Tecno Phantom X2 Pro Features
Tecno, under the umbrella of the Chinese tech giant Transmission, focuses on overseas markets, notably in Africa. The Camon series is renowned for its camera-centric approach, while the Phantom line aims for a flagship experience. The Phantom X2 Pro, a premium offering, inherits the legacy of its predecessor, the Phantom X.
Specifications at a Glance
Body: 164.6×72.7×8.9mm, 201g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), metal frame, plastic back.
Display: 6.80″ AMOLED, 1080x2340px resolution, 19.5:9 aspect ratio, 379ppi.
Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm): Octa-core (1×3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510); Mali-G710 MC10.
Memory: 256GB 12GB LPDDR5X RAM.
OS/Software: Android 12, HiOS.
Cameras: Wide (main) 50 MP, Telephoto (Retractable 2.5x zoom) 50 MP, Ultra-wide angle 13 MP, Front 32 MP.
Video Capture: Rear camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps; Front camera: Yes.
Battery: 5160mAh; 45W wired.
Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical).
Unboxing Experience
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro comes in a sturdy two-piece cardboard box. The contents include the phone, a 45W charger, a Type-C cable, a stylish case with a stand, and quality earbuds with an in-line microphone. The bundled case is notably impressive in design, elevating the overall unboxing experience.
Key Features of Phantom X2 Pro
The Phantom X2 Pro impresses with its premium build, powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and a notable retractable portrait camera. It boasts a sleek unibody design, a vibrant 6.80″ AMOLED display, and eco-friendly variants using recycled ocean plastics.
Striking Design Elements
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro boasts a distinctive appearance, notably highlighted by its prominent and centrally located camera island. The intentional use of color accents on the camera lenses adds to its memorable design.
Handling and Ergonomics
Tecno prioritized comfort with rounded edges for a snug grip. The 3.5D “lunar craters” on the camera modules contribute to a smoother feel, although the phone’s top-heavy nature may pose a challenge in handling.
Compact Width
While the Phantom X2 Pro may feel top-heavy, its minimal width stands out, making it one of the narrowest among 6.8-inch phones. This design choice facilitates easier screen operation with the thumb.
Solid Build Quality
Constructed with precision, the Phantom X2 Pro feels robust, featuring minimal chassis flex. Despite Tecno’s description of a “unibody double-curved” design, it comprises three distinct pieces – the front, back, and a middle frame.
Materials Variety
The middle frame adopts a metal build, the front incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus, and the back, with a unique texture, utilizes recycled plastic, showcasing Tecno’s commitment to sustainability.
Color Variety
Available in Stardust Grey and Mars Orange, the Phantom X2 Pro offers a choice between a subtle, smooth surface and a bold, colorful texture.
User-Friendly Controls
Standard control placement includes a well-positioned volume rocker and power button on the right side, both color-matched for aesthetic coherence.
Simplified Top and Left Sides
The left side remains uncluttered, while the top side features only a secondary noise-canceling microphone.
Bottom Configuration
The bottom section accommodates the speaker, main microphone, dual Nano-SIM card tray, and USB Type-C jack, supporting USB 2.0 data transfer speeds.
Efficient Biometric Security
The under-display fingerprint reader stands out for its quick and accurate performance.
Comprehensive Connectivity
Wireless connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and SA/NSA sub6 5G on both SIM slots. Additional features encompass FM radio and NFC.
Rich Sensor Suite
Equipped with various sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope combo, light and proximity combo sensor, compass, and magnetometer combo, the Phantom X2 Pro ensures versatile functionality. The hardware proximity sensor operates effectively.
Expansive 120Hz AMOLED Display of Tecno Phantom X2 Pro
With a sizable 6.8-inch AMOLED display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro provides an immersive visual experience. The curved OLED panel, protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, boasts a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
Display Performance Analysis
While the display specifications appear promising, real-world performance reveals some drawbacks. The maximum brightness, reaching 505 nits, falls short of expectations. The automatic brightness control doesn’t surpass this limit, potentially necessitating a software update to optimize outdoor visibility.
