Cubot Max 3 vs Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Cubot Max 3 and Blackview BV9800 Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver functionality without breaking the bank, they take different approaches. The Max 3 prioritizes affordability, while the BV9800 Pro attempts to offer a more robust experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Blackview BV9800 Pro is the better choice. Its Helio P70 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Cubot Max 3’s Helio P22, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding applications. However, the Max 3 remains a viable option for basic use cases.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Max 3 Blackview BV9800 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 401, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced20212019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2021Discontinued
Body
Dimensions173 x 77 x 9.4 mm (6.81 x 3.03 x 0.37 in)168.5 x 81 x 14.8 mm (6.63 x 3.19 x 0.58 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-322 g (11.36 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 11Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashThermal imaging, LED flash
Triple48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, thermal assisted camera FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP4.1, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired
Type5000 mAh, removable6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, GreenBlack, Orange
Price-About 340 EUR

Cubot Max 3

  • Lower price point makes it accessible.
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
  • Likely to have a larger physical size for easier handling (assumption based on 'Max' branding).

  • Significantly slower processor.
  • Less responsive user experience.
  • Limited gaming capabilities.

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Faster and more efficient Helio P70 chipset.
  • 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups.
  • Improved multitasking and app loading speeds.

  • Higher price compared to the Cubot Max 3.
  • May have a shorter battery life under heavy load (despite efficient chipset) if battery capacity is smaller.
  • Rugged design may not appeal to all users.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and brightness are absent. However, the focus here isn't display quality; it's performance. The lack of high refresh rates on either device suggests neither is geared towards visually intensive tasks. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the P70’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced, potentially leading to slightly better image processing and noise reduction in the BV9800 Pro. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be limited. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities (if available) is crucial for assessing real-world camera performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P70 is a significant upgrade over the Cubot Max 3’s Helio P22. The P70 features a more modern CPU architecture – four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz versus the Max 3’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks, and a more noticeable difference in real-world application loading times and multitasking. The P70’s GPU is also considerably more capable, offering a better gaming experience. While both are built on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the P70 provide a clear advantage.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for the Cubot Max 3, but given its focus on affordability, it's likely to be comparable to or slightly smaller than the BV9800 Pro’s. The BV9800 Pro’s 18W wired charging is a key advantage. While not exceptionally fast, it’s significantly quicker than the charging speeds typically found on phones in this price range. This means less time tethered to a wall charger, a practical benefit for users on the go. The P70’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under load.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Max 3 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prefer a smoother user experience, occasionally play mobile games, or anticipate needing a phone that will remain responsive for longer. The BV9800 Pro is also a better choice for users who value faster charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Blackview BV9800 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P70 in the BV9800 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Don't expect flagship-level performance, but it will provide a playable experience, unlike the Cubot Max 3 which will struggle significantly.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Blackview BV9800 Pro a significant improvement over standard charging?
Yes, 18W charging is a noticeable upgrade in this price range. While not as fast as 30W or 65W charging found on more expensive phones, it will reduce charging times by approximately 30-50% compared to a standard 5W or 10W charger.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I actually notice between the Helio P22 and Helio P70 in everyday use?
You'll notice a difference in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness. The P70 will feel snappier and less prone to lag, especially when switching between apps or browsing the web. The Cubot Max 3 will feel noticeably slower in comparison.