Description

Tecno Phantom 9

Okay let’s see if this will crack you up yes? The Phantom series by TECNO hasn’t been heard of since 2017. That is quite a long time for any smartphone. For a moment I had even forgotten about this line of TECNO phones. But after so much waiting (or not remembering) it has finally made a comeback. The word phantom itself means ghost. So, my guess is, this line has truly lived to its name- a ghost it has been in deed. Nevertheless, it is here and I have great news for all who have been waiting for it- the wait is now over. Here is a quick list of TECNO Phantom 9’s features as you should expect.

Tecno Phantom 9 Features 

• Android 9.0 (Pie)
• Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm)
• Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) CPU
• PowerVR GE8320
• microSD, up to 1 TB (dedicated slot)
• 128 GB, 6 GB RAM
• 6.39 inches
• 1080 x 2340 pixels (~403 ppi density)
• Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Primary camera: 16 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
• 8 MP, f/2.4, 13mm (ultrawide)
• 2 MP, f/2.8, depth sensor
• Selfie camera: 32 MP, f/2.0
•             1080p@30fps
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE
• microUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go
• Fingerprint (under display)
• Non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery

Design and build 

Okay I cannot help thinking TECNO Phantom 9 has some proper catching up to do with the current times. And this you too might conclude right after seeing even its very simple packaging. Anyway, it is the phone we are after and not its package. We see a triple camera setup on the plastic back of this Phantom 9. The cameras have a vertical orientation with a flash below the last camera. I shall discuss these cameras later on in this review. Notice also TECNO branding on the bottom right corner and no physical fingerprint scanner on the back. That is because the scanner is under the display. Considering its response, you might want to opt for its rather faster face unlocking.

On the front is a U-display notch on the front Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protected display 6.39 inches panel. To the right you shall access the power button and volume rocker. This phone weighs about 164 grams.

Display and camera 

What I love about this display is its type. An AMOLED capacitive touchscreen it is. This we must credit Phantom 9 for. Oh, and also that this is the first TECNO smartphone with the slimmest bezels- neat. With 1080 x 2340 pixels (~403 ppi density) resolution this display is quite impressive, with good display angles and brightness control. You surely will love this display that I can assure you.

Cameras are three on the back. The first which one may consider the main camera is a 16 MP, f/1.8 PDAF lens. Following it is an 8 MP f/2.4 ultrawide lens then a 2 MP f/2.8 depth sensor. Facing you is its whooping 32MP selfie camera that shoots impressive 1080p@30fps videos. Surprisingly the quality of both video and audio is neat. You will love these cameras. I am tempted to report that it is the camera feature that stands out the most for TECNO Phantom 9. If you are looking to buy this phone because of its camera performance, then be assured you are looking at the right place.

Performance 

TECNO Phantom 9 runs on Android 9.0 (Pie)– nice.  It is a Mediatek smartphone with a Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12nm) chipset. A top tier midrange smartphone this is? You be the judge. I see it how it handles tasks and operations better than previous Phantoms. Its CPU is an Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) CPU and it has a PowerVR GE8320 GPU.

I may have been too quick to suggestively dismiss this phone. Looking at it now dear reader you will realize that the most sacrifice was made on the outward, what meets the eye. I mean with 128 GB internal storage and 6 GB RAM dismissing Phantom 9 is quite an unfair verdict. 6GB of RAM at this price point is more than a gift, it is a blessing.

Whereas the battery capacity lasts for longer hours, its non-removable Li-Ion 3500 mAh battery takes quite some time to reach full charge. Close to 2 hours with the provided charger. You can charger overnight then and go through the whole day with ease.

Verdict 

If the build was more premium, TECNO Phantom 9 would have been a superb looking smartphone. It still remains complete in all ways- boasting great cameras and performance. A phone I would recommend.