Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra vs. Blackview BV8800: A Rugged Smartphone Face-Off

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of durability and performance. We pit the newly released Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra, powered by the flagship Mediatek Dimensity 9300+, against the established Blackview BV8800, a more budget-conscious option featuring the Helio G96. This comparison dives deep into the core differences to help you choose the right tool for your demanding lifestyle.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset delivers a generational leap in processing power. However, the Blackview BV8800 remains a compelling choice for those seeking a capable rugged phone at a significantly lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 29 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, 32, 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, August2021, December 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, August 18Available. Released 2022, January 10
Body
Dimensions177.3 x 85.6 x 33.8 mm (6.98 x 3.37 x 1.33 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
Weight688 g (1.52 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 5, 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 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 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 15Android 11, Doke-OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED 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, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (night vision), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 4 infrared lights 50 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (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, 20% in 10 min 10W reverse wired33W wired, 31% in 30 min, 100% in 90 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 21200 mAh8380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
Price$ 877.91 / £ 639.99 / € 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 29 Ultra

  • Unmatched performance with Dimensity 9300+
  • Ultra-fast 120W charging
  • Exceptional battery endurance (112:30h)

  • Higher price point
  • Detailed camera specs currently unavailable

Blackview BV8800

  • Affordable price
  • Rugged and durable build
  • Decent battery life for basic use

  • Outdated Helio G96 chipset
  • Slow charging speed (33W)
  • Limited performance for demanding tasks

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 29 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 visuals. The BV8800’s contrast ratio, while respectable, suggests a standard LCD panel, whereas the Armor 29 Ultra may incorporate more advanced panel technology.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited for the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra. The Blackview BV8800’s camera system is not detailed enough to provide a meaningful comparison beyond its basic functionality. The absence of specific sensor details for the Ulefone suggests a focus on overall image processing capabilities leveraging the Dimensity 9300+'s ISP. Users seeking advanced photographic features should await further details on the Armor 29 Ultra’s camera setup.

Performance

This is where the chasm between these two devices becomes apparent. The Ulefone Armor 29 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 leap in processing power compared to the Blackview BV8800’s Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12nm). The Dimensity 9300+’s 4nm process node translates to superior thermal efficiency and reduced power consumption, 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 graphically intensive applications. The Armor 29 Ultra will deliver a far smoother and more responsive experience, particularly in gaming and multitasking.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra boasts an impressive 112:30h endurance rating and supports 120W wired charging, achieving 20% charge in just 10 minutes. This rapid charging capability is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The Blackview BV8800, with a 199h endurance rating, offers considerably less battery life. Its 33W charging takes 30 minutes for 31% and 90 minutes for a full charge. While the BV8800’s endurance is respectable, the Armor 29 Ultra’s combination of longer endurance and significantly faster charging provides a superior user experience. The Armor 29 Ultra also claims 1000 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like mobile gaming, video editing, or running complex applications in the field. Its 120W charging and advanced chipset will keep you productive. Buy the Blackview BV8800 if you prioritize affordability and a reliable, durable device for basic communication, navigation, and photography – a solid workhorse without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 29 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. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the chipset's architecture and Ulefone's thermal management system should mitigate significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience compared to the Blackview BV8800.
❓ Is the Blackview BV8800's Helio G96 chipset sufficient for running navigation apps and basic communication while working outdoors?
Yes, the Helio G96 is perfectly capable of handling navigation apps, calls, and messaging. It's designed for everyday tasks and won't struggle with these core functionalities. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when multitasking or using more demanding applications.
❓ How does the 120W charging on the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra compare to the 33W charging on the Blackview BV8800 in real-world usage?
The 120W charging on the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra is dramatically faster. Achieving 20% charge in 10 minutes is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost. The Blackview BV8800's 33W charging, while functional, requires significantly longer to reach a full charge, making it less convenient for those on the go.