The Blackview Color 8 and Doogee X96 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. The Color 8 prioritizes a more modern chipset, while the X96 Pro focuses on a lower entry cost. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Blackview Color 8 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance than the Doogee X96 Pro’s SC9863A, translating to a smoother user experience. While the X96 Pro is cheaper, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January | 2021, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January | Available. Released 2021, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 167.8 x 77.4 x 9.1 mm (6.61 x 3.05 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 | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 198 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13, Doke OS 4.0 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.76, 0.64µm, PDAF
Secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0, 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 5400 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ash Gray, Ripple Blue, Wisteria Purple | Black, Blue, Green, Red |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Blackview Color 8
- Significantly faster processor (Unisoc T616)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- May be slightly more expensive than the X96 Pro
- Camera performance likely similar to the X96 Pro
Doogee X96 Pro
- Lower price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer battery life if equipped with a larger capacity battery
- Slow processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less efficient chipset leading to potential overheating
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing, but both likely utilize budget-friendly LCDs. The focus here is on the internal hardware, not visual fidelity. The absence of high refresh rates is expected at this price point. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying on software processing to enhance image quality. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (potentially 2MP macro/depth sensors of limited utility). The image processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipsets are likely comparable, meaning image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. Expect acceptable results in good light, but significant noise and softness in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Color 8’s Unisoc Tiger T616, built on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This contrasts sharply with the Doogee X96 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a significantly older 28nm process, and utilizing only Cortex-A55 cores. The T616’s architecture provides a substantial performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. The GPU difference is also significant; the T616’s integrated GPU will deliver a noticeably smoother gaming experience, even at lower settings. The 28nm process of the SC9863A will also generate more heat and consume more power, impacting sustained performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but the difference in charging speeds is notable. The Blackview Color 8 supports 18W wired charging, while the Doogee X96 Pro is limited to 10W. This means the Color 8 will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the X96 Pro could offset the slower charging, the more efficient Unisoc T616 in the Color 8 will likely result in comparable or even better battery life in real-world usage, despite potentially having a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Color 8 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks, light multitasking, and occasional gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who value a responsive interface and want a device that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Doogee X96 Pro if your primary need is a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and minimal app usage, and you are operating on an extremely tight budget where every dollar counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee X96 Pro struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Unisoc SC9863A in the Doogee X96 Pro is a very basic chipset. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes, especially when multitasking. The Blackview Color 8’s T616 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the Blackview Color 8 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Blackview Color 8 is capable of playing some mobile games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. The Unisoc T616’s GPU can handle less intensive titles, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings for smoother gameplay. The Doogee X96 Pro will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With 18W charging, the Blackview Color 8 should fully charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. The Doogee X96 Pro, with its 10W charging, will likely take 4-5 hours or longer to reach a full charge.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Both phones will adequately handle calls and texts. However, the Blackview Color 8’s more responsive chipset will make even these basic tasks feel smoother and more enjoyable. If budget is the absolute primary concern, the Doogee X96 Pro will suffice, but the Color 8 offers a better overall experience even for basic use.
