Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro vs. Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Rugged Smartphone Face-Off

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro and the Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to deliver that, but they diverge significantly in their approach to internal hardware. This comparison focuses on how those differences translate to real-world performance and usability, particularly given the Mini 20 Pro's newer chipset.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency over the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Helio P70, making it better suited for demanding tasks and sustained use.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro Blackview BV9800 Pro
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, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 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
Launch
Announced2024, September2019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions133.5 x 63.3 x 24.9 mm (5.26 x 2.49 x 0.98 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
Weight301 g (10.62 oz)322 g (11.36 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~373 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size4.7 inches, 53.3 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 14Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm Night vision camera-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaThermal imaging, LED flash
Triple-48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, thermal assisted camera FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsFingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 6200 mAh6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 340 EUR

Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
  • Faster charging speeds (33W wired, 15W wireless)
  • More power-efficient chipset (6nm process)

  • Price may be higher than the BV9800 Pro
  • Display specifications unknown, potential for average quality

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Established brand in the rugged phone market

  • Outdated processor (Helio P70)
  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Less efficient chipset (12nm process)

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the BV9800 Pro's age, it likely utilizes an older LCD panel. The Armor Mini 20 Pro, being a newer device, may benefit from improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Rugged phones often prioritize durability over display quality, so expect both to have relatively thick bezels and a focus on scratch resistance rather than peak brightness or resolution.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the age difference suggests the Armor Mini 20 Pro likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms. The BV9800 Pro, while potentially offering a decent camera for its time, will likely struggle in low-light conditions compared to a newer sensor paired with the Dimensity 6300’s ISP. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the BV9800 Pro is likely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Helio P70 (12nm). The Dimensity 6300’s newer Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, provide substantially more processing power than the P70’s Cortex-A73 cores at 2.1 GHz. The 6nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially longer battery life under load. This benefits users who engage in gaming, video editing, or run multiple apps simultaneously.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro’s 33W wired charging and 15W wireless charging are a clear advantage over the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s 18W wired charging. Faster charging significantly reduces downtime, especially important for users who rely on their phones throughout the day. The addition of 5W reverse wireless charging on the Mini 20 Pro is a convenient feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling modern apps, multitasking, and occasional gaming without significant slowdown. Its faster processor and wireless charging capabilities provide a more premium experience. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prioritize a lower initial cost and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, and light social media use, and aren't concerned with long-term performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P70 in the Blackview BV9800 Pro struggle with modern app updates and future Android versions?
Yes, the Helio P70 is an older chipset and may experience performance issues with newer, more demanding app updates and future Android versions. It lacks the processing power and efficiency of newer chipsets like the Dimensity 6300, potentially leading to lag and slowdowns over time.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Dimensity 6300 and the Helio P70 during everyday tasks?
During everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference might not be immediately noticeable. However, when multitasking, playing graphically intensive games, or using demanding apps, the Dimensity 6300 will provide a significantly smoother and more responsive experience due to its superior processing power and efficiency.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro's wireless charging work with all Qi-compatible chargers?
Generally, yes. The Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro supports the Qi wireless charging standard, meaning it should work with most Qi-compatible chargers. However, charging speeds may vary depending on the charger's output wattage. Using a 10W or 15W charger will provide optimal charging speeds.