I’ve extensively lined a number of rugged telephones in latest reminiscence, together with Blackview fashions, and I’ve discovered most of them to tick virtually all the packing containers should you’re in search of smartphones that may endure a number of knocks. The Blackview BV7100, which made its debut final September, isn’t any exception.In my expertise, Blackview often edges out its rivals when it comes to ruggedness and value. This makes it a superb selection for these in search of a sturdy design with out all of the gimmicks supplied by different manufacturers like Ulefone.However, if historical past is any information, rugged telephones have poor Android OS implementations and software program help, so you would be clever to maintain your expectations in examine with Blackview’s handsets.Sure, my each day drivers are largely Chinese telephones from Vivo and Xiaomi, however a tool that may stand up to a number of abuse and survive water immersion offers some practicality for people who find themselves clumsy with their palms. But, should you stay an adventurous life-style, does the Blackview BV7100 match the invoice? Continue studying to search out out.Blackview BV7100: Price and availability(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)The Blackview BV7100 is probably one of the crucial reasonably priced rugged telephones cash should purchase at current. On the corporate’s personal web site (opens in new tab), it retails for $240. The firm beforehand listed the cellphone at $300 earlier than slashing its value massive time. It ships to main worldwide markets, such because the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and India.Today’s finest Blackview BV7100 offers (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Blackview BV7100: What I like(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)The Blackview BV7100 is a considerable piece of {hardware}, weighing 460 grams. While this makes the system troublesome to make use of for prolonged intervals of time, the cellphone’s rubberized metallic development permits it to resist a beating. It has IP68/IP69Ok scores and is MIL-STD-810H compliant, which implies it may be thrown a number of instances, submerged underwater, and dropped from a stairwell with out being severely scratched.Perhaps the most effective factor concerning the BV7100 is its insanely giant battery. At 13,000mAh, the handset shouldn’t be the best cellphone to kill in simply at some point. Although there are a number of telephones with bigger batteries in the marketplace just like the Oukitel WP19, the 13,000mAh unit on the BV7100 is a uncommon sight on this class.In my day-to-day testing, which consists of social media scrolling, photo-taking, mild video games, and several other hours of web searching, it averaged about 12 hours of screen-on time. It additionally has a powerful standby battery efficiency, with lower than a 1% drain per hour on common.The cellphone’s endurance, alternatively, is closely influenced by how incessantly and for what motive you utilize it. Of course, elevated energetic utilization ends in a shorter operating time. I listened to 80 hours of music, talked for 60 hours, and watched 17 hours of video.Image 1 of 4(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)The BV7100 prices at 33W, which is a good velocity for a rugged cellphone. However, it would not fairly appear to be the right match for the cellphone’s large battery. This means charging the cellphone will be the longest that you will want to take a seat via. In my expertise, I averaged 190 minutes juicing up the system from zero to 100%. The upside is that you need to use the cellphone to juice up different USB-C gadgets because of its reverse wired charging functionality. It’s most helpful when you end up in a spot with no energy provide.What units the cellphone other than lots of the finest rugged telephones, together with these from Blackview, is its plain simplicity, devoid of any gimmick I’ve seen within the Blackview BL8800 Pro, for instance. That cellphone features a FLIR thermal imaging system as its major promoting level. On the opposite hand, the BV7100 shuns something flashy or gimmicky, as an alternative choosing a extremely predictable design that works like what it says on the tin.The Blackview BV7100 avoids lots of the gimmicks present in different manufacturers, which makes it interesting to most budget-conscious consumers.The display additionally has a good saturation with its brightness set to 50%. Blackview didn’t specify which display safety system is used, however I have not observed any main scratches on it but, and the pre-installed display protector offers further safety in opposition to scuffs. The body additionally does an awesome job of resisting impacts.While this may not be my each day driver below regular circumstances (who is aware of, possibly I’ll go tenting for a number of days within the mountains quickly?), I’d say this is a perfect system for these doing industrial jobs.