Blackview has carved a niche in the affordable tablet space, but choosing between models like the Wave 8C and Tab 18 requires a closer look. The Wave 8C prioritizes extreme battery endurance, while the Tab 18 aims for a more modern experience with a significantly upgraded chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Blackview Tab 18 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset delivers a substantial performance boost over the Wave 8C’s Unisoc SC9863A, and 33W charging drastically reduces downtime. However, the Wave 8C remains a compelling option for those who absolutely need maximum battery life.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, November | 2023, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November | Available. Released 2023, November |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 277.6 x 173.2 x 7.9 mm (10.93 x 6.82 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 632 g (1.39 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~194 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 12.0 inches, 409.9 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD, 350 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), DokeOS 4.0 | Android 13, Doke OS_P 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM Radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 5W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 8800 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Purple, Dawn Blue, Dusk Black | Turquoise Green, Glacier Blue, Space Grey |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 71:45h endurance, 1100 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Blackview Wave 8C
- Exceptional battery life (71:45h endurance)
- Highly affordable
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Slow performance due to the Unisoc SC9863A
- Extremely slow 5W charging
- Likely outdated display technology
Blackview Tab 18
- Significantly faster performance with the Helio G99
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- More modern user experience
- Likely shorter battery life than the Wave 8C
- Potentially higher price point
- May experience some throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Tab 18's focus on a more modern experience, it's reasonable to expect a higher resolution and potentially a laminated display compared to the Wave 8C. The Wave 8C likely utilizes a more basic panel to keep costs down, prioritizing battery efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely larger on the Wave 8C as well.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera details beyond the chipsets, a detailed comparison is difficult. It's safe to assume both tablets feature basic camera setups geared towards casual use. The Tab 18’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G99 chipset will likely result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, even with similar sensor resolutions. The Wave 8C will likely struggle with image processing and detail retention.
Performance
The performance gap between these tablets is substantial. The Blackview Tab 18’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, represents a significant leap over the Wave 8C’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The G99’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a much more capable CPU for multitasking and demanding applications. The Wave 8C’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores are geared towards efficiency, not speed. This translates to noticeably slower app loading times and a less fluid user experience on the Wave 8C. The 6nm process of the G99 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
The Blackview Wave 8C boasts an impressive 71:45h endurance, a testament to its power-efficient chipset and likely larger battery capacity (though not specified). However, its 5W wired charging is painfully slow. The Tab 18, while likely having a shorter overall battery life due to the more powerful processor, compensates with 33W wired charging. This means significantly faster top-ups – a full charge will take considerably less time on the Tab 18, mitigating the impact of potentially lower endurance. The trade-off is clear: extreme longevity versus convenient recharging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Wave 8C if you need a tablet primarily for static content consumption – reading ebooks, browsing the web, or watching videos – and require exceptional battery life above all else. Its 71:45h endurance is unmatched in this price bracket. Buy the Blackview Tab 18 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for multitasking, light gaming, and general productivity, and value faster charging to minimize interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Tab 18 get noticeably hot during extended gaming sessions?
While the Helio G99 is more efficient than the SC9863A, it's still a capable processor. Some heat generation is expected during prolonged gaming. However, the 6nm process and Blackview’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling, maintaining a playable experience. The Wave 8C will likely remain cooler, but at the cost of significantly lower frame rates.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Blackview Wave 8C with its 5W charger?
With a 5W charger, a full charge on the Wave 8C will likely take upwards of 6-8 hours, potentially even longer depending on the battery capacity. This is a significant drawback for users who need a quick top-up. The Tab 18’s 33W charging will reduce this time to around 2-3 hours.
❓ Is the performance difference between the two tablets noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and video streaming?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Tab 18’s Helio G99 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, switching between apps, and streaming videos. The Wave 8C may exhibit lag and stuttering, especially with multiple apps open.
