Tecno Phantom X2 Pro: The first ever Retractable Portrait Lens smartphone to star in a JerryRigEverything video

The Tecno Phantom X2 Pro goes for INR 44,999 (~US$549) on Amazon India today (June 21, 2023), and probably costs even more than that to import into the US, thanks to a pioneering retractable 50MP main camera. However, according to the well-known tech vlogger Zach Nelson, its supposedly ground-breaking design may be more gimmick than actual hardware-based bokeh.

The JerryRigEverything host pointed out that, while the X2 Pro's unique selling point seems authentic enough in its ability to move an entire internal curved lens (and emit an audible, if muted, click) on every activation, it may be less so as its well-touted portrait photography use-case requires a secondary, depth-sensing camera, as conceded by the smartphone's very own UI.

In addition, the motor behind the whole retractable-lens thing might be less than super-powered, being easily inhibited by a human finger. In addition, while the X2 Pro has a unique texture for its 48% reclaimed ocean plastic rear panel in (extensively mocked) Mars Orange, the overall effect is more "orange peel" (with a weakness for sticky stuff) than "Nebula Dazzle", according to Nelson at least.

Then again, the Dimensity 9000-powered smartphone proved durable enough in other ways, flying through the legendary scratch, burn and bend tests thanks to its Gorilla Glass Victus display and metallic mid-frame. Now, it will be interesting to see if its impending JerryRigEverything teardown can replicate the findings of its PBKReviews predecessor.