Blackview BV8100 vs. Nokia XR20: A Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Blackview BV8100 and Nokia XR20 aim to deliver on that promise, but they take different approaches. The BV8100 prioritizes raw processing power with its Mediatek Helio G99, while the XR20 focuses on 5G connectivity and Nokia’s reputation for software support. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right tool for your adventures.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Blackview BV8100 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset offers a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the Nokia XR20’s 5G connectivity and wireless charging provide compelling features for those needing broader network access and convenience.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview BV8100 Nokia XR20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2024, May2021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions175.8 x 81.2 x 18.1 mm (6.92 x 3.20 x 0.71 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight360 g (12.70 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
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 440 nitsIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Adreno 619
OSAndroid 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide), AF48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging45W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type8800 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, OrangeUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
PriceAbout 270 EURAbout 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Blackview BV8100

  • Faster charging with 45W wired support
  • More powerful processor (Helio G99)
  • Potentially better image processing

  • Lacks 5G connectivity
  • No wireless charging

Nokia XR20

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Wireless charging for added convenience
  • Nokia’s software update commitment

  • Slower processor (Snapdragon 480)
  • Slower wired charging (18W)

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details are missing, but assuming both utilize IPS LCD panels, the comparison hinges on resolution and brightness. The BV8100’s focus on performance suggests a potentially higher refresh rate, though unconfirmed. The XR20’s display is likely tuned for outdoor visibility, a common trait in rugged phones, but without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to assess its superiority. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both to contribute to structural integrity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference hints at better image processing capabilities on the BV8100. The G99’s ISP is likely more advanced, allowing for faster image capture and potentially better low-light performance. The presence of a dedicated image signal processor (ISP) within the G99 will likely yield more detailed and vibrant photos compared to the XR20’s Snapdragon 480. We can assume both phones will include a standard array of lenses, but the BV8100’s processing power gives it an edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview BV8100’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) offers a significant performance advantage over the Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, are more powerful than the XR20’s Kryo 460 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 6nm process node of the G99 also translates to better power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. While the XR20 benefits from 5G, the G99’s superior CPU and GPU performance will be more noticeable in everyday tasks and gaming.

Battery Life

The Blackview BV8100’s 45W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Nokia XR20’s 18W wired charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times, crucial for users who need to quickly top up their battery on the go. The XR20 compensates with 15W wireless charging, offering convenience, but it’s slower overall. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the G99’s 6nm efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size, providing comparable real-world battery life despite the charging speed disparity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview BV8100 if you need a rugged phone for demanding tasks like mobile gaming, running resource-intensive apps, or frequent outdoor photography where quick charging is essential. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize 5G connectivity for remote work or streaming, value wireless charging convenience, and appreciate Nokia’s commitment to software updates and a cleaner Android experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Blackview BV8100 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99’s 6nm process node and efficient thermal design should mitigate overheating. While some throttling is possible, it’s less likely to be severe compared to older, less efficient chipsets. The BV8100’s rugged build likely incorporates heat dissipation features to further manage temperatures.
❓ Does the Nokia XR20’s 5G connectivity work with all carriers and bands?
The Nokia XR20 supports a range of 5G bands, but compatibility varies by carrier and region. It’s crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure the XR20 is fully compatible with their 5G network before purchasing. The Snapdragon 480 5G supports Sub-6GHz 5G, but lacks mmWave support.
❓ How durable is the Blackview BV8100 compared to other rugged phones?
Blackview is known for building exceptionally durable phones. The BV8100 likely meets MIL-STD-810H standards for shock, drop, and vibration resistance, and features an IP68 or IP69K rating for water and dust protection. However, specific drop test heights and water submersion depths should be verified with Blackview’s official specifications.