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategoryBlackview BV7100Working SystemDoke-OS 3.0 based mostly on Android 12Display6.58 inches, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2408 decision, 90Hz, 480 nitsProcessorMediaTek Helio G85 (12nm)Memory6GBStorage128GBRear Camera 112MP, f/2.0, (large)Rear Camera 28MP, 117˚ (ultrawide)Rear Camera 32MP, (depth)Front Camera8MPSecurityFingerprint (side-mounted), face unlockConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0PortsUSB Type-C, OTGBattery13000mAhCharging33W wiredProtectionIP68/IP69Ok mud/water-proof, MIL-STD-810H compliantDimensions174 x 81.4 x 18.9 mmWeight460 gramsBlackview BV7100: What I do not like(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)At a look, the Blackview BV7100 would not appear to have a number of downsides, particularly once you issue within the value, however there are nonetheless a number of drawbacks. While the cellphone’s giant measurement provides it the looks of sturdiness, it’s far too heavy for each day use. Because of its weight, the cellphone could also be uncomfortable to make use of for prolonged intervals of time. That’s to be anticipated for a cellphone on this phase, although it stays a consideration should you like a rugged cellphone with a extra svelte design. If you are used to typical skinny slabs of a cellphone, the Blackview BV7100 might really feel immensely cumbersome, particularly should you use it for a number of hours or perhaps a complete day.Despite the cellphone’s marketed 90Hz display refresh price, I observed some noticeable lag and lack of smoothness when shifting across the UI. I initially assumed the show was locked to 60Hz, however this was not the case. It seems that the cellphone’s show is ready to 90Hz by default, and there is no strategy to change it within the settings menu.The digicam and chipset on the cellphone detract from the expertise.Another letdown is the cellphone’s restricted cellular communications help. It is barely able to 4G and LTE, with no 5G capabilities. It’s not totally shocking, since many rugged telephones appear to be following the identical path on the subject of connectivity, aside from a number of fashions just like the Blackview BL8800 Pro.The cameras are additionally not the cellphone’s sturdy swimsuit. While you’ll be able to nonetheless get first rate pictures relying on what you are capturing and the lighting situations, its 12MP major sensor is pretty mediocre, limiting its potential. One notable limitation is the shortage of help for 2K or 4K video recording. Only a 1080p video seize decision is on the market with the BV7100.Blackview BV7100 pattern picturesImage 1 of 5(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)In phrases of images, its 12MP Sony IMX362 sensor does the job, however nothing spectacular. My night time pictures have been largely ruined by grainy outcomes, particularly in low-light situations, and the small sensor measurement seems to be the wrongdoer. Like many rugged telephones cash should purchase, the cellphone’s digicam app would not have particular capturing options.Blackview BV7100: Competition(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)For $240, the Blackview BV7100 gives an awesome worth proposition in comparison with many costly rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro ($499). Because of its low value, it is arduous to discover a true competitor to the cellphone on this value vary.The BV7100’s greatest rival comes from the marginally dearer Doogee S89 Pro ($360) and should you want a extra slender rugged handset, the Nokia XR20. If you like one thing from Blackview’s personal portfolio, there’s the BL8800 Pro, although it gives a smaller battery. That stated, it stays a superb funds rugged cellphone with a barely greater price ticket and, for those who need it, a FLIR thermal digicam. You can also discover the Blackview BV8800 a extra interesting different with its extra first rate digicam system, and it begins from $249.The solely massive draw back with the BV7100 is its sheer measurement and bulkiness, however this should not be a significant deal-breaker for many consumers. As a end result, the cellphone packs a number of punch right into a small bundle, making it a favourite amongst rugged cellphone lovers.Blackview BV7100: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)You should purchase it if…You like a cellphone that may stand up to a number of knocks and water immersionBattery life issues quite a bit to youYou do not wish to spend greater than $300 on a toolYou shouldn’t purchase it if…You want a cellphone with 5G helpYou need long-term software program help to your handsetCamera efficiency is important to youAffordability-wise, nothing beats the Blackview BV7100. But it’s the similar issue that compelled the corporate to chop many corners when it comes to efficiency and digicam expertise, so you would be clever to mood your expectations with this cellphone.Nonetheless, for customers who incessantly want a tool that may hold operating for prolonged intervals away from a charger or energy outlet, this handset is a perfect companion. It can be mud and waterproof (as much as 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), so you will not have to fret should you drop it within the water accidentally.

The finest bang for the buck
The Blackview BV7100 is a plain-looking rugged cellphone that does not attempt to impress clients with a number of gimmicks; as an alternative, it possesses the fundamental encompasses a rugged cellphone ought to have, together with a sturdy design and long-lasting battery life.