Umidigi Bison X20 vs Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Mid-Rangers

Both the Umidigi Bison X20 and Blackview BV9800 Pro cater to the growing demand for durable, rugged smartphones. However, beneath their tough exteriors lie different approaches to performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects the key specifications to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing resilience and reliability.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a dependable rugged phone, the Blackview BV9800 Pro is the better choice. Its Helio P70 chipset offers a slight performance advantage, and the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Bison X20’s slower 10W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison X20 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced20242019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2024Discontinued
Body
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 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
Weight278 g (9.81 oz)322 g (11.36 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Helio P60 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 13Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flashThermal 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/2.2, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP4.1, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB 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, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired
Type6000 mAh6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite BlackBlack, Orange
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 340 EUR

Umidigi Bison X20

  • Lower price point makes it accessible.
  • Rugged design provides excellent durability.
  • Adequate performance for basic tasks.

  • Slow 10W charging is a significant drawback.
  • Helio P60 chipset is less powerful than the P70.
  • Likely lower quality camera system.

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Faster 18W charging reduces downtime.
  • Helio P70 chipset offers a performance boost.
  • Potentially better camera system with larger sensor.

  • Higher price compared to the Umidigi Bison X20.
  • Rugged design may be bulky.
  • Software updates may be infrequent.

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The BV9800 Pro, being positioned slightly higher, may benefit from a marginally better color calibration or slightly higher peak brightness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing durability over a modern, edge-to-edge design.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. It’s reasonable to assume the BV9800 Pro, being the more premium device, will have a larger primary sensor, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the BV9800 Pro would further enhance image quality, particularly in video recording. The presence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to their small sensor size and low resolution.

Performance

The Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P70 chipset represents a modest upgrade over the Umidigi Bison X20’s Helio P60. While both are 12nm chips utilizing the same Cortex-A73 and A53 core configuration, the P70’s cores clock slightly higher – 2.1 GHz vs 2.0 GHz for the A73 cores. This translates to a small but noticeable improvement in application launch times and overall system responsiveness. The P70 also features a more efficient Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks, though the real-world impact on these devices is likely minimal. Both phones will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the BV9800 Pro will exhibit less strain during multitasking and moderately demanding games.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Blackview BV9800 Pro’s 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Umidigi Bison X20’s 10W charging. This means the BV9800 Pro can replenish its battery from 0-100% much quicker, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging speed provides a tangible advantage for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The Bison X20’s slower charging will require a longer connection to the charger, making it less convenient for quick top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison X20 if you prioritize a lower initial cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who need a basic, durable phone for work or outdoor activities without demanding performance. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you value faster charging, a marginally more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more refined user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P70 in the Blackview BV9800 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio P70 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. While not a flagship-level chipset, the P70 offers a noticeable improvement over the P60 in the Bison X20, reducing frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Blackview BV9800 Pro with the 18W charger?
Assuming a battery capacity around 5000mAh (typical for rugged phones), the Blackview BV9800 Pro should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with the included 18W charger. This is significantly faster than the Umidigi Bison X20, which could take upwards of 4-5 hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Are both phones waterproof, or just water-resistant?
Both phones are marketed as 'rugged,' implying a degree of water resistance. However, the specific IP rating (e.g., IP68, IP69K) is crucial. Without that information, it's best to assume they are splash-proof and dust-proof, but avoid full submersion unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise.