The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but often at the expense of performance. Both the Cubot KingKong Mini 2 Pro and Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to bridge this gap, offering robust builds alongside varying levels of processing power. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best balance for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and smoother multitasking, the Blackview BV9800 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio P70 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the KingKong Mini 2 Pro’s Helio P22, justifying the potential price difference. However, the Mini 2 Pro remains a viable option for basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2019, October 28. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 119 x 58 x 12.5 mm (4.69 x 2.28 x 0.49 in) | 168.5 x 81 x 14.8 mm (6.63 x 3.19 x 0.58 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 122.7 g (4.34 oz) | 322 g (11.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 1080 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~302 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 41.3 cm2 (~59.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Thermal imaging, LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, thermal assisted camera
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 3000 mAh | 6580 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Red, Black/Orange | Black, Orange |
| Price | - | About 340 EUR |
Cubot KingKong Mini 2 Pro
- Highly compact and portable design
- Affordable price point
- Rugged build quality for durability
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially lower-resolution display
Blackview BV9800 Pro
- Faster and more responsive Helio P70 processor
- 18W fast charging for reduced downtime
- Likely superior camera performance
- Larger and less pocketable form factor
- Potentially higher price
- May have slightly lower battery life due to increased processing power
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, we can infer the KingKong Mini 2 Pro likely utilizes a smaller, lower-resolution panel to maintain its compact form factor. The BV9800 Pro, being a larger device, likely features a larger display with a higher resolution. Color accuracy and peak brightness are likely similar, targeting functional visibility rather than cinematic quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of rugged designs prioritizing protection.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the market trend suggests the BV9800 Pro likely features a more sophisticated camera system. While both phones likely include multiple lenses, the P70’s image signal processor (ISP) offers superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is more probable on the BV9800 Pro, enhancing low-light performance and video stabilization. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P70, with its 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 cores, represents a significant architectural upgrade over the Cubot KingKong Mini 2 Pro’s Helio P22. The P70’s A73 cores offer substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the P70’s more efficient architecture and faster clock speeds translate to a smoother user experience, particularly when multitasking or running demanding applications. The P22’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are noticeably slower, making the Mini 2 Pro feel sluggish in comparison. The BV9800 Pro will handle gaming at moderate settings far better.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Blackview BV9800 Pro benefits from 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the KingKong Mini 2 Pro. Faster charging reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery. While a larger mAh capacity is always desirable, the 18W charging on the BV9800 Pro effectively mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, providing a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong Mini 2 Pro if you need an extremely compact and affordable rugged phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage. Its focus is on durability and portability above all else. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prefer a more capable device for moderate gaming, demanding apps, and faster overall performance, and appreciate the convenience of 18W fast charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview BV9800 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P70 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but the experience should be playable. The KingKong Mini 2 Pro’s Helio P22 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the ruggedness of the Cubot KingKong Mini 2 Pro sufficient for construction or heavy-duty work environments?
The KingKong Mini 2 Pro offers a good level of ruggedness for everyday drops and splashes, but it's not designed for extreme conditions. Construction sites or environments with frequent, severe impacts may exceed its durability limits. The BV9800 Pro, being a larger device, likely offers a more robust build.
❓ Does the Blackview BV9800 Pro support NFC for contactless payments?
This information isn't provided in the specifications. However, Blackview often includes NFC in their Pro models, so it's a strong possibility. Checking the official product page or user reviews is recommended to confirm NFC support.
