The Blackview A55 and Doogee X96 Pro represent the ultra-budget end of the Android spectrum. Both aim to deliver smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A55 relies on a slightly older, but efficient Mediatek chipset, while the X96 Pro opts for a newer, octa-core Unisoc processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Doogee X96 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Blackview A55’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more capable for multitasking and everyday use. While the X96 Pro’s 28nm process is less efficient, the performance gains justify the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 06 | 2021, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December | Available. Released 2021, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761V Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4780 mAh | 5400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Blue, Gradient | Black, Blue, Green, Red |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Blackview A55
- Potentially better battery life due to the 12nm process.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the X96 Pro.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Limited future-proofing.
Doogee X96 Pro
- Faster performance thanks to the octa-core processor.
- More responsive user interface.
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- Less efficient 28nm process may lead to shorter battery life.
- Potentially higher price.
- May experience more heat under sustained load.
Display Comparison
Neither Blackview nor Doogee provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, it’s safe to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison difficult, but the focus should be on usability rather than color accuracy or peak brightness. Expect both displays to be adequate for basic viewing, but not ideal for outdoor use or media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the presence of an octa-core processor in the Doogee X96 Pro suggests potentially faster image processing capabilities. Expect both cameras to perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview A55’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a quad-core processor designed for efficiency. The Doogee X96 Pro, however, features the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with an octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). While the Unisoc chip is built on a larger 28nm process – inherently less efficient – the eight cores provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This translates to smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user interface on the X96 Pro. The A55 will struggle with more demanding applications, while the X96 Pro offers a more tolerable experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Doogee X96 Pro includes 10W wired charging, while the A55’s charging speed is unknown. The less efficient 28nm process of the Unisoc chip in the X96 Pro will likely result in shorter battery life compared to the A55’s more efficient Helio A22. However, the 10W charging on the X96 Pro offers a faster recharge time, mitigating some of the battery life concerns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A55 if you prioritize simplicity and absolute minimal cost, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Doogee X96 Pro if you want a more responsive experience for social media, streaming, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance. The X96 Pro is the better option for anyone who doesn't want to constantly fight with lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee X96 Pro be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Doogee X96 Pro is significantly more capable of handling the demands of social media apps compared to the quad-core Helio A22 in the Blackview A55. You should experience smoother scrolling, faster loading times, and fewer instances of lag while using these apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Doogee X96 Pro fast enough for daily use?
While 10W charging isn't 'fast' by modern standards, it's a welcome addition to the X96 Pro, as the Blackview A55's charging speed is unknown. 10W will allow you to fully charge the device overnight, and provide a reasonable top-up during the day. It's sufficient for a phone in this price bracket.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Doogee X96 Pro?
While you *can* technically run PUBG Mobile on the Doogee X96 Pro, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Unisoc SC9863A isn't a gaming powerhouse, and you'll likely experience stuttering and lag, especially in intense firefights. The Blackview A55 would struggle even more.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the Blackview A55’s more efficient processor might offer slightly longer battery life for those primarily using calls and texts. If you anticipate *any* other usage, the Doogee X96 Pro is the better choice.
