Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra vs. Blackview BV8800: A Rugged Smartphone Battle

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, with Ulefone and Blackview consistently delivering durable devices. This comparison pits the newly released Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra, powered by the flagship Mediatek Dimensity 9300+, against the established Blackview BV8800, a more budget-conscious option featuring the Helio G96. We’ll dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users demanding top-tier performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset offers a massive leap in processing power and efficiency. However, the Blackview BV8800 remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing affordability and acceptable performance for everyday tasks.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra Blackview BV8800
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, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2025, February2021, December 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, March 17Available. Released 2022, January 10
Body
Dimensions174.2 x 83.6 x 19.4 mm (6.86 x 3.29 x 0.76 in)176.2 x 83.5 x 17.7 mm (6.94 x 3.29 x 0.70 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight450 g (0.99 lb)367 g (12.95 oz)
 -IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus, Mohs level 4-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 600 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G720 MC12Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14, upgradable to Android 15Android 11, Doke-OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/1.8, (IR camera), 2 IR emitters Auxiliary lens
Single-16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 4 infrared lights 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen2, Display Port 1.4, OTG, accessory connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging120W wired, PPS, 40% in 10 min 50W wireless, 35% in 30 min 10W reverse wired33W wired, 31% in 30 min, 100% in 90 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Ion 10600 mAh8380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
Price$ 749.99 / C$ 1,399.99 / € 799.99About 350 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 199h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1348:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -29.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 254849 (v8), 288964 (v9) GeekBench: 1752 (v5.1) GFXBench: 10fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
EU LABEL
Battery112:30h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra

  • Exceptional performance with Dimensity 9300+
  • Ultra-fast 120W wired and 50W wireless charging
  • Potentially superior display quality

  • Likely higher price point
  • Detailed camera specs currently unknown

Blackview BV8800

  • More affordable price
  • Decent battery endurance for basic use
  • Rugged build quality

  • Outdated Helio G96 chipset
  • Slow charging speeds
  • Lower display brightness and contrast

Display Comparison

The Blackview BV8800 features a display with a 1348:1 contrast ratio and a measured peak brightness of 501 nits. While adequate for outdoor visibility, it lacks the advanced features expected in this price range. The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra’s display specifications are currently unavailable, but given its flagship positioning, we anticipate a higher peak brightness and potentially a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling. The BV8800’s contrast ratio, while decent, suggests a standard LCD panel, whereas the Armor 28 Ultra could potentially incorporate newer panel technology.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited for the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra. The Blackview BV8800’s camera system is likely to be a standard configuration for its price point. Without specific sensor details for the Ulefone, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, given its flagship status, we expect a larger main sensor and more advanced image processing algorithms, potentially including features like 8K video recording. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the BV8800 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) chipset, with its octa-core configuration (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720), represents a significant generational leap over the Blackview BV8800’s Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12nm). The Dimensity 9300+’s 4nm process node delivers superior power efficiency and thermal management, minimizing throttling during sustained workloads. The G96’s octa-core setup (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is geared towards mid-range performance, suitable for everyday tasks but struggling with demanding games or applications. The Armor 28 Ultra will offer a dramatically smoother and more responsive user experience.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra boasts an impressive battery endurance rating of 112:30h, coupled with support for 120W wired charging (40% in 10 minutes) and 50W wireless charging (35% in 30 minutes). This significantly surpasses the Blackview BV8800’s 199h endurance and 33W wired charging (31% in 30 minutes, 100% in 90 minutes). While the BV8800’s endurance rating is respectable, the Armor 28 Ultra’s faster charging speeds and potentially larger battery capacity provide a more convenient and efficient user experience. The 1000 charge cycles promised by Ulefone also suggest a longer battery lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra if you need uncompromising performance for demanding applications like gaming, video editing, or professional use, and value the fastest possible charging speeds. Buy the Blackview BV8800 if you prefer a more affordable rugged phone for basic communication, navigation, and light media consumption, and aren't concerned with having the latest and greatest processor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra's Dimensity 9300+ chipset generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 9300+'s 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets like the Helio G96. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the Armor 28 Ultra should manage temperatures more effectively, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance.
❓ Is the Blackview BV8800's 33W charging speed sufficient for quick top-ups throughout the day?
33W charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. While it will charge the device overnight, a quick top-up during a short break will only yield around 31% charge in 30 minutes. Users who frequently need to recharge during the day may find this speed inconvenient.
❓ How does the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra's reverse wired charging compare to the Blackview BV8800?
The Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra offers 10W reverse wired charging, while the Blackview BV8800 also supports reverse wired charging, though the wattage is unspecified. This feature allows you to use the phone as a power bank for smaller devices like earbuds or smartwatches, but the charging speed is relatively slow.
❓ What level of water and dust resistance can I expect from both devices?
Both the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra and Blackview BV8800 are designed to meet rugged standards. While specific IP ratings are not provided in the context data, rugged phones typically achieve IP68 or IP69K ratings, offering protection against dust, water immersion, and extreme temperatures. Check the manufacturer's specifications for precise details.