Blackview BV7100 rugged smartphone: 13000mAh battery and IP69K

The Blackview BV7100 is a rugged Android smartphone built around a very large battery, at 13000mAh. It is designed for people who work or spend time outdoors and want a phone that can take knocks, dust and water. Because it is a rugged model with a specific list of supported networks, it is worth reading the specs closely before choosing it.

The 13000mAh battery and 33W charging

Many standard smartphones have batteries of around 4000 to 5000mAh, so a 13000mAh cell is far larger. Blackview says a full charge takes about 1.5 hours using 33W fast charging. The phone also supports OTG, which Blackview says lets it charge other devices from its battery. The trade-off for a large battery is size: the phone measures about 6.9 x 3.2 x 0.5 inches (roughly 17.5 x 8.1 x 1.3 cm) and weighs around 0.5 lb, well above a slim phone.

What IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H mean

Blackview lists IP68 and IP69K protection plus MIL-STD-810H. In general:

• IP68 covers dust-tight construction and immersion in water. Blackview gives 1.5 metres for 30 minutes.
• IP69K is a test for high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, and is commonly used for equipment that is washed down.
• MIL-STD-810H is a US military standard for environmental testing, including drops and vibration. Blackview says the phone survives drops from 1.5 metres.

Physical features include thickened rubber corners, a tight-fitting charging port cap, double-shot TPU rubber and a unibody build. Keep the port cap closed to keep the water and dust protection meaningful.

Performance, memory and screen

The phone uses a MediaTek Helio G85 octa-core processor. Blackview lists 10GB of RAM, made up of 6GB physical memory plus up to 4GB of virtual RAM, and 128GB of internal storage, expandable to 1TB with a TF (microSD-type) card. The display is 6.58 inches with a 1080 x 2408 FHD+ resolution, and the software is Android 12. Glove Mode is included for use with gloves on.

Cameras

The rear has three cameras: a 12MP main camera with burst shooting at up to 10 frames per second, an 8MP 117-degree ultra-wide with a macro function that focuses as close as 2 cm, and a 2MP depth camera. The front camera is 8MP. Modes listed include Night Mode 2.0, HDR 2.0, Underwater Mode and 2K video at 30fps.

Other features

• NFC, fingerprint sensor and face unlock
• Customisable function button for up to seven functions or apps
• GPS, GLONASS, Beidou and Galileo satellite systems
• Lanyard hook, dual card slots and built-in tools such as a gyroscope, magnetic sensor and FM radio

Network compatibility

This is the most important detail to check. Blackview says the phone works on GSM-based carriers, and lists the supported 4G bands as FDD B2/B4/B5/B7/B12/B13/B17/B25/B26/B66 and TDD B41, with 3G WCDMA B2/B4/B5 and 2G GSM B2/B3/B5/B8. It says the phone does not work with AT&T, Cricket or CDMA carriers such as Verizon, Sprint, Boost Mobile, Straight Talk or U.S. Cellular.

Who it suits

It suits people on construction sites, farms, workshops or trails, and anyone who is hard on phones or often away from a charger. It is less suited to those who want a slim, light handset.

What to check before you buy

• Carrier and bands: compare the band list with your carrier's before buying.
• Size and weight: a large battery means a thick, heavy phone, so consider pockets and cases.
• Software: it runs Android 12; check the update policy if that matters to you.
• Storage: confirm the memory card type if you plan to expand.
• Port cap: the water protection depends on keeping the cap fitted.
• Cameras and chip: a Helio G85 phone suits everyday use, not top-end gaming.

The short version

• A rugged Android phone with a 13000mAh battery and 33W charging.
• IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H standards, with a 1.5 m drop height listed.
• 6.58-inch FHD+ display, Helio G85 processor and 10GB RAM (including virtual).
• 128GB storage, expandable to 1TB; triple rear camera.
• Works on GSM carriers per the band list; not on CDMA carriers.

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