The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Blackview BV5900 and Nokia XR20 aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with vastly different internal hardware and price points. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best blend of toughness, performance, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Nokia XR20 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 480 5G chipset and 18W charging provide a significantly better user experience, justifying the price premium over the Blackview BV5900's aging Helio A22.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 900 / 1800 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 14. Released 2019, August | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159 x 80 x 15 mm (6.26 x 3.15 x 0.59 in) | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 268 g (9.45 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
0.3 MP, f/2.8 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | 5580 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
Blackview BV5900
- Extremely affordable price point
- Rugged build quality for basic protection
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Outdated and underpowered processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited software support
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More powerful Snapdragon 480 processor
- 18W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Gorilla Glass Victus display protection
- Higher price compared to the Blackview BV5900
- May still struggle with very demanding games
- Software updates may be slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are missing, but the focus here is durability. The Blackview BV5900 likely utilizes a standard LCD, while the Nokia XR20's display benefits from Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced scratch and shatter resistance. This is a key advantage for the XR20, as the BV5900's display is likely less protected. Both will likely offer adequate outdoor visibility, but the XR20's potentially higher peak brightness (based on the more modern chipset) could give it an edge in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond the main sensors are sparse. However, the XR20 benefits from a more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Snapdragon 480. This translates to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely feature basic camera capabilities, the XR20’s ISP will likely produce sharper, more detailed photos and videos. The absence of detailed camera specs on the BV5900 suggests a more basic imaging experience focused on capturing snapshots rather than high-quality photography.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Blackview BV5900's MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process, is geared towards basic functionality. It will struggle with multitasking and graphically intensive applications. Conversely, the Nokia XR20's Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, an octa-core processor fabricated on a more efficient 8nm node, delivers significantly improved performance. The 5G modem is a major differentiator, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available. The XR20’s CPU architecture (Kryo 460) is also more modern, resulting in better responsiveness and app loading times. Users who play mobile games or frequently switch between apps will find the XR20 a far more enjoyable experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the charging capabilities reveal a key difference. The Blackview BV5900 supports only 10W wired charging, indicating a slower charging time. The Nokia XR20, with its 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, offers significantly more flexibility and convenience. Wireless charging is a notable advantage for users who prefer a cable-free experience. While a larger battery capacity on the BV5900 could partially offset the slower charging, the XR20’s faster charging speeds will likely result in less downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview BV5900 if you need an extremely affordable, basic rugged phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and occasional navigation, and aren't concerned with demanding apps or 5G connectivity. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more responsive experience, faster data speeds with 5G, wireless charging convenience, and a longer software support lifespan, even if it means a higher upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview BV5900 struggle with modern apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Helio A22 processor in the Blackview BV5900 is a low-end chipset. While it can run basic apps, you may experience noticeable lag and slowdowns when using more demanding applications like Facebook, WhatsApp (especially with video calls), or any modern mobile game. It's best suited for calls, texts, and simple tasks.
❓ Does the Nokia XR20's 5G connectivity actually make a difference in real-world use?
Yes, if you live in an area with 5G coverage, the Nokia XR20 will offer significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to the Blackview BV5900, which lacks 5G support. This translates to quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and faster web browsing. However, 5G availability varies greatly by location.
❓ How durable is the Nokia XR20 compared to other rugged phones?
The Nokia XR20 is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance, and features Gorilla Glass Victus on the display. While not as extreme as some ultra-rugged phones with reinforced chassis, it offers excellent protection against everyday drops, bumps, and exposure to the elements. It's designed to withstand more abuse than a typical smartphone.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Nokia XR20 worth the extra cost?
For users who value convenience, the 15W wireless charging on the Nokia XR20 is a significant benefit. It eliminates the need for cables and reduces wear and tear on the charging port. If you frequently charge your phone overnight or in multiple locations, wireless charging can be a game-changer.
