Ulefone Armor X10 vs. Blackview BV8800: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor X10 and Blackview BV8800 aim to deliver that, but they diverge significantly in their approach to performance and features. The X10 represents an entry-level option, while the BV8800 targets users who demand more processing power and faster charging in a robust package.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, the Ulefone Armor X10 offers a functional, if limited, experience. However, the Blackview BV8800 is the clear winner for those needing more performance, faster charging (33W vs 10W), and a more responsive user experience thanks to its Helio G96 chipset.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X10 Blackview BV8800
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, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2021, December 242021, December 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 24Available. Released 2022, January 10
Body
Dimensions158.2 x 76.7 x 14.6 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.57 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
Weight256 g (9.03 oz)367 g (12.95 oz)
 IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliantIP68/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
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 11, Doke-OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal32GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-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
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired, 31% in 30 min, 100% in 90 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 5180 mAh8380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack/GrayBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 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)

Ulefone Armor X10

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Rugged build quality for basic protection
  • Decent battery endurance for light use

  • Slow processor limits performance
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Likely lower display brightness

Blackview BV8800

  • Powerful Helio G96 processor
  • Fast 33W charging with reverse wired charging
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility

  • Higher price compared to the X10
  • Camera details are limited
  • May be slightly bulkier due to larger battery/components

Display Comparison

Both devices share a contrast ratio of 1348:1, suggesting similar panel characteristics in terms of black levels. However, the Blackview BV8800 boasts a measured peak brightness of 501 nits, which is crucial for outdoor visibility – a key requirement for rugged phones. While the X10’s display specs are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume a lower peak brightness given its lower price point. This makes the BV8800 more usable in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the BV8800’s more powerful processor likely enables more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on many phones in this segment is often a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor X10 utilizes the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core processor designed for basic tasks. In contrast, the Blackview BV8800 features the Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96, an octa-core processor with a more advanced architecture (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). This translates to a significantly faster and more responsive experience on the BV8800, particularly noticeable when multitasking or running demanding applications. The G96’s architecture allows for better sustained performance under load, avoiding the slowdowns likely experienced on the A22.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 199 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Blackview BV8800’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving 31% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in 90 minutes. The Ulefone Armor X10’s 10W charging is considerably slower, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. The BV8800 also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories in the field.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X10 if you need a basic, extremely affordable rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks, and battery life is more important than speed. Buy the Blackview BV8800 if you prefer a more powerful device capable of handling demanding apps, gaming, and benefit from significantly faster charging speeds, even if it comes at a higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Blackview BV8800's Helio G96 chipset get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G96 is a relatively efficient chipset, and Blackview typically incorporates cooling solutions in their rugged devices. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the G96's architecture and the BV8800's design should prevent significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience than the Ulefone Armor X10's Helio A22.
❓ Is the 199-hour endurance rating for both phones realistic for typical daily use?
The 199-hour endurance rating is based on a specific testing methodology and represents standby time with limited usage. Real-world battery life will vary significantly depending on usage patterns, including screen-on time, network connectivity, and app usage. However, it suggests both phones offer comparable battery longevity for moderate use.
❓ Can the Blackview BV8800 charge other devices wirelessly, or only via the reverse wired charging feature?
The Blackview BV8800 supports reverse *wired* charging, allowing you to use it as a power bank for other devices via a USB-C cable. It does *not* support wireless charging or wireless reverse charging.