Contrast and Color Accuracy
Despite limitations in brightness, the AMOLED display excels in contrast, delivering deep blacks. However, color accuracy proves suboptimal, with both the “bright” and “original” color modes deviating from the intended DCI-P3 color space.
HDR Capabilities and Streaming
The display lacks hardware HDR video support, though it secures the highest Widevine L1 certification, enabling FullHD resolution streaming on platforms like Netflix. However, potential blacklisting issues may need resolution for seamless access through the Google Play Store.
Adaptive Refresh Rate Handling
Equipped with 60Hz and 120Hz modes, the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro offers flexibility, but the absence of a 90Hz option and some mode overlap present areas for improvement. The “Auto-switch Refresh Rate” mode responds intelligently to user interactions and movement on the screen.
Battery Capacity and Endurance
Powered by a 5,160mAh (marketed as 5,000mAh) battery, the Phantom X2 Pro achieves an impressive endurance rating of 109 hours in comprehensive tests. Despite the Dimensity 9000’s historical limitations, the phone excels in battery management.
Charging Speed Assessment
The included 45W charger supports two outputs but lacks groundbreaking charging speeds. A full charge takes approximately one hour and eleven minutes, with 66% reached in 30 minutes. While not class-leading, the charging rate is satisfactory.
Mono Speaker Setup
Regrettably, the Phantom X2 Pro features a single bottom-firing speaker, lacking the stereo setup commonly expected in flagship devices. Audio output, both in terms of volume and frequency response, leaves room for improvement.
HiOS 12 on Tecno Phantom X2 Pro
User Interface and Experience
The Phantom X2 Pro runs on Android 12 with Tecno’s HiOS 12 skin. HiOS 12 has improved, offering a cleaner experience with fewer annoying notifications and ads.
Pre-installed Apps
While there are pre-installed apps, Tecno has minimized bloatware. Apps like Hi Browser, AI Gallery, and Phone Master are present, but their notifications can be easily disabled.
Biometrics and Security
The device supports both fingerprint and face recognition for unlocking. The lock screen includes a camera shortcut, and the home screen is customizable.
Themes and Customization
HiOS provides theme options through the Hi Theme store, allowing users to personalize their device. The interface includes a Zero screen and an app drawer accessible through a swipe.
Advanced Features
The Phantom X2 Pro retains features like Game mode, Smart panel, and Social Turbo. MemFusion, Tecno’s virtual RAM, extends the 12GB physical RAM to 17GB.
Performance and Benchmarks
Powered by the Dimensity 9000 chipset, the Phantom X2 Pro delivers excellent performance. Benchmarks, including GeekBench and AnTuTu, showcase its competitiveness with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1.
Gaming and Graphics
The device handles gaming smoothly, thanks to the powerful Mali-G710 GPU. Benchmarks like GFX Bench demonstrate their capabilities in graphical tasks.
3DMark Tests
In 3DMark tests, the Phantom X2 Pro excels in both Slingshot and Wild Life, demonstrating the prowess of the Dimensity 9000 chipset.
Overall Impression
Tecno has effectively optimized the Dimensity 9000, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience. The Phantom X2 Pro performs seamlessly in daily tasks, productivity, and gaming.
Tecno Phantom X2 Pro Camera Overview
Pop-out Portrait Camera: Standout Feature
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro boasts a unique pop-out telephoto/portrait camera module. This motorized camera automatically extends from the phone’s body when in use, featuring a 2.5x zoom level with a wide F/1.5 aperture, marketed primarily as a portrait camera.
Triple Camera Sensors
Main 50MP Camera: Utilizes the Samsung S5KJNV sensor with ISOCELL GNV technology, 1/1.3″ size, 1.2µm pixels, RGBW arrangement, and F/1.9 aperture.
