with 12 nanometre fabrication is the propeller and driving force behind the smooth operation of this smartphone.
Its Central Processing Unit has an Octa-core processing units. 2 of Cortex-A76 units operates at 2.05 GHz speed. And the remaining 6 of Cortex-A55 operates at 2.0 GHz of speed. It's Graphics Processing Unit is using the Mali-G76 MC4 technology.
In fact the Helio G95 is a rebranding of the Helio G90T Chipset used on the Redmi note 8 Pro, Tecno Camon 16 premier, Infinix Zero 8 and so on. I can categorically tell you that the only difference between these two MediaTek Chips is just the clock speed.
The Helio G95 Chipset is strong enough to handle whatever task is being thrown at it. It is a recent Chipset with better efficiency and performance. But it lacks 5G modem and it is prone to heat generation.
Gaming with this device is one of the things you won't regret at all because this Chipset is dedicated for gaming, hence the inclusion of alphabet G on the suffix of the chip.
Browsing, chatting, movies were tasks that didn't trouble the device at all. It was able to handle moderate graphics works without hiccups.
STORAGE AND RAM
The storage and Ram of the Tecno Phantom X In Nigeria is basically a single configuration. The 256GB ROM and an 8GB RAM.
It has a dedicated SD CARD slot that can be used in expanding the storage capacity of the device. So if you are opting for this phone, you will definitely have no need for and Extra SD CARD attached to it because you would barely exhaust it's internal storage capacity.
You have enough of videos, photos, files, apps, games etc to be stored on it for you.
DISPLAY
Tecno Phantom X display type is the Super AMOLED screen type accompanied by a 90Hz screen refresh rate. The Amoled display adds beauty and splendor to this device display department. What a great addition from the usual LCD displays we have seen in the past.
Before I forget, some of the advantages of AMOLED over LCD screens include:
AMOLED Displays feature remarkable colors,
deep blacks and
eye searing contrast ratios.
IPS LCD Displays feature more subdued(though some would say more accurate) colors, better off-axis viewing angles and often times a brighter overall picture.
This display will gladden your heart when watching videos or photos or even when using this device on an outdoor.
Tecno Phantom X has a huge screen Size of about 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 in area and a nice (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio).
The Resolution of the display is 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio approximately ~385 ppi density. Too small for a device of this magnitude. And I can tell you that the brightness level of this device is too low and poor getting little above 400 nits. The screen viewing angles weren't producing real colours, rather you would notice blue-ish colours at the edges.
MAIN CAMERA
Tecno Phantom X features a Triple 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, Laser AF
13 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
Features Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
The pictures taken using this device were amazing and sharp. But they lacked much detail when zoomed multiple times. The pictures taken look artificial and washed off. The pictures taken at night were better in quality and detail than those taken during the day. If you are a picture quality freak then you might have a rethink based on its price and other product around.
When compared to other brands, I think Tecno has to do better in this aspect. And majority of the effort can be focused on a more optimised camera app.
SELFIE CAMERA
To all the selfie lovers, this might interest you to know that hardly do you see a Dual 48 MP within short notice is worth giving a shot, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Features Dual-LED flash Video 1080p@30fps. Using a camera with such a megapixel as a front facing camera is rear. And I can categorically tell you that Tecno is the pioneer of such inclusion. But the question is, is this really necessary? As a user I can hardly use both cameras because they almost produced the same output. The front facing camera did perform averagely and there is nothing special about that.
PLATFORM OR UI
The latest Android 11 is the OS that will greet you immediately you turn on this device. Attached to it is the light weight HIOS 7.6, the official custom Tecno skin. Tecno have really improved in the aspect of operating system. But you could still find some bloatwares, lags, few/no gestures at all. And not too refined system optimization. The UI lacked gestures control. When you are on the menu you will have to settle for the buttons down the screen to be able to return.
Gaming mode is included in the UI and gaming with this device was fluid.
When compared with Samsung's oneUI, Xiaomi's MIUI and the rest, I think HIOS really need more touching.
Remember, that Tecno hardly release system updates to it's users especially android version update. So probably, the default android 11 will be the only android version you would expect. But I hope Tecno upgrade their ranks in this aspect of technology.
CONNECTIVITY
Wifi and availability of hotspot with Bluetooth 5.0 which is gradually become obsolete. GPS is available but NFC isn't. Too bad from the price point. FM radio is Also available. This device supports dual sim card with 4G support.
SECURITY
The Fingerprint under display was very fast and responsive. Added to the security ranks is the availability of face unlock which is fast but not safe. Password, pattern and pin can also be used as a means of protection.
BATTERY
Li-Po 4700 mAh battery is the power source of this device. It is a non-removable battery with Charging speed of 33W, 70% in 30 min as advertised by Tecno. But in real life we got 50% in 30 minutes.
You can get at least 6 hours of game time and heavy tasks on this device and about 12 hours of light but continues usage. You don't have to worry in terms of battery life at all.
DESIGN LANGUAGE
Tecno Phantom X Dimensions are 163.5 x 73.8 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.91 x 0.34 in). It's Weight is 201 g (7.09 oz) really heavy. The device Build quality is made on Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back. The phone attracts smuggies.
The design is sleek and beautiful, very attractive to the eye. The overall feel is just fantastic due to its curve edges. It comes with a beautiful casing but it doesn't cover the whole phone.
COLOURS
The colours include
- Starry Night Blue,
- Monet Summer
PRICE
This phone is currently retailing on Jumia at NGN250,000. This is very expensive when you relate this phone with other brands. You can place an order using our link below or by clicking on any of the Jumia banners on this blog.
PROS & CONS
PROS
- 33 Watt fast charging capability
- Hug super Amoled screen
- Large camera megapixel on either side
- Gorilla glass 5 protection
CONS
- Poor screen resolution
- Poor screen brightness
- Blueish and greyish viewing angles
- Lack of gestures
- High price
- Artificial camera output
- Poor Ui optimization etc
CONCLUSION
The Tecno Phantom X is a nice phone. But there is nothing special about the device we haven't seen in other brands. I will be dropping my comparison and differences between Tecno Phantom X and
Redmi note 10S soon. A whopping 250k on a device on Helio G95 Chipset to me it's way too extravagantly extravagant. This is supposed to be a budget device, and other budget devices with similar features cost more than 100k lesser. I can't go for this device at this price point. I would have to settle for Redmi note 10Pro,
Redmi note 10S ,
Redmi note 9 Pro. Redmi note 9S. Poco F3 pro.
Poco X3 NFC,
Samsung A51,
Samsung galaxy A52, Samsung galaxy A72, Samsung galaxy A71 etc and still have enough change/balance.
Overall the device is okay and would serve you normally. If you are okay with all the features and the price then go for this device, you won't regret it. But as for me I would have to look elsewhere.
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