Tecno has been making waves in the budget smartphone market, and the Phantom series is a key player. We're pitting the newer Phantom X2 against its predecessor, the Phantom X, to see which offers the best value and performance. This comparison will help you decide which Tecno phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Phantom X2 boasts a significantly faster chipset and brighter display, offering a noticeable performance upgrade. However, the Phantom X edges out with slightly better battery endurance. Ultimately, the X2 is the better choice for those prioritizing speed and visuals, while the X remains a solid option for long-lasting power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 07 | 2021, June 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 09 | Available. Released 2021, July 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.86 x 0.35 in) | 163.5 x 73.8 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~93.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.05 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G710 MC10 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 12 | Android 11, HIOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Laser AF, Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, (wide), PDAF, OIS
13 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/1.3", 1.12µm, AF
2 MP | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (telephoto), PDAF, 2x optical zoom
8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired, 54% in 20 min, 100% in 60 min | 33W wired, 70% in 30 min |
| Type | 5160 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stardust Gray, Moonlight Silver | Starry Night Blue, Monet Summer |
| Models | AD8 | AC8 |
| Price | About 460 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 110h
|
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.7 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 973623 (v9)
GeekBench: 4027 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 71fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 309055 (v8)
GeekBench: 1670 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Tecno Phantom X2
- Significantly faster chipset
- Brighter display (710 nits)
- Faster charging (45W)
- Modern design
- Slightly lower battery endurance than X
- Potentially higher price
Tecno Phantom X
- Excellent battery life (122h endurance)
- More affordable price
- Solid overall performance
- Slower chipset (Helio G95)
- Dimmer display (405 nits)
- Slower charging (33W)
Display Comparison
The Phantom X2's display shines with a measured 710 nits of peak brightness, a substantial improvement over the Phantom X's 405 nits. This translates to better visibility outdoors and a more immersive viewing experience. Both phones claim an 'infinite' contrast ratio, a common marketing term, but the X2's higher brightness contributes to a perceived better image quality. Color accuracy and resolution are likely similar, both offering a respectable experience for the price range.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature dedicated camera setups, but detailed camera comparisons require more in-depth testing. Based on general expectations for these models, the Phantom X2's newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms *could* result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. However, the differences are likely to be subtle. Video recording capabilities are also expected to be similar, offering 1080p or 4K recording.
Performance
This is where the Phantom X2 truly pulls ahead. The Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset is a significant upgrade over the Helio G95 in the Phantom X. The Dimensity 9000's octa-core CPU, featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core, delivers noticeably faster processing speeds for demanding apps and games. Expect smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times on the X2. The X, while capable, will show its age when handling more intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The Phantom X takes a slight lead in battery endurance, boasting an endurance rating of 122 hours compared to the X2's 110 hours. While the difference isn't massive, it suggests the X can stretch further between charges. The X2's 45W charging is faster (60 minutes to 100%) than the X's 33W (70% in 30 minutes), mitigating the slight endurance disadvantage.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Tecno Phantom X2? Users seeking a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking, and who appreciate a brighter, more vibrant display. Who should buy the Tecno Phantom X? Those prioritizing maximum battery life and a slightly more affordable price point, and who are less concerned with top-tier performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Tecno Phantom X2 worth the upgrade from the Phantom X?
If you prioritize performance and a brighter display, the X2 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if battery life is your top concern and you're on a tighter budget, the Phantom X remains a compelling option.
❓ What is the difference in camera quality between the two phones?
While both phones have capable cameras, the Phantom X2's newer chipset *may* offer slightly improved image processing and low-light performance. However, a full camera comparison would be needed to confirm.
