Tecno Phantom 8 Review, Specifications and Price: The latest smartphone from the China based company and Africa’s leading mobile phone manufacturer Tecno Mobile, is the Phantom 8.
First launched in an event in Dubai, UAE, the Phantom 8 has been tagged 'Capture Your Legend'.
The P8 is one of the devices in the Phantom series having already featured 2014's Phantom Z, 2015's Phantom 5, 2016's Phantom 6 and its upgraded variant the 6 Plus.
As Infinix is reputable for the Note series, Samsung for the Galaxy series, Gionee for the Marathon series, so is Tecno Mobile for the Phantom series.
Look:
The most premuim Tecno devices and probably the most expensive are usually members of the Phantom series.
Like the word 'Phantom' as a figment of the imagination or a fantasy, this series brings illusion to reality.
Worthy of note is their dual rear cameras that make the series in competition with series from other brands.
I think great devices with technological improvements from Tecno Mobile brought an end to the era where users hide the Tecno logo with a pouch or sticker😒.
Here's the deal:
Instead of a cheap Android phone with very little quality, you now get an inexpensive Android phone with very little left to be desired.
Now:
The Phantom 8 is a successor to the Phantom 6.
No! that wasn't an error.
The Phantom 8 succeeds the Phantom 6, dwindling users expectations of a Phantom 7.
The same has been the case for Apple with their newly released Iphone 10, being a higher variant of the Iphone 8 instead of of a non-existent Iphone 9.
Bottomline?
These manufacturers are hinting that we shouldn't always expect the serial naming for their succeeding devices, there is always room for adjustment.
Not to burst your bubble, I for one don't see the point in these namings since my priority is the real life operation of the phone.
What am i getting at?
There's the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Iphone 8, and now the Phantom 8? Errmm, looks like Tecno has it in for these guys😏.
Like most mobile enthusiasts have tagged it, this is a class of the 'Super 8' where Tecno has just reserved a seat😁.
That aside, let's take a look at the Phantom 8 specs,
Is it any good?
Does it hold a promise of providing a higher level of performance than the Phantom 6?
Can it make you a proud user of the Tecno brand?
And still be a device that will give the Phantom 6 a run for its money?
I'll let you be the judge after looking at the Phamtom 8 full specifications outlined in this post, specs that could mean we have just gotten the best Tecno phone in 2017.
The Phantom 8 features high-end specs in its external build and design, hardware, software and cameras. Here's an overview of the Tecno Phantom 8 Gsmarena features:
First launched in an event in Dubai, UAE, the Phantom 8 has been tagged 'Capture Your Legend'.
The P8 is one of the devices in the Phantom series having already featured 2014's Phantom Z, 2015's Phantom 5, 2016's Phantom 6 and its upgraded variant the 6 Plus.
The Phantom Series
As Infinix is reputable for the Note series, Samsung for the Galaxy series, Gionee for the Marathon series, so is Tecno Mobile for the Phantom series.
Look:
The most premuim Tecno devices and probably the most expensive are usually members of the Phantom series.
Like the word 'Phantom' as a figment of the imagination or a fantasy, this series brings illusion to reality.
Worthy of note is their dual rear cameras that make the series in competition with series from other brands.
I think great devices with technological improvements from Tecno Mobile brought an end to the era where users hide the Tecno logo with a pouch or sticker😒.
Here's the deal:
Instead of a cheap Android phone with very little quality, you now get an inexpensive Android phone with very little left to be desired.
The Phantom 8 as a Successor
Now:
The Phantom 8 is a successor to the Phantom 6.
No! that wasn't an error.
The Phantom 8 succeeds the Phantom 6, dwindling users expectations of a Phantom 7.
The same has been the case for Apple with their newly released Iphone 10, being a higher variant of the Iphone 8 instead of of a non-existent Iphone 9.
Bottomline?
These manufacturers are hinting that we shouldn't always expect the serial naming for their succeeding devices, there is always room for adjustment.
