Blackview BV4900s Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Blackview BV4900 is a rugged smartphone that was released in October 2021. Designed for those who work or play in tough environments, this phone boasts a sturdy construction that can withstand drops, water, dust, and extreme temperatures. It features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with Dragontrail Glass protection, an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSDXC), and a large 5580mAh battery. The phone runs on Android 11 (Go edition) and has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, as well as other sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass. With an affordable price tag of around 120 EUR, the Blackview BV4900 offers a compelling option for those looking for a rugged phone that won't break the bank.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Blackview BV4900 is a rugged phone that is built to withstand harsh environments. The phone has a solid and robust feel, with a weight of 261g, which is expected from a phone with such durability features. It is available in four colors: black, orange, yellow, and green.

The phone's physical appearance is sleek and simple, with a 5.7-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio is 68.2%, which is not the most impressive, but it gets the job done. The screen is protected by Dragontrail Glass, which provides scratch resistance and durability.

The phone's materials are designed to be drop-proof, IP68/IP69K dust/water-resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min), and MIL-STD-810G compliant. Its drop-to-concrete resistance capability from up to 1.5m ensures that the phone can withstand falls and impacts. The phone's buttons and ports are well-positioned and easy to reach, with no unnecessary complications.

The phone's ergonomics and comfort level are also noteworthy. The phone's sides have a textured grip, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip. The fingerprint sensor is also conveniently placed on the side, making it easy to access and use with one hand.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900's design and build quality are impressive, especially considering its rugged features. The phone is built to withstand harsh conditions, and its materials and construction ensure that it can withstand falls, water, and dust. Its simple design and textured grip make it easy to handle and use, even in challenging environments.

Display

The Blackview BV4900 rugged smartphone features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9. While the resolution may not be top-of-the-line, the display is still sharp and clear, with a pixel density of around 282 ppi.

The display technology used in the BV4900 is Dragontrail Glass, which provides a good level of protection against scratches and minor impacts. The screen is also designed to work well in outdoor environments, with good brightness and visibility even in direct sunlight.

Users will find the display to be responsive and sensitive to touch, with smooth scrolling and navigation. While the colors may not be as vibrant as some high-end displays, they are still accurate and pleasing to the eye.

Overall, the display on the Blackview BV4900 is solid and well-suited for its rugged design. While it may not be the most advanced display on the market, it gets the job done and is a good fit for the phone's intended audience.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Blackview BV4900 Pro is a mid-range device that's powered by an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz. It also has 2GB of RAM, which is decent enough for basic multitasking.

The processor performs well with day-to-day tasks such as browsing the web, checking emails, and scrolling through social media. However, it may struggle with more resource-intensive apps and games. That being said, the phone can still handle some light gaming, but don't expect it to run the latest games smoothly.

The device comes with 32GB of internal storage, which may not be enough for heavy users. Fortunately, it has a microSD card slot that can support up to 128GB of additional storage.

In terms of benchmark scores, the Blackview BV4900 Pro scores average results when compared to other mid-range devices. In the Geekbench 5 test, it scored 140 in single-core and 525 in multi-core. In the AnTuTu benchmark, it scored around 89,000, which is pretty good for a device in its price range.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900 Pro delivers decent performance for its price range. It's suitable for basic tasks and some light gaming, but it may not be the best choice for heavy users who require more power.

Software and User Interface

The Blackview BV4900 is equipped with the Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, which is optimized for low-end devices with limited hardware capabilities. The user interface is straightforward and simple to navigate, making it ideal for users who prefer a no-frills experience.

Customization options are limited, but the device comes with a few pre-installed apps that can be uninstalled if not required. The interface is user-friendly, with large icons and easy-to-read text, making it accessible to all users.

Updates and software support are vital for users who want to keep their devices up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. Blackview provides regular updates to its devices, which is a reassuring sign of the company's commitment to its customers.

The device comes with a few bloatware apps that cannot be uninstalled, which may be a downside for users who prefer a more streamlined experience. However, the device's low price point and other features make up for this minor drawback.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900's software and user interface are suitable for users who prioritize simplicity and functionality over customization options. The device's regular updates and user-friendly interface make it a good choice for users who want a reliable and hassle-free experience.

Camera

The Blackview BV4900 rugged smartphone boasts an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera. The rear camera comes with an f/2.4 aperture and autofocus, while the front-facing camera has an f/2.2 aperture.

In daylight conditions, the rear camera produces decent images with good color reproduction and sharpness. However, in low-light conditions, the images tend to be grainy and less detailed. The LED flash is helpful in low-light situations, but it tends to overexpose the images.

