Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress 2025 has once again become the epicenter of smartphone innovation, with foldable devices stealing the spotlight. Among the most talked-about reveals is Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 Tri-Fold, a bold reimagining of flexible-screen technology that pushes the boundaries of design and functionality. Positioned as a direct competitor to Huawei’s recently teased Mate XT Ultimate, Tecno’s latest offering aims to dominate the premium foldable market with its groundbreaking tri-fold mechanism and cutting-edge specs.
A Triple Threat in Design
The Phantom Ultimate 2’s standout feature is its tri-fold display, which transforms the device from a compact 6.5-inch smartphone into a sprawling 12.3-inch tablet-like screen. Unlike traditional foldables that bend once, Tecno’s engineering team has developed a proprietary hinge system that allows the device to fold twice, creating a Z-shape when collapsed. “This isn’t just a phone—it’s a multitasking powerhouse,” said Clara Lin, Tecno’s Global Product Lead, during the showcase. “We’re giving users the versatility of three form factors in a single device: phone, mini tablet, and full-sized tablet.”
The design leap places Tecno in direct competition with Huawei, whose Mate XT Ultimate also features a tri-fold design. However, early hands-on impressions suggest Tecno’s model boasts a slimmer profile when folded, thanks to ultra-thin glass (UTG) technology and a titanium alloy frame that shaves millimeters off its thickness.
Display and Durability: A Balancing Act
The Phantom Ultimate 2 features a 7.6-inch primary LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and seamless scrolling. When fully unfolded, the screen expands to 12.3 inches, offering a near-seamless viewing experience with minimal creasing—a common pain point for foldables. Tecno claims the device has undergone 500,000 fold-unfold cycles in testing, doubling the industry standard for durability.
The hinge, dubbed “Flexion 3.0,” uses a combination of carbon fiber and liquid metal to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. “We’ve eliminated the ‘bulge’ typically seen in foldables,” Lin added. “This feels as sleek as a conventional flagship.”
Software Tailored for Tri-Fold
Tecno’s HiOS 14 has been optimized for the tri-fold experience, introducing features like “Tri-Mode Split Screen,” which allows three apps to run simultaneously in distinct screen segments. A new drag-and-drop gesture system simplifies multitasking, while dynamic app scaling ensures content adapts fluidly across screen sizes. The company has also partnered with Google to integrate native Android foldable support, ensuring apps like YouTube and Chrome transition smoothly between modes.
Under the Hood: Flagship Power
Powering the Phantom Ultimate 2 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. A 6,200mAh dual-cell battery supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, addressing one of the biggest concerns for large-screen devices. The camera system includes a triple 50MP setup co-engineered with Leica, featuring a periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom—a rarity in foldables.
Availability and Pricing
Tecno confirmed the Phantom Ultimate 2 will hit global markets in Q4 2025, with a starting price of 2,199. Pre-orders will include a premium case with a built-in stylus, targeting productivity-focused users.
The Foldable Arms Race Heats Up
As reported by Notebookcheck, industry analysts see Tecno’s entry as a sign of the growing democratization of foldable tech. “Tecno is no longer just a budget brand,” said tech analyst Marco Chen. “With the Phantom Ultimate 2, they’re proving they can innovate at the highest level.”
As MWC 2025 wraps up, the Phantom Ultimate 2 Tri-Fold has solidified its place as a milestone in flexible display evolution. Whether it can dethrone giants like Huawei remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of smartphones is bending in exciting new directions.
Post a Comment