Not to burst your bubble, I for one don't see the point in these namings since my priority is the real life operation of the phone.
What am i getting at?
There's the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Iphone 8, and now the Phantom 8? Errmm, looks like Tecno has it in for these guys😏.
Like most mobile enthusiasts have tagged it, this is a class of the 'Super 8' where Tecno has just reserved a seat😁.
That aside, let's take a look at the Phantom 8 specs,
Is it any good?
Does it hold a promise of providing a higher level of performance than the Phantom 6?
Can it make you a proud user of the Tecno brand?
And still be a device that will give the Phantom 6 a run for its money?
I'll let you be the judge after looking at the Phamtom 8 full specifications outlined in this post, specs that could mean we have just gotten the best Tecno phone in 2017.
Tecno Phantom 8 Overview Features
The Phantom 8 features high-end specs in its external build and design, hardware, software and cameras. Here's an overview of the Tecno Phantom 8 Gsmarena features:
- Display size: 5.7-inch
- Display type: IPS Display
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Pixels Per Inch: 400 Pixels Per Inch
- CPU: 2.6GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio P25 processor
- RAM: 6GB
- Inbuilt storage: 64GB with support microSD card up to 2TB
- Operating system: HiOS ontop Android 7.0 Nougat
- Rear Camera: 12MP and 13MP dual cameras
- Front Camera: 20MP
- Data connection: 4G LTE
- Security: Rear embedded Fingerprint Sensor
- Battery capacity: 3500mAh
Display and Build
The Tecno Phantom 8 features a 5.7 inch Amoled display with a full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and pixel density of 400PPI.
This screen size and resolution is the same as the newly released Infinix Note 4.
In comparison with the 6, the 8's screen is O.2 inch larger than the latter, but with the same resolution and pixel density.
The same screen type and quality but on a larger screen might result in a less sharp screen compared to the 6.
Why is that?
This is because a larger screen tends to stretch the image and text wider, and could be less clearer even though not noticeable especially when viewed from a distance.
Like its predecessor, there is also a corning Gorilla glass to protect the 8's screen from cracks that may occcure when the phone falls from certain heights.
Other than offering a protective screen, the smooth and curvy edges of the Gorilla screen as seen on the Gionee M5, gives this device an impressive look.
Sporting less than a 6 inch screen of the Phantom 6 plus means this device is not a phablet.
Nevertheless, it is still large enough to fill into your hands, provide a large enough screen to be read from, watch movies, and play your favorite games.
The Phantom 8's build is made of metal with a 3D diamond fire design back cover.
According to Tecno Mobile, this diamond design is made from 8 processes whose result is a phone with a unique body that shimmers like a diamond.
Moving the phone back and forth under light, reflected rays of light can be seen.
Now how much more premuim can that get!
Also for its build, the P8 has a dimension of 159.95 x 79.5 x 7.9mm ( width x height x thickness) which means it is slightly thicker than the Phantom 6 at 6.15mm thin.
This increase in size may be attributed to the Tecno Phantom 8's battery which has been increased in terms of size and internal capacity.
Colour options this smartphone is available in are: Galaxy Blue, Champagne Gold, Black.
For security, the same fingerprint sensor of the Phantom 6 that is mounted next to the rear camera can be found on the Phantom 8.
But why stop there?
This fingerprint sensor is said to have 50% more responsiveness than the Phantom 6's fingerprint sensor.
Other than giving ease in unlocking the device, enhancing the level of security over the use of pins and passwords, this sensor can also be used in capturing photos.
Since the Phantom 8 has no Iris scanner like the Phantom 6 Plus, we expect that if there'll be a Phantom 8 Plus, then it'll definitely come with this extra layer of security.
For now, we could almost be contented with only a fingerprint sensor.
Hardware and Software
The Tecno Phantom 8 is powered by an Octa-core processor with a processing speed of 2.6Hhz. The processor made is a 16nm MediaTek Helio P25 CPU.
