My initial impression of the super slim tri-fold Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 is quite positive.
Tri-fold smartphone designs made a significant impression at MWC 2025, with Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 emerging as a standout option. Initially teased in August 2024, the device was showcased in a glass enclosure.
While I couldn't interact with this concept foldable phone directly, I did convince a Tecno representative to take it out of the case to demonstrate the folding and unfolding mechanism, providing a closer examination of this concept device.
Undeniably Slim
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
The most striking aspect of the Phantom Ultimate 2 that caught my attention is its notably slim profile when opened. At just 3.5mm at its thinnest point, it outshines the Honor Magic V3, which is currently recognized as the thinnest book-style foldable smartphone available at 4.35mm when unfolded.
Although Tecno has not yet made this available to the public, it is still an impressive achievement. They have not disclosed the potential price of the tri-fold if it transitions from concept to retail, but based on other premium foldable phones on the market, it is likely to be expensive.
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
When folded, the device measures 11mm in thickness, which, while thicker than a standard smartphone, is still quite remarkable given its tri-fold design. This makes it thinner than the first tri-fold phone released in the market (at least in China and Malaysia), the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, in both folded and unfolded forms.
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
The triple-camera bump is seamlessly integrated into a symmetrically raised body that extends across that section of the device, creating a notable illusion that adds bulk, even if it initially went unnoticed to my eyes. I am curious to put this device in my pocket to see how practical and comfortable it is for everyday use.
Vivid and Sharp Display
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
The Phantom Ultimate 2 has compelling display specifications, featuring a 6.48-inch OLED 3K LTPO screen with a resolution of 392 PPI when folded. It resembles a competitive and natural candybar smartphone in that state, with Android scaling effectively and seamlessly.
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
When fully unfolded, the display spans a substantial 10 inches at a 4:3 aspect ratio. To my eyes, the display appeared rich in color with sharp and clear fidelity. While fold creases were visible, they were not particularly unattractive.
Innovative Dual Hinge Design
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
Tecno has paired the display with a slim hinge system for the Phantom Ultimate 2, which they assert can endure over 300,000 folds. In a device featuring two different folding areas, such durability is vital.
From what I noticed during the demonstration, the folding mechanism seemed sturdy and stable, with noticeable resistance that aided the device in maintaining its shape in various configurations.
Jason Howell / Digital Trends
The Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 can be completely folded for traditional mobile use in smartphone mode, fully unfolded for a large 10-inch display experience in tablet mode, set up in tent mode for media viewing or drawing applications, or positioned in laptop mode with one display flat on the table showing an on-screen keyboard while the other two displays extend vertically for enhanced multitasking. This level of flexibility is a significant selling point of the tri-fold design.
Having observed tri-fold designs online and from afar prior to my visit to Barcelona, I now feel more convinced of their place in the smartphone market. As a concept, it's uncertain when it might eventually become available, if at all, but I really admire the direction Tecno is taking with the Phantom Ultimate 2.
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My initial impression of the super slim tri-fold Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 is quite positive.
Mobile World Congress: Check out our full coverage of the event, updated less than 6 minutes ago. Tri-fold smartphone designs were a key highlight, with Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate 2 emerging as a significant contender. The device was displayed within a glass case. Although I did not have the opportunity to engage with […]