The foldable phone market is maturing, offering increasingly refined experiences. The Tecno Phantom V Flip and Huawei P50 Pocket represent distinct approaches to this form factor. The P50 Pocket, while an earlier entrant, boasts Huawei’s design prowess. The Phantom V Flip, however, arrives with a newer chipset and faster charging, aiming to disrupt the established order. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which foldable best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Phantom V Flip emerges as the better value. Its Mediatek Dimensity 8050 chipset offers a performance edge over the Snapdragon 888 in the P50 Pocket, coupled with significantly faster 45W charging. While the P50 Pocket has a premium feel, the Phantom V Flip delivers more for the money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September 22 | 2021, December 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 01 | Available. Released 2021, December 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Eco leather back, aluminum frame, steel hinge | - |
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 171.7 x 74.1 x 7 mmFolded: 88.8 x 74.1 x 15 mm | Unfolded: 170 x 75.5 x 7.2 mm Folded: 87.3 x 75.5 x 15.2 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2640 pixels (~413 ppi density) | 1188 x 2790 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~442 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.9 inches, 107.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.9 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Foldable LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | Foldable OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz |
| | - | Cover display:
OLED, 1.04 inch, 340 x 340 pixels, 328 ppi |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8050 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 4G (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| OS | Android 13, HIOS 13.5 | HarmonyOS 2.0 (China), EMUI 12 (Europe), no Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | Nano Memory (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.7, 25mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 10.7 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Triple | - | 40 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), AF
32 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/120/240fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, AF | 10.7 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity (incl. for accessories), compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | - | UV illuminator |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 50% in 15 min | 40W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Iconic Black, Mystic Dawn | Black, Gold, Silver |
| Models | AD11 | BAL-AL00, BAL-L49 |
| Price | About 560 EUR | About 870 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 66h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.1 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 768513 (v9)
GeekBench: 3077 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Phantom V Flip
- Faster processor (Dimensity 8050)
- Significantly faster charging (45W)
- Longer battery life (88h endurance)
- Less established brand reputation
- Potential software quirks
Huawei P50 Pocket
- Premium design and build quality
- Unique hinge minimizing crease
- Established brand recognition
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 888 4G)
- Slower charging (40W)
- Shorter battery life (66h endurance)
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Phantom V Flip and Huawei P50 Pocket feature foldable OLED displays, with measured peak brightnesses of 818 nits and 803 nits respectively. The difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable in most real-world scenarios. However, the absence of LTPO technology in either device means refresh rate scaling isn’t as efficient as on higher-end foldables, potentially impacting battery life during dynamic content viewing. While Huawei touts an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, this is a standard marketing claim for OLED panels and doesn't represent a significant advantage. The hinge mechanisms are crucial, but detailed durability data isn't provided, making long-term reliability a question mark for both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are lacking. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the absence of detailed camera analysis suggests neither phone is a standout in this category. The P50 Pocket’s design incorporates a unique hinge that minimizes the crease, potentially allowing for a more seamless camera experience. The usefulness of any included macro cameras (often 2MP) is questionable, prioritizing marketing over genuine photographic utility. Image processing styles will likely differ, with Huawei traditionally favoring more saturated colors.
Performance
The Tecno Phantom V Flip’s Mediatek Dimensity 8050 (6nm) demonstrably outperforms the Huawei P50 Pocket’s Snapdragon 888 4G (5nm) in CPU-intensive tasks. The Dimensity 8050’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 3.0 GHz, provide a noticeable boost over the Snapdragon 888’s 2.84 GHz Cortex-X1. While the Snapdragon 888 was a flagship chip in its time, the Dimensity 8050 benefits from architectural improvements and a more efficient manufacturing process. The 4G limitation of the Snapdragon 888 in the P50 Pocket is a significant drawback for users in areas with robust 5G infrastructure. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, but specific speeds aren't provided; thermal management will be key to sustained performance, and the Dimensity 8050’s 6nm process should offer better efficiency.
Battery Life
The Tecno Phantom V Flip’s endurance rating of 88 hours significantly surpasses the Huawei P50 Pocket’s 66 hours. This advantage is partially attributable to the Dimensity 8050’s improved power efficiency. Crucially, the Phantom V Flip supports 45W wired charging, allowing for a 50% charge in just 15 minutes, while the P50 Pocket is limited to 40W. The P50 Pocket does offer 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, but the Phantom V Flip’s faster charging speeds are more impactful for daily use. The difference in battery life, combined with the charging speed, makes the Phantom V Flip the clear winner for users who prioritize uptime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Phantom V Flip if you prioritize performance, fast charging, and overall value. It’s ideal for users who frequently game, multitask, or simply want a phone that keeps up with their demanding lifestyle. Buy the Huawei P50 Pocket if you value a more established brand reputation, a potentially more refined software experience (depending on your region and app compatibility), and a design that emphasizes premium aesthetics, even if it means sacrificing some raw power and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Dimensity 8050 in the Tecno Phantom V Flip get noticeably warmer than the Snapdragon 888 in the P50 Pocket during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 888 was known for thermal throttling, the Dimensity 8050’s 6nm process and improved efficiency should result in better sustained performance and lower temperatures. However, the effectiveness of the cooling system within each device will ultimately determine real-world thermal behavior. Expect the Phantom V Flip to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods.
❓ The Huawei P50 Pocket only supports 4G. How much of a limitation is this in 2024?
The lack of 5G support is a significant drawback for users in areas with widespread 5G coverage. Download and upload speeds will be considerably slower on the P50 Pocket, impacting streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. If 5G is available in your region, the Phantom V Flip is the clear choice.
❓ Is the hinge on either phone prone to failure, and are repairs readily available?
Foldable phone hinges are inherently complex and represent a potential point of failure. Long-term durability data for both devices is limited. Huawei has a more established repair network, but parts and service for the Tecno Phantom V Flip may be less accessible depending on your location. Purchasing extended warranty coverage is highly recommended for either device.