This fast processor can carryout tasks such as surfing online, streaming online videos, and playing games speedily.
Tecno Mobile claims that the Phantom 8's processor makes the phone 70% faster than the 6 and its ability to run with less power makes it consume 50% less power than the 6.
The Phantom 8 RAM size is 6GB, which is twice the size of the Phantom 6's RAM.
If we use this specs sheet to deduce its real life operation, then users can expect:
- A high level of multitasking between several apps and games (according to Tecno Mobile, you can multitask 80 apps simultaneously),
- Run graphic intensive games seamlessly and,
- Run games that require lots of memory to run without encountering lags and hangs.
This is the largest RAM on a Tecno phone ever and we'll like to see Infinix's or Gionee's comeback device to the Phantom 8's challenge🙆.
Keep in mind that while this large size could just be a marketing strategy and might not even outperform a Samsung device with 4GB RAM, Techlass and probably some prospective users out there still love the idea of using a device with 6GB RAM.
Trust me, saying it feels just as good😚.
Other than the humongous RAM, there is an internal memory storage of 64GB with support for expansion with the use of a memory card upto 2TeraByte.
Well, at this point this is unbelievable even to me, but these are the confirmed specs from Tecno Mobile's website.
Now here's the Phantom bringing illusion to reality.
But wait a second:
This expansion slot is an hybrid slot meaning that you will have to sacrifice using a second SIM if you must use a memory card in this phone.
If you just said dat one no mean😦, I presume that would be a drop in the ocean to you.
For its Operating System, the Phantom 8 runs on Tecno's customised user interface HiOS version 3.0 ontop Android 7.0 Nougat.
Some features of the HiOS sandwiched with Nougat that result in a good user experience while using the Tecno Phantom 8 include:
- Quick Smart gestures make your tasking even easier.
- Eye protection mode that protects your eyes while viewing the screen and,
- Ability to take blur free photos while holding the phone steadily in one hand.
It is expected that in the near future, there will be update to the latest Android OS, 8.0 Oreo.
Camera
Like the Phamtom 6, the Tecno Phantom 8 also has two rear cameras but this time, with a resolution of 12MP and 13MP respectively instead of the 13MP and 5MP resolutions of the former.
While there has been major improvements in camera resolutions, there has also been several in the camera software.
For instance,
The 12MP (wide-angle sensor) and 13MP (telephoto sensor) cameras have the ability to zoom an object to be captured upto 2 times and 10 times respectively, without losing the smallest details.
According to Tecno Mobile,
The cameras can read the depth of field information and separate the background from the foreground to keep objects in focus and background beautifully blurred.thereby producing better detailed images
Other camera features of the Phantom 8 rear sensors include dual-LED flash, geo-tagging, face detection, panorama, single shot HDR, autofocus, and night mode.
The Phantom 8 also has a front camera with a whooping 20MP resolution, F/2.0 aperture and dual LED lights.
Other features of the front camera that serve to enhance selfies captured include a '4 in 1' skin brightening technology with smooth mode and brighten mode.
What's the bottom line?
Users can expect better clear and bright selfies with good video resolution during video calls with this selfie camera that is said to be 30% brighter than that of the Phantom 6's.
These cameras are the major highlight of the Phantom 8, and while devices in the Camon series are reputably known for their impressive cameras, those from a device in the Phantom series is now a force be to reckoned with.
According to Tecno Mobile,
We offer the best experience in photography. We are the representatives of camera phone.
By the way:
What better camera could be made to 'Capture a Legend' than this!
Battery and Connectivity
The battery capacity of the Phantom 8 is 3500mAh. This capacity is a significant increase from the 2700mAh capacity of the Phantom 6 and 3000mAh capacity of the Phantom 5.
But then,
The Phantom 6 Plus boasted of a 4050mAh battery and one would've expected something in that range from this latest variant.
While that is not the case, hopefully the Phantom 8 Plus will be sporting a higher one.
Now:
What does the Phantom 8's battery offer?
