The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Blackview A70 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G25, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Blackview A70’s Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While both offer basic functionality, the Redmi 10A’s slightly better processing power makes it the more responsive daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 26 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 77.5 x 8.3 mm (6.51 x 3.05 x 0.33 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5380 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Blackview A70
- Potentially more durable build (based on brand reputation)
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Focus on power efficiency with slower cores
- Older, less efficient Unisoc chipset
- Slower CPU clock speeds
- Likely lower overall performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More efficient Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
- Higher CPU clock speeds
- Better overall performance for daily tasks
- Build quality may not be as robust as Blackview (speculation)
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s ability to drive the UI smoothly. The GPU within the Helio G25 should provide a slightly better experience when scrolling through content or viewing videos, though neither is expected to deliver vibrant colors or high brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 10A’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Helio G25, likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities than the ISP in the Unisoc SC9863A. Expect similar results in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi 10A may perform better in low-light scenarios. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) is a clear advantage over the Blackview A70’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and potentially less heat generation. While both are octa-core, the Redmi 10A’s Cortex-A53 cores clock higher (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), further contributing to its performance edge. The A70’s inclusion of slower Cortex-A55 cores at 1.2GHz suggests a focus on power saving rather than speed.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but given the target market, both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G25’s improved power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life on the Redmi 10A, offsetting any potential difference in battery capacity. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A70 if you prioritize a potentially more durable build quality (based on Blackview’s rugged phone reputation, though not explicitly stated here) and are primarily focused on very basic tasks like calls and light messaging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you want a more responsive experience for everyday use, including social media, web browsing, and occasional light gaming, and value a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
The Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 chipset should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. While it won’t offer a blazing-fast experience, it’s capable of running these apps smoothly for typical usage. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview A70 may exhibit more noticeable lag when switching between these apps.
❓ Is the Blackview A70 a good choice for someone who primarily makes phone calls and sends texts?
Yes, the Blackview A70 is a suitable option for basic communication. Its Unisoc chipset is sufficient for handling calls and texts, and its potential for a more durable build (based on Blackview’s brand image) could be appealing. However, the Redmi 10A offers a more responsive experience even for these basic tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones handle light gaming?
Light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles, is possible on both devices. However, the Redmi 10A’s Helio G25 will provide a noticeably smoother experience due to its more powerful GPU. Expect low frame rates and graphical settings on more demanding games on both phones.
