Ulefone Armor Mini 20 vs Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 and the Blackview BV9900E aim to deliver that, but they approach it with different internal hardware. This comparison focuses on how those differences translate into real-world performance, battery life, and charging convenience, particularly given the age gap between the two devices.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 is the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, coupled with superior battery endurance (58:42h vs unknown for BV9900E), provides a more modern and efficient experience. While the BV9900E offers 18W wireless charging, the Mini 20’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Blackview BV9900E
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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, September2020, September 10. Released 2020, September
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions133.5 x 63.3 x 24.9 mm (5.26 x 2.49 x 0.98 in)156.5 x 78.3 x 14.2 mm (6.16 x 3.08 x 0.56 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight301 g (10.62 oz)273 g (9.63 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~373 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size4.7 inches, 53.3 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio)5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 14Android 10
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 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
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 jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless 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-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
Charging33W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless15W wired 18W wireless
TypeLi-Po 6200 mAh4380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Silver
Price-About 260 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery58:42h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Ulefone Armor Mini 20

  • Superior chipset (Helio G99) for better performance
  • Exceptional battery endurance (58:42h)
  • Faster wired and wireless charging options

  • Rugged design may be bulky for some users
  • Camera performance likely average

Blackview BV9900E

  • 18W wireless charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability

  • Older chipset (Helio P90) with lower efficiency
  • Slower wired charging (15W)
  • Likely shorter battery life

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the BV9900E’s older chipset, it’s likely to have a less efficient panel. Rugged phones often prioritize durability over display quality, so expect standard LCD panels rather than OLED. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to contribute to shock absorption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a precise comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones rarely prioritize camera performance. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, but image quality will depend heavily on sensor size, aperture, and software processing. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone will excel in photography, focusing instead on durability.

Performance

The Ulefone Armor Mini 20’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant leap over the Blackview BV9900E’s Helio P90 (12nm). The G99’s smaller fabrication node translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management. Both CPUs feature a similar core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), but the G99’s architecture is more refined. This means the Mini 20 will handle multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming with greater ease and less throttling. The P90, while capable, will show its age in more intensive tasks.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor Mini 20 boasts an impressive 58:42 hours of endurance, a testament to the efficiency of the Helio G99. The BV9900E’s battery life is unknown, but given the older, less efficient chipset, it’s likely to fall short. The Mini 20 also offers faster wired charging at 33W, compared to the BV9900E’s 15W. Furthermore, the Mini 20 includes 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging, adding convenience. The BV9900E counters with 18W wireless, but the slower wired charging and potentially shorter battery life make the Mini 20 the more versatile option.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 if you prioritize long-lasting battery life, smoother application performance, and future-proofing with a newer chipset. It’s ideal for users who frequently work outdoors, travel, or need a phone that can withstand harsh conditions without constant charging. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you specifically need 18W wireless charging and can find it at a significantly lower price point, accepting the trade-off in processing power and potentially battery longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio P90 in the Blackview BV9900E struggle with modern gaming?
Yes, the Helio P90, while capable for basic tasks, will likely struggle with demanding games at higher settings. Expect frame drops and potential overheating during extended gaming sessions. The Ulefone Armor Mini 20’s Helio G99 is significantly better equipped for gaming due to its more efficient architecture.
❓ How does the 33W charging on the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 compare to the 15W charging on the Blackview BV9900E in real-world use?
The 33W charging on the Mini 20 will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a much faster 0-100% charge compared to the BV9900E’s 15W charging. This is particularly beneficial for users who need to quickly top up their battery before heading out.
❓ Is the 1000 charge cycle claim for the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 battery realistic?
While 1000 charge cycles is an ambitious claim, it suggests Ulefone has used high-quality battery cells and implemented charging management software to prolong battery lifespan. It doesn't guarantee the battery will retain 100% capacity after 1000 cycles, but it indicates a commitment to battery longevity.