Here's One:
It has been better optimized with its powerful processor to consume less power.
And Another:
The battery with a Type C USB port can be charged 50% faster than the battery of its predecessor.
It gets better!
The 8 can be fully charged from 0% with 70 minutes, which is attributed to the speed of the Type C USB port .
This USB port also enables fast file transfers between the Phantom 8 and a PC.
For connectivity, the Phamtom 8 features a 4G LTE Cat 6 that provides data download speeds of 300 megabits per second which Tecno Mobile claims is 50% faster than the Phantom 6.
The Phantom 8 is also a dual SIM smartphone with support for two SIMs (Micro and Nano SIMs).
Its second SIM card slot is a hybrid slot that can also serve as a memory card slot. This means that one can either use a second SIM or a memory card, and not both at the same time.
Other connectivity options include: Wi-Fi, USB On-The-Go, GPS, 3G, and Bluetooth.
The Phantom 8 sensors are Ambient light, Proximity and Gravity, Fingerprint, E-Compass and Gyroscope sensors.
Price and Availability
Pre-ordering of the Phantom 8 from the SLOT store In Nigeria began on October 23rd, 2017, while the public sale began on October 26th, 2017.
Other retail stores in Nigeria will start selling the Phantom 8 from November 1, 2017, while African countries like Kenya and Ghana will be also be among the first to get the device.
When the smartphone is available in either countries, it can be purchased from reputable online and offline stores.
The Tecno Phantom 8 is offered at a price of $450, hence, the Phantom 8 price in Nigeria is expected to range from ₦124,000 to ₦145,000 depending on where you purchase it and the current exchange rate.
The Phantom 8 price in Kenya is expected to be about Ksh 35,500 KSh, its price in Ghana to be about GH₵ 1465 and a price of about AED 1,300 In Dubai.
Added Benefits
The Phamtom 8 comes with a 12 months warranty offered by the Chinese company. It also offers a free screen replacement for the first damage incurred on the screen.
Tecno Phantom 8 Specs
Body | |
Dimensions | 159.95 x 79.5 x 7.9mm |
Form factor | Touchscreen |
Colors | Galaxy Blue, Champagne Gold, Black |
Cover | Metal |
Weight | N/A |
Display | |
Type | IPS touchscreen |
Size | 5.7-inch Display |
Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
Pixel Density | 400PPI |
Memory And OS | |
Card slot | Yes, Upto 2TB |
Inbuilt | 64GB |
OS | HiOS 3.0/Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
CPU | 2.6 GHz Octa-Core Processor |
RAM | 6GB |
Camera | |
Primary | 12MP and 13MP dual cameras |
Features | Autofocus, Dual-LED Flash, Touch Focus, Face detection HDR, Geo-tagging, Panorama |
Video | 1080p@30fps |
Secondary | 20 MP, f/2.0 |
Battery | |
Capacity | 3500mAh Li-on battery |
Removable | N/A |
Connectivity | |
3G | Yes |
4G | Yes |
3.5mm Jack: | Yes |
WIFI | Yes |
Bluetooth | Yes, v4.0 |
GPS | Yes |
NFC | No |
USB | Yes |
FM | Yes |
Wireless Charging | N/A |
SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby |
Other Features | |
Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, Ambient light sensors |
Tech Lass's Verdict:
What I admire most in the Phantom 8 is its RAM size and inbuilt storage, meaning seamless multitasking and more than enough space to support your files.
The Phantom 8's camera is just as good, to the selfie enthusiast, this will not be a disappointing device.
On the otherhand, I can tag the battery capacity of this smartphone as its downside since we've seen less specced devices like the Tecno L8 featuring a battery whose capacity is 5050mAh.
That being said,
It now boils down to real life operation and not the actual values attached to the specs sheet but then, users like to see a big number to believe something is better than the other.
For the price it's being offered which is fair and doesn't require you rob a bank to purchase it, the Tecno Phantom 8 is a great device whose specs is on par with devices from Samsung and Apple.
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