The camera app is intuitive and easy to use. It has various shooting modes, including beauty, panorama, and HDR. The HDR mode can help balance the exposure in high-contrast scenes, resulting in more natural-looking images.

The front-facing camera produces average quality selfies with slightly washed-out colors. Nonetheless, it is great for video calls, and the 5 MP sensor is more than enough for social media posts.

The video recording capability of the rear camera is at 1080p@30fps. The footage is stable, but the quality is average, especially in low-light conditions. The lack of optical image stabilization could be a significant downside for some users.

Overall, the camera performance of the Blackview BV4900 is decent for a rugged smartphone in its price range. It may not be the best for photography enthusiasts, but it is sufficient for everyday use and outdoor activities.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

The Blackview BV4900 is a rugged smartphone that offers a variety of connectivity and networking options. It features dual SIM support, allowing users to use two different phone numbers on the same device. The phone supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring that users can stay connected even in areas with limited coverage.

In terms of wireless connectivity, the BV4900 features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, and LE. While it doesn't have NFC capabilities, it does offer GPS, GLONASS, and BDS positioning, making it ideal for outdoor activities and navigation.

The phone also has FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG support, allowing users to transfer files between devices easily. The fingerprint scanner is located on the side of the phone, making it easily accessible and providing an added layer of security.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900 is a reliable device for those who require a rugged and durable smartphone with a variety of connectivity and networking options. Its range of features makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers, tradespeople, and those who work in harsh environments.

Additional Features

IX. Additional Features

The Blackview BV4900 rugged smartphone is designed to withstand harsh environments, and it comes with several additional features that make it stand out from other smartphones in the market.

Firstly, the BV4900 is rated IP68/IP69K, which means that it is both water and dust-resistant, making it ideal for use in tough outdoor conditions. It can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes without getting damaged.

In addition, this smartphone is drop-to-concrete resistant from up to 1.5 meters, and it is also MIL-STD-810G compliant, which means that it can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and vibration.

The BV4900 also comes with a fingerprint sensor that is conveniently located on the side of the phone, allowing you to unlock it quickly and securely.

Moreover, it features an FM radio, which is a great addition for those who love listening to the radio on the go. It also has a microSDXC card slot that allows you to expand the storage capacity of the phone.

Lastly, the BV4900 has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a rare feature in modern smartphones. This feature allows you to use your favorite headphones without requiring an adapter.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900 offers a range of additional features that make it a great option for those who need a rugged smartphone that can withstand tough outdoor conditions.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Blackview BV4900 with other related phones, it becomes clear that this device is a rugged and durable phone designed for those who need a device that can withstand harsh environments and rough handling. One of its main competitors is the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro, which boasts a similar level of ruggedness and durability. The Armor X7 Pro also has a slightly larger screen and a longer battery life, but it lacks some of the features that the BV4900 offers, such as MIL-STD-810G compliance.

Another competitor is the CAT S31, which also has a rugged design and similar specifications. However, the S31 has a smaller battery and a lower resolution camera than the BV4900. On the other hand, the S31 does have a slightly faster processor and a more user-friendly interface.

For those looking for a more affordable rugged device, the OUKITEL WP5 is a good alternative. However, the WP5 has a smaller screen and a less powerful processor than the BV4900, and it lacks some of the features like IP68/IP69K dust/water resistance, drop-to-concrete resistance, and MIL-STD-810G compliance.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900 is a solid choice for those in need of a rugged and durable smartphone. While there are some competitors that offer similar features and specifications, the BV4900 stands out with its unique combination of features and durability.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Blackview BV4900 rugged smartphone is a solid device that offers great value for its price. With its IP68/IP69K dust and water resistance, drop-to-concrete resistance, and MIL-STD-810G compliance, this phone can withstand extreme conditions and rough handling. Its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, though not the highest resolution, provides good color accuracy and outdoor visibility. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset, combined with 2GB of RAM, delivers decent performance for everyday use and light gaming.

The BV4900's 8MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing camera produce satisfactory image quality, but not exceptional. The 5580mAh battery, coupled with power optimization features, provides impressive battery life that can last for more than a day. The phone's connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and FM radio, are all reliable and functional.

Overall, the Blackview BV4900 is an excellent option for individuals who prioritize durability and functionality in their smartphone. Its price point of around 120 EUR makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, if you are looking for a more powerful device with better camera quality and higher-end features, there are other options available on the market.