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In use
The combination of rubber (texturised at the back) and dark grey metal works nicely, although we’ve come across smartphones that are more comfortable to hold. The display is surrounded by a thick bezel (9mm at its thinnest point) and there’s also a status light.
The phone runs its own customised version of Android 7.0 Nougat and comes with an unusual array of applications (Earthquake Tsunami Warning System, Sound Meter, Heart Rate, Alarm and so forth) but no PTT software.
As expected, when it came to performance levels everything ran smoothly, not that we taxed the BV8000 Pro in any meaningful way. Antutu benchmark hit 64,219 which is around half what the LG G5 or the Moto Z achieved. That’s mildly disappointing for this handset, though.
Its 3D score of 11,062 can best be described as mid-level – you shouldn’t have any issue running games bar the more graphics-heavy taxing titles.
Final verdict
In terms of design, the BV8000 Pro is a step backwards compared to the BV7000 Pro as the IP68 logo got slapped on the front (but not Blackview’s own logo), while the general feel of the phone is less aspirational and more utilitarian.
Two more facts blot the phone’s appeal: Blackview’s latest flagship is far more expensive than its predecessor (by about 50%) and its water resistance doesn’t extend to ports (as we mentioned, you still need to dry them).
Don’t get us wrong, the BV8000 Pro is still a great rugged smartphone and hits the right notes with a blend of top-notch components, a relatively affordable price tag and a nice list of apps, many of which will suit professionals.
The BV7000 Pro, however, appears to be a more balanced smartphone with a much cheaper price tag, not to mention proper flaps to keep any liquids out of the ports – but it does have a slower processor.
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