Sonim XP Pro vs. Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Sonim XP Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds and improved efficiency compared to the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Helio P70. While the Blackview offers a lower price point, the XP Pro’s superior performance justifies the cost for demanding users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP Pro | Blackview BV9800 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 70, 71, 77, 78, 257, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, November 21 | 2019, October 28. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November 21 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 171 x 80 x 12 mm (6.73 x 3.15 x 0.47 in) | 168.5 x 81 x 14.8 mm (6.63 x 3.19 x 0.58 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 277 g (9.77 oz) | 322 g (11.36 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~76.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 14, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash | Thermal imaging, LED flash |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF 13 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, thermal assisted camera FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (100dB+) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, magnetic connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wireless charging | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6580 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange |
| Price | About 530 EUR | About 340 EUR |
Sonim XP Pro
- Significantly faster processor with Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Improved power efficiency and thermal management
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Likely higher price point
- Specific display details unavailable
Blackview BV9800 Pro
- More affordable price
- Rugged design for durability
- Wired charging available
- Outdated Helio P70 chipset
- Slower charging speeds (18W)
- Lower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given Sonim’s focus on outdoor visibility, we can infer the XP Pro likely features a brighter panel. The Blackview BV9800 Pro, being an older model, may suffer from lower color accuracy and narrower viewing angles. Bezels are likely larger on the Blackview due to its age. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, the focus should be on the main sensor capabilities. Without specific sensor sizes, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 will offer superior image processing capabilities compared to the Helio P70, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality on the Sonim XP Pro. The 2MP macro cameras often found on devices like the Blackview are generally of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Sonim XP Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, meaning less throttling during sustained tasks. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s CPU configuration – a mix of Cortex-A715 cores – provides a substantial performance advantage over the Helio P70’s Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Sonim. The XP Pro will handle demanding applications and games with ease, while the BV9800 Pro will likely struggle with newer, more resource-intensive titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s superior power efficiency will likely result in longer battery life for the Sonim XP Pro, even with a similar battery capacity to the Blackview BV9800 Pro. The Blackview’s 18W wired charging is significantly slower than the wireless charging capability of the Sonim XP Pro, offering a more convenient charging experience for the XP Pro user. A full charge on the Blackview will take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sonim XP Pro if you need a reliable, high-performing rugged phone for demanding work environments or frequent outdoor use, and value long-term software support. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prioritize affordability and basic rugged functionality for occasional outdoor adventures or as a secondary, durable device. The Blackview is a good option for those on a tight budget who don't require cutting-edge performance.