Panalo Phone 5G by TNT
2 weeks ago, TNT surprised everyone with the announcedment of the Panalo Phone 5G. This phone has been making waves in the budget smartphone market, and for good reason. With its impressive feature set at an incredibly affordable price, it’s a device that truly lives up to its name—Panalo, which means “winner” in Filipino.
Let’s get into what makes this phone a standout choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Build and Design
Panalo Phone 5G sports a basic yet functional design that caters to the essential needs of most users. Measuring 165 x 75.6 x 9mm, it fits comfortably in hand without feeling too bulky. Its black color gives it a sleek and understated look, suitable for both casual and professional settings. Sadly, the phone is only available in one color so if black does not fit your style, you’re out of luck.
While it might not win any awards for innovation in design, its simplicity ensures ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Display
Equipped with a 6.517-inch LCD (IPS) screen with HD+ resolution, the display on the Panalo Phone 5G is more than adequate for everyday tasks. The screen size is generous, providing ample space for browsing, streaming videos, or playing games.
While it may not offer the vivid colors or deep blacks of an AMOLED display, the IPS technology ensures decent viewing angles and satisfactory color reproduction for its price range. Had they packed this with a slightly better display, its price would have gone up to north of PhP6,000.
Hardware
Under the hood, the Panalo Phone 5G is powered by a 2.35GHz 6nm UNISOC T765 octa-core processor paired with a Mali-G57 MP2 GPU.
This combination delivers respectable performance for a budget device, handling multitasking and everyday apps with ease. I have to say though that I am not a fan of the combination of 4GB RAM and very meager 64GB storage, but these are adequate enough to manage the affordable price at bay without completely devastating performance.
Benchmark
While specific benchmark scores aren’t available, the UNISOC T765 chipset is known to be a capable performer in the budget segment. It provides smooth performance for basic tasks and (very) casual gaming, though it might struggle with more demanding applications or high-end games.
Considering its price point, the performance is commendable and should satisfy most users looking for a reliable daily driver.
Software and Other Software Features
The phone runs on Android 14, offering a modern software experience with access to the latest features and security updates from Google. While some might prefer having the very latest Android version, Android 14 is only one generation behind and still offers a robust user experience.
The inclusion of features like face unlock and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor enhances security without compromising on convenience.
Camera
The camera setup on the Panalo Phone 5G includes a 13MP main sensor accompanied by two auxiliary lenses (2MP and 0.08MP) along with an LED flash. While this setup won’t rival flagship devices, it provides decent photo quality provided that the subject is in good lighting conditions—serviceable for social media snaps or capturing everyday moments.
The 5MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture is adequate for selfies and video calls but may struggle in low-light environments.
Video capability is best and can shoot up to 4K@30fps. While it is the case, similarly when taking photos, it’s best to shoot in a place with good lighting conditions.
Audio
Audio quality on the Panalo Phone 5G is satisfactory for its class. The dual-mic setup helps in reducing background noise during calls, ensuring clear communication.
While it lacks advanced audio features like stereo speakers or high-fidelity sound enhancements, it performs well enough for casual listening through headphones or external speakers via Bluetooth 5.0.
Battery
With a 4,000mAh battery capacity, the Panalo Phone 5G offers decent battery life that can last through a typical day of moderate use. In our tests, it managed to run for approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes under medium usage conditions—enough to get most users through their daily routines without needing frequent recharges.
However, power users might find themselves reaching for the charger by evening.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Panalo Phone 5G by TNT is indeed a real PANALO in the budget smartphone arena. Priced at just PHP 3,990, it offers incredible value with its combination of essential features like 5G connectivity, dual SIM support, and modern security options such as fingerprint sensors and face unlock. While it may not excel in every category compared to higher-end models, its strengths lie in delivering solid performance where it matters most—making it an excellent choice for those seeking affordability without sacrificing too much on functionality.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an older device or simply need a reliable secondary phone that won’t break the bank, the Panalo Phone 5G stands out as a compelling option that delivers more than expected at its price point—a true winner indeed!
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
