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

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor 6S and Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to deliver that, but they approach it with subtly different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on the performance implications of their nearly identical MediaTek Helio P70 chipsets and the practical benefits for users who demand a phone that can withstand harsh conditions.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more refined wireless charging experience, the Ulefone Armor 6S emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same core chipset, the Armor 6S’s 10W wireless charging provides a convenient top-up option absent on the BV9800 Pro.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 6S 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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, September. Released 2019, October2019, 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
Weight270 g (9.52 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
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP-
FeaturesDual-LED 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 6S

  • Includes 10W wireless charging for added convenience.
  • Slightly higher Cortex-A53 CPU clock speed (2.1 GHz).
  • Potentially more refined software optimization.

  • May be slightly more expensive than the BV9800 Pro.
  • Limited information available on display specifications.

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point.
  • Robust build quality expected from Blackview.
  • Solid performance from the Helio P70 chipset.

  • Lacks wireless charging capability.
  • Slightly lower Cortex-A53 CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz).

Display Comparison

Both devices are expected to feature similar LCD panels, typical for the rugged segment, prioritizing visibility and durability over cutting-edge display technology. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are geared towards outdoor usability. The lack of information regarding PWM dimming rates is a concern, as lower rates can cause eye strain for sensitive users. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, prioritizing structural integrity over a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse, but the focus should be on practical image capture in challenging conditions, not high megapixel counts. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The Helio P70’s ISP is capable, but relies heavily on software processing. Expect decent performance in good lighting, but potential struggles in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

At the heart of both the Ulefone Armor 6S and Blackview BV9800 Pro lies the MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The CPU configuration is nearly identical – an octa-core setup with 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0/2.1 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The slight difference in Cortex-A53 clock speed (2.0 GHz on the BV9800 Pro vs 2.1 GHz on the Armor 6S) is unlikely to translate to a noticeable real-world performance difference. Thermal management will be crucial; the 12nm process node, while efficient, can still generate heat under sustained load. The lack of information on RAM type and speed limits our ability to assess multitasking performance, but both likely utilize LPDDR4X to balance cost and efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones offer 18W wired charging, a reasonable speed for this segment. The Armor 6S distinguishes itself with 10W wireless charging, a convenient feature for users who prefer cable-free top-ups. Battery capacity is not specified, but rugged phones typically prioritize larger batteries for extended use in the field. The 18W charging speed suggests a full charge will take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery size. Wireless charging, while slower, provides a valuable alternative when access to a power outlet is limited.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 6S if you need a reliable, durable phone with the added convenience of wireless charging and are comfortable with a slightly less aggressive price point. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower cost of entry and don't anticipate frequently using wireless charging, focusing instead on core rugged functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P70 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile on these phones?
The Helio P70 is a capable mid-range chipset, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. PUBG Mobile should be playable at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, expect some frame drops during intense action, and prolonged gaming sessions may lead to thermal throttling. Lowering graphics settings will improve performance and reduce heat.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on these phones – can they survive a significant drop?
Both the Ulefone Armor 6S and Blackview BV9800 Pro are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. They typically meet IP68 or IP69K standards, meaning they can survive submersion in water and are resistant to dust ingress. However, 'significant drop' is subjective. While they can handle everyday bumps and falls, dropping them onto concrete from a height of over 6 feet could still cause damage.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Ulefone Armor 6S significantly slower than wired charging?
Yes, 10W wireless charging is considerably slower than 18W wired charging. Expect a full wireless charge to take several hours, potentially overnight. However, it offers a convenient way to top up the battery throughout the day without needing a cable.