Ulefone Armor 6E vs. Blackview BV9800 Pro: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor 6E and Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with subtly different hardware configurations. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on performance, battery, and the practical implications of their specifications for users who demand a phone that can withstand harsh conditions.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more streamlined experience, the Ulefone Armor 6E emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same Helio P70 chipset, the Armor 6E’s slightly optimized CPU clock speed and inclusion of wireless charging offer a marginal, but noticeable, advantage in everyday use.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 6E Blackview BV9800 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, May. Released 2019, May2019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions166 x 83 x 13.3 mm (6.54 x 3.27 x 0.52 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
Weight267.5 g (9.45 oz)322 g (11.36 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant-
Display
Resolution1080 x 2246 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaThermal imaging, LED flash
Triple-48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, thermal assisted camera FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor, uv sensorFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired 10W wireless18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, RedBlack, Orange
Price-About 340 EUR

Ulefone Armor 6E

  • Slightly faster Cortex-A53 CPU clock speed.
  • Includes 10W wireless charging.
  • Potentially more optimized software experience.

  • No detailed display specifications available.
  • Camera performance likely average for the price range.

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Reputation for extreme ruggedness (based on brand history).
  • Potentially lower price point.
  • Solid build quality expected.

  • Lacks wireless charging.
  • Slightly slower Cortex-A53 CPU clock speed.

Display Comparison

Neither Ulefone nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given the price point and target market, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both operate at a standard 60Hz. The real-world impact will be similar viewing experiences, with color accuracy and brightness being key differentiators not specified here. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within a ruggedized frame.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the target market, both phones likely prioritize durability over cutting-edge camera technology. Expect competent, but not exceptional, image quality in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image processing will likely be the key differentiator, with each brand employing its own algorithms to enhance photos. Without sample images, it’s difficult to assess which phone produces more pleasing results.

Performance

Both the Ulefone Armor 6E and Blackview BV9800 Pro are powered by the Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm). The CPU configuration is nearly identical: an octa-core setup with 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores in the BV9800 Pro versus 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53 in the Armor 6E. This slight difference in the Cortex-A53 clock speed is unlikely to be noticeable in most real-world scenarios. The Helio P70 is a capable mid-range chipset suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, but it will struggle with demanding titles at high settings. Thermal management will be crucial; the 12nm process node isn't the most efficient, and sustained loads could lead to throttling. The lack of information on RAM and storage speeds (LPDDR4x vs LPDDR3, eMMC vs UFS) further complicates a definitive performance assessment.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The absence of battery capacity information makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the Armor 6E adds 10W wireless charging, a convenience feature the BV9800 Pro lacks. Wireless charging is beneficial for users who frequently top up their phones throughout the day or prefer a cable-free experience. The Helio P70’s efficiency, combined with the battery capacity (which is likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range for both), should provide all-day battery life for moderate usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 6E if you need a reliable, durable phone for work or outdoor activities and value the convenience of wireless charging. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a balance between performance and practicality. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prefer a phone with a potentially more robust build (based on brand reputation for extreme ruggedness) and don't require wireless charging, potentially saving a small amount of money.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P70 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio P70 is a mid-range chipset and will likely require reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve a playable experience in demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect some frame drops and potential stuttering, especially during intense action sequences. Lowering the resolution and graphics quality will improve performance, but at the cost of visual fidelity.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on these phones? Can they survive a significant drop?
Both the Ulefone Armor 6E and Blackview BV9800 Pro are built to withstand drops, shocks, and water immersion. However, the degree of protection varies. Blackview has a stronger brand reputation for extreme ruggedness, often exceeding IP68 standards. While both phones are likely IP68 rated (waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), the BV9800 Pro may offer greater resistance to damage from falls and impacts. It's important to note that 'rugged' doesn't mean indestructible; excessive force can still cause damage.
❓ Is the 18W charging fast enough, or should I expect a long charging time?
18W charging is relatively standard for this price range. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the battery capacity (likely between 4000-5000 mAh). While not the fastest charging available, it's sufficient for overnight charging or topping up during downtime. The Ulefone Armor 6E’s addition of 10W wireless charging offers a slower, but more convenient, alternative.