Tecno Brand Expansion: Entering the Foldable Phone Market

 The smartphone industry has witnessed rapid innovation over the last decade, but few developments have been as exciting as the emergence of foldable phones. Once considered futuristic, foldable devices have now become a reality thanks to brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi. Surprisingly, a new contender has entered this premium technology race—Tecno, a brand once known primarily for producing budget-friendly smartphones for emerging markets like Africa and South Asia.

With the official launch of the Tecno Phantom V Fold and Phantom V Flip, Tecno has made a bold statement: it is no longer just a budget brand—it’s ready to challenge the global tech giants. In this article, we explore Tecno's expansion into the foldable phone market, its growth strategy, product innovations, pricing approach, and what this means for the smartphone industry.

1. Understanding Tecno’s Rise in the Smartphone Market

Founded in 2006 by Transsion Holdings, Tecno Mobile phones began as a low-budget smartphone manufacturer focusing exclusively on Africa and South Asia. It built a strong presence in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and India by offering:

• Affordable devices
• Long battery life
• Dual SIM support
• Localized software features
• Competitive camera performance for budget phones

Tecno’s steady rise was powered by aggressive marketing, celebrity endorsements, and smart retail partnerships. Over time, Tecno evolved from budget smartphones to mid-range devices, launching its Camon, Spark, Pova, and Phantom series. The introduction of the Phantom line marked Tecno's entry into premium phones—culminating in its bold move into the foldable phone market in 2023 and beyond.

2. Why Foldable Phones Are the Future:

Foldable smartphones were once a futuristic concept found only in sci-fi movies. Today, they are quickly becoming mainstream. Foldables are loved for:

• Multi-tasking efficiency
• Compact portability
• Immersive display experiences
• Innovative designs

However, their biggest drawback has always been high prices, with most foldables costing between $1,200 and $2,000. Tecno sensed a gap in the market—premium innovation at affordable pricing—and decided to capitalize on it.

3. Tecno’s Expansion Strategy:

Tecno's move into foldable phones isn't random. It is backed by a calculated strategy:

Strategy Component	Description
Affordable Innovation	Compete on price while offering flagship features
Emerging Market Focus	Target India and Africa where foldables are rare
Premium Brand Upgrade	Transition Tecno from budget to aspirational brand
Technology Partnerships	Use advanced chipsets, display tech, and camera sensors
Strong Marketing Presence	Collaborate with influencers and sponsor tech expos

 

4. Introducing the Tecno Phantom V Fold:

In 2023, Tecno shocked the smartphone world with the launch of its Phantom V Fold, a foldable phone featuring a book-style design similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series.

Key Specs:

• Display: 7.85” foldable LTPO 120Hz + 6.42” outer screen
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9000+
• RAM: Up to 12GB
• Storage: 256GB/512GB
• Camera: 50MP triple rear camera
• Battery: 5000mAh with 45W fast charging

This phone quickly gained attention for offering premium hardware at roughly half the price of Samsung foldables.

5. Design and Build Quality:

Tecno invested heavily in premium aesthetics:

• Aerospace-grade aluminum hinge
• Eco-leather back panel
• Almost crease-less folding design
• Solid build with minimal gap when folded

Compared to earlier foldables from other brands, the Phantom V Fold feels surprisingly well-built for its price.

6. Performance and Hardware:

Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 9000+, the Tecno Phantom V Fold delivers performance close to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It handles gaming, multitasking, and productivity effortlessly.

Gaming Tested Titles:

• PUBG Mobile – Smooth 90 FPS
• Genshin Impact – High settings playable
• Call of Duty Mobile – Ultra settings supported

7. Camera Capabilities:

The Phantom V Fold offers:

• 50MP main lens (Sony sensor)
• 50MP 2x telephoto lens
• 13MP ultra-wide
• 32MP selfie camera
• 16MP inner camera

Its camera system is far more powerful than most foldables under $1000 and performs well in daylight and portrait shots.

8. Software and User Experience:

Tecno ships the Phantom V Fold with HiOS 13 Fold based on Android. Key features include:

• Split-screen multitasking
• Floating windows
• Drag-and-drop file transfer
• App continuity between displays

The UI is polished and optimized, though still behind Samsung's One UI Fold in refinement.

9. Battery Life and Charging:

The 5000mAh battery outperforms most foldables:

• Up to 8 hours screen-on time
• 45W charger included
• 0 to 50% charge in 20 minutes
• No wireless charging support (a drawback)

10. Pricing and Market Position:

Tecno undercut the market dramatically, pricing the Phantom V Fold around $999 in some regions—nearly 50% cheaper than Samsung foldables. This aggressive pricing makes foldable technology accessible to first-time buyers.

11. The Tecno Phantom V Flip – A Style Statement:

Following the Fold, Tecno launched the Phantom V Flip, a clamshell foldable similar to Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

Highlights:

• Circular cover display
• Leather-like finish
• 64MP camera
• Best affordable flip phone in its category

Tecno clearly wants to dominate the affordable foldables niche.

12. Challenges Tecno Faces:

Despite success, Tecno still faces challenges:

• Limited brand trust in Western markets
• Software update concerns
• Availability and after-sales service
• Lack of IP water resistance rating
• No wireless charging

13. How Tecno Competes Against Samsung and Huawei

Feature	Tecno Phantom V Fold	Samsung Z Fold 5	Huawei Mate X2
Price	Affordable	Expensive	Expensive
Display Quality	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Camera Quality	Competitive	Great	Great
Software Optimization	Decent	Best-in-class	Strong
Availability	Limited Markets	Global	Limited

 

14. Reception and Early Reviews:

Critics praised Tecno for:

·         Excellent value for money

·         Impressive hardware

·         Minimal screen crease

·         Durable hinge design

But also noted:

·         Software still needs refinement

·         Service network limited outside Asia and Africa

15. Is Tecno a Threat to Premium Brands?

Yes—Tecno is redefining competition by offering flagship features at mid-range pricing. Samsung and Xiaomi may dominate the foldable market today, but Tecno’s entry gives consumers more choices at affordable prices.

16. Future Prospects for Tecno Foldables:

Tecno is already rumored to be working on:

• Foldable phones with stylus support
• Foldables with wireless charging
• Slimmer foldable hinge designs
• Global launch plans including Europe
• Long-term software update policies

Final Verdict:

Tecno’s expansion into the foldable market is a game-changer. With the Phantom V Fold and Phantom V Flip, Tecno has proven that innovation doesn’t have to be expensive. While challenges remain, the brand has established itself as a serious competitor to Samsung, Huawei, and Oppo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: Is the Tecno Phantom V Fold worth buying?
Yes, if you want a foldable at a reasonable price without sacrificing premium features.

Q2: Does Tecno offer software updates?
Yes, but updates are slower than Samsung or Google.

Q3: Is Tecno a trusted brand?
Tecno is well-known in Asia and Africa with millions of users. It is quickly gaining trust worldwide.

Q4: Does Phantom V Fold support 5G?
Yes, it runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ 5G chipset.

Q5: Is Tecno available in the USA?
Not officially yet, but expansion plans are underway.