50MP Portrait Camera: Features Samsung S5KJN1 tele sensor (ISOCELL JN1) with 1/2.76″ size, 0.64µm pixels, Double Super PD autofocus, and Tetrapixel RGB Bayer pixel arrangement.
13MP Ultrawide Camera: Based on the Samsung S5K3L6 sensor with a 1/3″ optical format and 1.12µm pixels.
Autofocus Across All Rear Cameras
Uncommonly, all three rear cameras feature autofocus, enhancing flexibility in capturing various scenes.
32MP Selfie Camera: Impressive Details
The fixed-focus selfie camera with a 32MP Samsung S5KGD2 sensor delivers excellent detail, aided by ISOCELL PLUS technology and a Tetrapixel RGB Bayer arrangement.
Camera App Features and Modes
The camera app includes Super Night mode for all three cameras. Notably, the absence of a Pro camera mode stands out, but Film mode offers presets for short videos, and Video mode includes Bokeh mode.
Daylight Image Quality
The main 50MP camera produces sharp, detailed photos with natural colors. Both 12.5MP and 50MP modes exhibit consistent color rendition, contrast, and dynamic range.
Portrait Photography
The 50MP portrait camera, also capable of 2.5x zoom, captures clean and sharp photos with excellent subject detection. Autofocus issues may occur occasionally. Both main and portrait cameras offer good color consistency.
Ultrawide Camera and Macro Functionality
The 13MP ultrawide camera surprises with clean and detailed shots. It doubles as a macro camera with autofocus capabilities.
Impressive Selfies
The 32MP selfie camera excels in capturing detailed and sharp selfies with natural skin tones. While lacking autofocus, it delivers high-quality images.
Video Capabilities Up to 4K@60fps
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro supports 4K@60fps video capture with stabilization. While 4K videos exhibit detail and natural colors, there’s room for improvement in dynamic range and contrast.
Low-Light Performance
In low-light conditions, the main camera performs well, offering Super Night mode for improved light handling. The 50MP portrait camera maintains competence but benefits significantly from Super Night mode. The ultrawide camera struggles in low light.
4K Video Analysis
4K video from the main and portrait cameras is solid, with good detail, though slightly dark. The ultrawide camera’s 1080p low-light video shows softness and focus issues. The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro’s camera setup impresses with its versatile capabilities, detailed imaging, and unique features like the pop-out portrait camera. Super Night mode enhances low-light performance, making it a noteworthy choice for photography enthusiasts.
The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro marks a departure from the budget-oriented trend, boasting high-end features. The 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display and Dimensity 9000 chipset create an impressive package. The camera setup, especially the dual 50MP configuration with a unique 2.5x zoom, stands out for its performance.
Pros
- Design and Build Quality:
- Memorable design with a premium metal frame.
- Excellent build quality enhances the overall appeal.
- Display and Performance:
- 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED display for immersive visuals.
- Dimensity 9000 chip delivers exceptional performance, suitable for high-framerate gaming.
- Camera Capabilities:
- Solid all-around camera performance.
- Unique dual 50MP setup with a distinctive 2.5x zoom camera.
- Battery Life:
- Reliable battery life with a 5,160 mAh capacity.
Cons
- Display Limitations:
- Dim display, making outdoor usage challenging.
- Lack of HDR video support and color accuracy.
- Camera Concerns:
- Cameras lack optical image stabilization.
- Autofocus can be unreliable.
- Audio and Charging:
- Single bottom-firing speaker with underwhelming performance.
- Slow charging process for the 5,160 mAh battery.
Verdict
While the Phantom X2 Pro offers compelling features, certain drawbacks diminish the overall experience. Potential buyers should weigh priorities, as some aspects may not align with everyone’s preferences. Consider exploring alternative options for a more well-rounded smartphone such as, the Huawei Nova 12 Ultra or Xiaomi Poco M6. You can also visit Tecno‘s official site for more options.