Ulefone RugKing vs Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone RugKing and Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to deliver that, but they take different approaches to performance and longevity. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best blend of toughness and usability for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term battery life and sustained performance under load, the Ulefone RugKing is the better choice. Its Unisoc T7255 chipset, coupled with exceptional endurance (106:26h), provides a more reliable experience than the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s older Helio P70.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone RugKing 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, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, August2019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, September 15Discontinued
Body
Dimensions173.4 x 83.4 x 18.3 mm (6.83 x 3.28 x 0.72 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
Weight397 g (14.00 oz)322 g (11.36 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4-
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 60Hz, 910 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc T7255 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 15Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
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 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes (126dB)Yes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector pinsUSB 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, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired18W wired
Type9600 mAh6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 340 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery106:26h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone RugKing

  • Exceptional battery life (106:26h endurance)
  • Modern CPU architecture (Unisoc T7255)
  • 5W reverse wired charging for emergency power

  • Limited brand recognition compared to Blackview
  • Display specifications are unknown

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Established brand in the rugged phone market
  • Potentially wider accessory availability
  • Slightly higher CPU clock speed (A73 cores)

  • Older CPU architecture (Helio P70)
  • Likely shorter battery life
  • No reverse charging

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point and rugged focus, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution or refresh rate suggests neither prioritizes a premium visual experience. Users should expect functional clarity rather than vibrant colors or smooth scrolling. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the rugged phone segment often prioritizes durability over camera quality. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but image processing and sensor size will be key differentiators. The absence of information suggests neither phone will compete with flagship camera performance. Users should expect acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited practical value.

Performance

The Ulefone RugKing’s Unisoc T7255 (12nm) and the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm) are both mid-range chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The RugKing utilizes Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.0 GHz) alongside A55 cores (6x1.8 GHz), offering a more modern and efficient design than the BV9800 Pro’s Cortex-A73 (4x2.1 GHz) and A53 (4x2.0 GHz) configuration. While the BV9800 Pro’s A73 cores have a slightly higher clock speed, the A75 cores in the RugKing generally provide better sustained performance and power efficiency. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially less throttling during prolonged use. The 12nm process node is shared, meaning thermal performance will be similar, but the architectural advantage favors Ulefone.

Battery Life

This is where the Ulefone RugKing truly shines. Its 106:26h endurance rating is exceptional for a rugged phone, and the 1000 cycle lifespan suggests long-term battery health. The 18W wired charging is standard, but the 5W reverse wired charging adds a useful convenience feature. The Blackview BV9800 Pro, lacking endurance data, likely offers significantly less battery life. While both support 18W charging, the RugKing’s superior capacity and efficiency mean it will spend less time plugged in and offer more usable power throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone RugKing if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and you frequently use your device for extended periods outdoors or in demanding work environments. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prioritize a slightly more established brand in the rugged space and are willing to trade some battery life for potentially wider accessory availability, though the performance difference is minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T7255 in the Ulefone RugKing struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Unisoc T7255 isn't a flagship chipset, its Cortex-A75 cores provide sufficient power for moderate gaming. Expect playable frame rates at medium settings. However, prolonged gaming sessions may lead to some thermal throttling, reducing sustained performance. The Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Helio P70 will offer similar gaming performance.
❓ How does the 1000 charge cycle claim for the Ulefone RugKing translate to real-world use?
A 1000 charge cycle rating means the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This is a significant advantage over phones with lower cycle counts, indicating the RugKing’s battery will maintain its performance for a longer period, even with frequent use.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Ulefone RugKing useful for more than just emergencies?
While 5W reverse charging isn't fast, it's surprisingly versatile. It can slowly top up wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another phone in a pinch. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it's a convenient feature to have when outlets are scarce.