Let’s talk about Tecno Mobile for a minute. Not about their flashy foldable designs or AI-backed camera tech, but about something much less glamorous — software support. Specifically, I’m looking at the Tecno Phantom V Fold 2 and V Flip 2, both recently launched in Kenya following their two-week pre-order window. These devices are Tecno’s way of trying to compete with the big dogs in the premium space — Samsung, Google, and Apple. But here’s where Tecno fumbles the ball: their software support is a joke.
Imagine dropping Kshs 139,999 on the Phantom V Fold 2 or Kshs 84,499 on the Phantom V Flip 2. For that kind of money, you’d expect top-tier everything, right? But Tecno thinks it’s perfectly okay to give you only two Android OS updates and three years of security patches. Yeah, three years. That’s Tecno’s version of “premium support.” It’s like buying a luxury car with a warranty that covers just the first oil change. By year three, your phone’s security is about as solid as a wet paper bag.
Samsung and Google set a new Android standard
Now, let’s look at the competition. Samsung and Google are out here offering up to seven OS updates and seven years of security patches on their latest flagships, starting with the Google Pixel 8 series, the new Pixel 9 series, and the Galaxy S24 series. That’s right — seven years. So, while Tecno’s foldables are aging like milk in the sun, Samsung or Google devices will be as fresh as a daisy well into the future.
And it’s not just the flagships getting the VIP treatment. Even Samsung’s Galaxy A series, like the upcoming budget-friendly Galaxy A16, is getting up to 6 years of software support, better than Tecno’s ultra-expensive V Fold 2. Let that sink in. A budget Samsung phone is getting more updates than a foldable costing over Kshs 130K. Ridiculous doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Tecno’s missed opportunity
Tecno’s launch event for the Phantom V Fold 2 and V Flip 2 had all the glitz and glamor you’d expect, with AI-powered cameras, sleek folding designs, and lots of hype. But when it came to the crucial matter of software support? Crickets. They didn’t mention that three years into owning one of these devices, you’ll be stuck with outdated software and security holes big enough to drive a truck through.
Let’s not forget that Tecno’s parent company, Transsion Holdings, has the resources. They’re one of the top five smartphone brands globally. If they can pour money into cutting-edge designs and AI innovations, they can certainly invest in long-term software support. But instead, they choose to cut corners where it matters most — at the expense of the consumer.
Why we can’t let this slide
Here’s why this is such a big deal. Phones like the Phantom V Fold 2 and V Flip 2 aren’t just gadgets we toss out after a year or two. They’re investments. When you spend Kshs 139,999 on a phone, you expect it to last — both in terms of hardware and software. But Tecno is essentially telling its users, “Thanks for your cash, but good luck staying secure in year four.”
Apple, Samsung, and Google understand that long-term software support is non-negotiable for a premium device. Heck, even the likes of OnePlus get it, and so do Xiaomi despite playing catch up. They’re setting the standard, and Tecno isn’t even in the same conversation. In fact, with their current approach, they shouldn’t even be allowed at the table.
Tecno wants to be seen as a serious player in the premium smartphone game, but until they can match or at least get closer to the seven-year software commitment from the likes of Samsung and Google, they’re just playing pretend. So, if you’re in the market for a foldable or flip phone, maybe think twice before handing over your hard-earned cash to a brand that doesn’t prioritize your phone’s longevity.
Because, honestly, your phone deserves better — and so do you.
