Tecno Phantom X AC8 - 8GB RAM 256GB ROM

The Phantom X is a slightly upgraded version of the recently reviewed Tecno Camon 17 Pro. The Phantom replaces the LCD with an AMOLED panel and offers a more proficient camera setup too but the same MediaTek G95 powers up both devices.

Don't judge it solely by the chipset, though. The Phantom X offers premium-level features that boost the value of the device. The most notable one is the 50MP main sensor (same as in the vivo X60 Pro+), aided by a proper 13MP telephoto camera (2x zoom) and an 8MP ultrawide unit with autofocus. The selfie side hasn't been overlooked either so the rather big punch-hole on the front houses a massive 48MP main camera and an 8MP one for ultrawide selfies.

Aside from the cameras, the device has a big, curved 6.7-inch OLED panel to be proud of. It boasts a 90Hz refresh rate and full DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. And, of course, there's an optical fingerprint reader placed underneath it.

Other notable features include 33W fast charging, which should deliver a 70% charge to the 4,700 mAh battery in 30 minutes, a full-fledged dual SIM + microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack at the bottom. And last, but not least, the Phantom X features a well-rounded premium-looking design with a patterned glass back, Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, and an aluminum frame. It's a rare case of premium features combined with a mid-range SoC that can potentially snatch some buyers from the big-named brands.

The only catch is that the Tecno brand isn't well-established in many countries, so its main markets remain in Africa and Turkey. No timeframe has been given for a European release yet.

Unboxing the Tecno Phantom X

The device comes in a big black box containing the 33W-capable charger, USB-A to USB-C cable for data transfer and charging, a protective case, and a pair of headphones with a 3.5mm plug.

The OEM paid special attention to the case as it features a soft-touch, faux-leather surface providing excellent grip. However, it doesn't wrap around the sides so it leaves the edges exposed. It's still pretty elegant and barely adds to the phone's dimensions.