BLU Tank Xtreme vs. Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The BLU Tank Xtreme represents an entry-level option, while the Blackview BV9900E aims for a more balanced approach with a significantly more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Blackview BV9900E is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power over the BLU Tank Xtreme’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. However, the Tank Xtreme remains a viable option for basic use cases where budget is the primary concern.

PHONES
Phone Names BLU Tank Xtreme Blackview BV9900E
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, January. Released 2020, January2020, September 10. Released 2020, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions153.6 x 71.8 x 10.2 mm (6.05 x 2.83 x 0.40 in)156.5 x 78.3 x 14.2 mm (6.16 x 3.08 x 0.56 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)273 g (9.63 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio)5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-T720PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 2GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-15W wired 18W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4200 mAh4380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Silver
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 260 EUR

BLU Tank Xtreme

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Weak processor performance
  • Limited multitasking capabilities
  • Likely outdated software support

Blackview BV9900E

  • Powerful Helio P90 chipset
  • 15W wired and 18W wireless charging
  • More responsive user experience

  • Higher price compared to BLU Tank Xtreme
  • May have a less streamlined software experience
  • Potentially larger size and weight due to larger battery

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the BV9900E’s higher market positioning, it likely features a higher resolution panel and potentially better color accuracy. The Tank Xtreme, being a budget device, likely utilizes a simpler LCD panel. The absence of details like refresh rate or peak brightness suggests both prioritize durability over display fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the BV9900E’s higher price point suggests a more capable camera system. While both devices likely include a standard rear camera setup, the BV9900E likely benefits from better image processing capabilities thanks to its more powerful chipset. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide significant photographic value, serving primarily as a marketing feature.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The BLU Tank Xtreme’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor is an entry-level configuration, suitable for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. In contrast, the Blackview BV9900E’s MediaTek Helio P90 chipset, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) built on a 12nm process, delivers substantially higher performance. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the Cortex-A55 cores handle background tasks efficiently. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to run more demanding applications on the BV9900E.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for the BLU Tank Xtreme, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Blackview BV9900E offers both 15W wired and 18W wireless charging, providing flexibility and convenience. While the wattage difference isn’t massive, the inclusion of wireless charging is a significant advantage. The 18W wireless charging, combined with a likely larger battery capacity (typical for Blackview’s rugged line), suggests the BV9900E will offer faster and more convenient charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the BLU Tank Xtreme if you need an extremely affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and minimal app usage. It’s ideal for those who prioritize cost above all else. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you prefer a more responsive and capable device that can handle demanding tasks, offers faster charging, and provides a smoother overall user experience, even if it comes at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the MediaTek Helio P90 in the Blackview BV9900E capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio P90 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 12nm process also helps with thermal management, reducing the likelihood of significant throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How durable is the BLU Tank Xtreme compared to other rugged phones?
The BLU Tank Xtreme is designed to be rugged, but its level of protection is likely less comprehensive than more expensive models like the Blackview BV9900E. It likely meets basic IP ratings for dust and water resistance, but may not offer the same level of drop protection or shock absorption.
❓ Does the Blackview BV9900E support NFC for contactless payments?
This information isn't provided in the context data. However, many Blackview rugged phones *do* include NFC. Checking the official product specifications on Blackview's website is recommended to confirm NFC support for this specific model.