Umidigi Bison 2 vs Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The Umidigi Bison 2 and Blackview BV9900E both target the increasingly popular rugged smartphone market, offering durability alongside core smartphone functionality. While both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio P90 chipset, key differences in charging capabilities and feature sets create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone delivers the best value for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balance of affordability and reliable performance, the Umidigi Bison 2 emerges as the slightly stronger choice. While the Blackview BV9900E offers the convenience of wireless charging, the Bison 2’s lower price point and comparable performance make it a more compelling overall package.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison 2 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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 / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced20222020, September 10. Released 2020, September
StatusAvailable. Released 2022Discontinued
Body
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 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
Weight280 g (9.88 oz)273 g (9.63 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio P90 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GM9446PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 12Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Triple48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 16 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps
Selfie camera
Single24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired 18W wireless
Type6150 mAh4380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Silver
Price-About 260 EUR

Umidigi Bison 2

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Comparable CPU and GPU performance to BV9900E
  • Reliable 18W wired charging

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Camera specifications are unknown

Blackview BV9900E

  • Convenient 18W wireless charging
  • Offers both wired and wireless charging options
  • Potentially more refined software experience (brand reputation)

  • Slightly higher price compared to Bison 2
  • Wired charging is slower than Bison 2 (15W vs 18W)

Display Comparison

Both the Umidigi Bison 2 and Blackview BV9900E likely feature IPS LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Specific details like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but rugged phones prioritize visibility in direct sunlight. The absence of high refresh rate panels is expected, focusing instead on power efficiency. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing structural integrity and drop protection over a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are not detailed enough to draw significant conclusions. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size, lens aperture, and image processing algorithms – details not provided. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical utility. Image quality will likely be adequate for social media sharing but shouldn't be expected to compete with flagship smartphones.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Helio P90 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two. The GPU performance will also be comparable. However, thermal management, which isn't specified, could differentiate real-world sustained performance. The lack of information on RAM type (LPDDR4X is likely) and speed prevents a deeper analysis, but the Helio P90 is capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Blackview BV9900E gains an advantage with its 15W wired *and* 18W wireless charging capabilities. While the Umidigi Bison 2 offers 18W wired charging, the lack of wireless charging is a notable omission for users who value that convenience. The higher wireless charging wattage on the BV9900E suggests a potentially faster wireless charging experience, though real-world charging times will depend on the charger used.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison 2 if you need a highly durable phone for work or outdoor activities and prioritize value for money. Its 18W wired charging is sufficient for most users, and the lower price allows for accessories or extended warranties. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you frequently utilize wireless charging and value the convenience it provides, even at a slightly higher cost. The BV9900E is also a better fit for users who prefer a more versatile charging solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P90 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio P90 is a capable chipset, but it's not a flagship performer. You can expect playable frame rates in PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. However, prolonged gaming sessions may lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance. Lowering graphics settings will improve stability.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on these phones? Can they survive a significant drop?
Both the Umidigi Bison 2 and Blackview BV9900E are built to withstand drops, dust, and water immersion. They likely meet IP68 or IP69K standards, but the specific level of protection varies. While they can survive significant drops, it's not a guarantee against all damage. The level of protection is designed for accidental drops, not intentional abuse.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Blackview BV9900E significantly faster than wired charging on the Umidigi Bison 2?
While the Blackview BV9900E offers 18W wireless charging, it's generally slower than 18W wired charging. The Bison 2's 18W wired charging will likely result in a faster 0-100% charge time compared to the BV9900E's wireless charging.