Cubot Max 5 vs. Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Performance and Ruggedness

The Cubot Max 5 and Blackview BV9900E represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Max 5 aggressively targets performance with a modern Dimensity 8200 chipset, while the BV9900E prioritizes durability and features like wireless charging, leveraging the older but reliable Helio P90. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing speed and future-proofing, the Cubot Max 5 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the Blackview BV9900E’s Helio P90. However, the BV9900E remains a compelling option for those needing wireless charging and a more ruggedized build.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Max 5 Blackview BV9900E
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, July 032020, September 10. Released 2020, September
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, July 22Discontinued
Body
Dimensions173.9 x 78.9 x 9.2 mm (6.85 x 3.11 x 0.36 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
Weight223 g (7.87 oz)273 g (9.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC
Internal256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, AF16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTG, DisplayPortUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging33W wired15W wired 18W wireless
Type5100 mAh4380 mAh
Misc
ColorsTech Black, Pearl WhiteBlack, Silver
Price€ 299.95 / $ 219.99About 260 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery29:38h endurance, 900 cycles-
EnergyClass E-
Free fallClass B (180 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Cubot Max 5

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 8200)
  • Superior power efficiency (4nm process)
  • Longer battery endurance (29:38h)

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially less durable build quality

Blackview BV9900E

  • Wireless charging support (18W)
  • Ruggedized design for enhanced durability
  • Established brand reputation in rugged phones

  • Significantly slower processor (Helio P90)
  • Less efficient chipset (12nm process)
  • Slower wired charging (15W)

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, but given the price points, both devices likely feature LCD panels. The focus here is on internal performance. The lack of information on refresh rates or resolution makes a direct comparison impossible, but the Max 5’s processing power could potentially drive higher frame rates in games if paired with a capable display.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent, but we can infer that the Blackview BV9900E, being a rugged phone, might prioritize a more durable camera module. However, the Dimensity 8200 in the Cubot Max 5 includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of handling more complex image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better image quality even with similar sensors. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Cubot Max 5’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Blackview BV9900E’s Helio P90 (12nm). The Dimensity 8200’s octa-core configuration – 1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides significantly more processing power and efficiency than the Helio P90’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 8200 translates to lower heat generation and sustained performance under load, crucial for gaming and demanding applications. The Helio P90, while capable, will struggle with newer, more resource-intensive titles.

Battery Life

The Cubot Max 5 boasts an impressive 29:38h endurance and a claimed 900 battery cycles, suggesting a focus on longevity. The Blackview BV9900E offers 15W wired and 18W wireless charging, a convenience the Max 5 lacks. While the Max 5’s endurance is excellent, the 33W wired charging will likely provide faster top-ups than the BV9900E’s 15W wired option. The inclusion of wireless charging on the BV9900E is a significant advantage for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Max 5 if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior processing power and efficient 4nm chipset will provide a smoother, more responsive experience. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you prioritize durability, wireless charging convenience, and a more established track record in the rugged phone space, even if it means sacrificing raw performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P90 in the Blackview BV9900E struggle with graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact?
Yes, the Helio P90 is likely to struggle with Genshin Impact and similar titles. You’ll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates, and even then, expect some stuttering. The Dimensity 8200 in the Cubot Max 5 is far better equipped to handle these games at higher settings.
❓ How does the 4nm process of the Dimensity 8200 impact real-world usage on the Cubot Max 5?
The 4nm process node means the Dimensity 8200 consumes less power for the same level of performance compared to the 12nm Helio P90. This translates to longer battery life, less heat generation during intensive tasks, and sustained performance without significant throttling. You'll notice this most during extended gaming sessions or when using demanding apps.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Blackview BV9900E worth sacrificing the faster processing power of the Cubot Max 5?
That depends on your priorities. If wireless charging is a must-have feature for you and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media, the BV9900E might be a good fit. However, if you value performance for gaming, video editing, or multitasking, the Cubot Max 5 is the better choice.