Blackview’s Oscal C70 and A96 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a functional experience at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The Oscal C70 utilizes the Unisoc T606, prioritizing efficiency, while the A96 boasts the more powerful MediaTek Helio G99, geared towards improved gaming and responsiveness. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview A96 is the superior choice. The Helio G99 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the Unisoc T606, translating to smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While the C70 may offer slightly better efficiency, the A96’s 18W charging and overall responsiveness make it the more practical option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 20 | 2023, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2023, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.92 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 193.9 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke-OS 3.1 | Android 13, Doke OS 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
0.3 MP, (depth) | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5180 mAh, non-removable | 4380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dim Forest Green, Summer Sky Blue, Stardust Grey | Provence Purple, Obsidian Black |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Blackview Oscal C70
- Potentially better battery efficiency due to the Unisoc T606.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the Helio G99.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
- Less enjoyable gaming experience.
Blackview A96
- Superior performance with the MediaTek Helio G99.
- Faster 18W wired charging.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life compared to the C70.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Helio G99 can generate more heat under sustained load.
Display Comparison
Neither Blackview provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the core difference lies in the processing power driving the display. The Helio G99 in the A96 has a more capable GPU, which can better handle higher refresh rates if the panel supports it (a spec not provided). The Unisoc T606 in the C70 will likely deliver a standard 60Hz experience. Bezels are expected to be similar on both devices given their price bracket, and color accuracy will likely be average, requiring calibration for color-sensitive work.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensor, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing power of the Helio G99 in the A96 will likely result in better image processing, including noise reduction and dynamic range. The A96’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, allowing for faster image capture and more sophisticated algorithms. While both phones likely include standard features like HDR, the A96 will likely deliver more consistent results. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The MediaTek Helio G99 in the A96 is the clear winner here. Built on a 6nm process, it offers significantly improved power efficiency and performance compared to the Unisoc T606’s 12nm process. The G99’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – outperforms the C70’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The G99’s GPU is also considerably more powerful, making the A96 the better choice for gaming. Thermal management will be crucial; the 6nm node of the G99 should allow for sustained performance with less throttling than the T606.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the A96’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Oscal C70’s charging speed is unknown, but likely slower. The more efficient Helio G99 in the A96 will also contribute to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the C70. The 18W charging allows for a quicker top-up, reducing downtime and ensuring the phone is ready when you need it.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Oscal C70 if you prioritize absolute affordability and extended battery life for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. You’ll be content with its performance for these scenarios. Buy the Blackview A96 if you value a more responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding applications. The Helio G99 provides a noticeable performance boost that justifies the potential slight increase in price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the A96 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G99 is a capable chip, it can generate heat under sustained load. However, the 6nm process helps mitigate this, and Blackview likely implements thermal throttling to prevent overheating. Expect some performance reduction after extended gaming, but it shouldn't be severe enough to render the phone unusable.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Oscal C70 sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Oscal C70, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings significantly to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Helio G99 in the A96 offers a far superior gaming experience for titles like PUBG.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Blackview A96 with the 18W charger?
While a precise 0-100% charge time isn't available, expect the A96 to fully charge in approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours with the included 18W charger. This is considerably faster than the likely charging time of the Oscal C70, assuming it uses a slower charger.
❓ Are either of these phones suitable for video editing or other resource-intensive tasks?
Neither phone is ideally suited for demanding tasks like video editing. The Unisoc T606 is particularly underpowered for such workloads. The Helio G99 in the A96 can handle basic video editing, but expect long processing times and potential performance limitations.
