Is Blackview smartphones good?
Blackview smartphones achieve an average overall score of 7, placing them #21 among all smartphone brands, and have a user rating of 8.2, ranking #15 in user reviews.
Blackview smartphones are good if you want a rugged and durable device at an affordable price. They are known for their resistance to water, dust, and drops (often with IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certification), so you can use them in tough environments without worrying about quick damage. Many models focus on large batteries that can last several days, which is useful if you work outdoors or travel without frequent charging options.
You will not get the same camera quality or performance as premium brands like Samsung or Apple, but Blackview balances this with solid build quality and practical features. Their phones often have bright displays, extra protective layers, and physical design elements that improve grip. Some models include thermal imaging or night vision cameras, which are rare in other brands at the same price range.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least 6 smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
The best available Blackview smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
- Blackview Xplore 2 5G (16GB + 1TB) (Overall score: 8.43)
- Blackview Xplore 1 (16GB + 512GB) (Overall score: 7.45)
- Blackview BL9000 PRO (36GB + 512GB) (Overall score: 7.07)
The following chart ranks smartphone brands by their overall scores.
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What are the main advantages of Blackview smartphones?
The main advantages of Blackview smartphones are the following:
- Rugged durability: Most Blackview models meet MIL-STD-810H standards and have IP68/IP69K water and dust resistance, so they withstand immersion in 1.5 m of water for 30 minutes and drops from up to 1.5 m.
- Large battery capacity: Many devices use 8 000 mAh or 10 000 mAh batteries, which last up to 3 days of moderate use and support 33 W or 66 W fast charging.
- High-resolution cameras: Flagship rugged models integrate 108 MP Samsung ISOCELL sensors and night vision cameras with 20 MP Sony sensors, so they capture detailed images even in low light.
- Outdoor-friendly displays: Screens reach brightness levels above 800 nits and use Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for impact resistance, and some support 120 Hz refresh rates.
- Navigation and connectivity: Devices support GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou simultaneously for precise positioning, and many models include NFC and dual 4G or 5G support.
- Competitive pricing: Even high-spec rugged models with large batteries, 5G, and high-resolution cameras typically cost between £220 and £340, which is lower than most rugged competitors with similar specifications.
What are the main disadvantages of Blackview smartphones?
Blackview smartphones have the following disadvantages:
- Heavy and bulky design: Large batteries and rugged build increase weight to over 370 g and thickness to more than 17 mm.
- Lower chipset performance: Many models use mid-range MediaTek processors, so gaming and heavy multitasking performance is lower than in similarly priced non-rugged smartphones.
- Limited software updates: Devices usually receive only one major Android update and fewer security patches compared to mainstream brands.
- Average display resolution in some models: Entry-level versions still use HD+ resolution, which is lower than Full HD panels in similar price ranges.
- Lower brand recognition: Blackview is less known in mainstream markets, so resale value is lower compared to established brands.
Who makes Blackview smartphones?
Blackview smartphones are designed and produced by DOKE Communication (HK) Limited, a technology company headquartered in Hong Kong. The Blackview brand was established in 2013, focusing initially on rugged, durable mobile devices suited for outdoor use. The company operates a large-scale manufacturing facility—reportedly covering 20,000 m²—located in mainland China, where its diverse product lineup is developed and assembled.
Over the years, Blackview has expanded beyond rugged smartphones to offer a wide range of smart devices, including tablets, smartphones (non‑rugged), smartwatches, laptops, and other electronics. Their mission emphasizes delivering high-quality, robust technology at accessible prices, and their products are sold across more than 80 countries, backed by over 100 authorized agents worldwide.
What are the main Blackview smartphone series?
The main Blackview smartphone series are as follows.
- BV Series: Rugged smartphones built for harsh conditions and military tested with IP68 and IP69K ratings. They feature long battery life (up to 13,000 mAh in models like BV6200 Pro) and durable designs that handle water, dust, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. Models include BV7300, BV8900, BV8100, and BV9300, and they focus on outdoor use with features like thermal imaging in some versions.
- BL Series: High-end rugged phones with advanced AI and 5G capabilities, such as the BL9000 Pro that includes thermal imaging and large batteries (up to 15,080 mAh). They use processors like MediaTek Helio G99 for efficient performance, and they target users who need pro-level daily and outdoor functionality. Examples are BL7000 and BL8000, and they emphasize AI models for smart tasks.
- A Series: Budget-friendly smartphones with standard features like octa-core processors, large RAM (up to 6GB), and clear displays (such as 120Hz in A200 Pro). They provide reliable performance for everyday use without full ruggedness, and models like A96, A53 Pro, and A52 Pro include fingerprint recognition and Android optimizations. This series suits general consumers, and it balances cost with solid specs.
- Mega Series: AI-focused smartphones that integrate smart features like voice commands and large screens for productivity. Models such as Mega 3, Mega 8, and Mega 2 WiFi come with batteries around 5,000 mAh and Android 13 or later, and they aim at versatile daily tasks with options for projectors in some variants. They stand out for connectivity, and they include dual SIM support.
- Wave Series: Entry-level phones with emphasis on value, like the Wave 8C and Wave 8 that have 6.56-inch displays and 5,000 mAh batteries. They support 4G networks and basic rugged elements, and they cater to users needing affordable options with good battery life and dual SIM functionality. This series keeps things simple, and it fits casual or light outdoor needs.
- Shark Series: Performance-oriented models with gaming and multitasking in mind, such as Shark 9 and Shark 8 that feature up to 8GB RAM and Android 13. They include large storage (256GB) and focus on smooth operation, and they blend some rugged traits with entertainment features. Examples highlight fast charging, and they appeal to active lifestyles.
How much do Blackview smartphone costs?
Blackview smartphones cost between £85 and £425, depending on the model and specifications. Entry-level models start around £85 to £130, mid-range rugged devices usually cost between £170 and £300, and flagship rugged phones with advanced hardware and high durability reach £340 to £425.
The brand focuses mainly on rugged smartphones with reinforced builds, large batteries, and waterproof certification. Cheaper series target basic users or those who need a backup phone, while higher-end models integrate features such as thermal imaging cameras, high-resolution displays, and long-lasting batteries (often over 8,000 mAh). Rugged models tend to cost more than standard ones because of extra durability features and higher resistance standards.
Blackview smartphones cost on average £130 €, ranking #6 in price among smartphone brands (from cheapest to most expensive), and have a quality-price ratio score of 7.5, placing them in position #21.
(Note: Only brands with at least 6 smartphones in our database, released after 2022, were included.)
What should you consider while choosing the best Blackview smartphone?
When choosing the best Blackview smartphone, you should consider the following key hardware specifications and features.
- Processor: Blackview smartphones use various chipsets including Unisoc T616, MediaTek Helio A25, MediaTek Helio P35, and MediaTek Dimensity 6300. The processor type directly affects speed and multitasking capabilities. Higher-end models like the BL7000 feature the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 which runs at 2.0GHz and uses 6nm process technology for better power efficiency. Entry-level models use processors like Helio A22 which still deliver good performance at low power consumption.
- RAM: RAM determines how smoothly your device handles multiple applications simultaneously. Blackview phones typically offer 4GB to 12GB of RAM with expansion capabilities. Models like the BV9300 support expanding 12GB RAM to 21GB RAM through virtual memory expansion. The Color 8 offers 8GB RAM with expansion up to 16GB total, which eliminates reload delays during gaming and multitasking.
- Storage: Internal storage ranges from 32GB to 512GB depending on the model. Most Blackview smartphones support microSD card expansion up to 1TB or 2TB. The BV9900 features 256GB UFS 2.1 storage which can expand by 2TB. Consider your usage patterns - moderate users need 64GB minimum while heavy users require 128GB or more.
- Camera: Blackview phones feature various camera configurations from basic 8MP setups to advanced 50MP main cameras with night vision capabilities. The BL7000 includes a 50MP AI main camera, 20MP night vision camera, and 32MP selfie camera with advanced features like Magic Eraser and color focus modes. Entry models like BV6600 offer 16MP rear and 8MP front cameras suitable for basic photography needs.
- Battery: Battery life varies significantly across Blackview models from 4280mAh to 15080mAh. The BV7100 features a massive 13000mAh battery with 33W fast charging, providing up to 1152 hours standby time and 50 hours calling time. The BV9300 goes even further with 15080mAh capacity supporting 1824 hours standby and includes OTG functionality for charging other devices.
- Protection: Most Blackview smartphones feature IP68/IP69K ratings and MIL-STD-810 certification for water, dust, and shock resistance. These devices withstand 2-meter drops and 30-minute water submersion at 2-meter depth. The military-tested construction makes them suitable for harsh environments including dusty, sandy conditions and extreme temperatures.
- Operating system: Blackview phones run Android with the company's Doke OS interface, with newer models featuring Android 14 or Android 15. The BL7000 runs Dokeos 4.1 based on Android 15 and includes AI features like integration with DeepSeek-R1, ChatGPT, and Gemini.
- Connectivity: Modern Blackview smartphones include 5G support, NFC, dual SIM functionality, and comprehensive GPS systems supporting GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo satellites. Higher-end models feature Bluetooth 5.0 and advanced wireless capabilities while maintaining compatibility with glove operation.
