Blackview Hero 10: The Budget Foldable Smartphone
Blackview has entered the foldable smartphone market with its Hero 10, aiming to make the technology more accessible at a lower price point. Starting at €429 ($460), it's currently one of the most affordable foldable options available. But does it deliver enough value to justify its compromises? Let's take a closer look.
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| The Blackview Hero 10: A budget-friendly entry into foldable smartphones |
Design and Display
The Hero 10 features a 6.9-inch foldable AMOLED main display with FHD+ resolution and up to 1,300 nits of brightness. While the screen quality is praised for its vibrant colors and contrast, it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate - a noticeable downgrade compared to competitors offering 120Hz panels.
The device sports a brushed aluminum frame with subtle curves, providing a premium feel. It's available in Eclipse Black and Sakura Purple color options, with a leather-like back surface for improved grip.
A small 1.19-inch OLED cover display offers basic functionality for notifications, media controls, and camera preview.
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| The sleek design of the Blackview Hero 10 highlights its modern aesthetic |
Performance and Software
Powering the Hero 10 is a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset. While adequate for basic tasks and light gaming, it may struggle with more demanding applications. The phone is limited to 4G connectivity, which could be a drawback as 5G becomes more prevalent.
Blackview's custom DokeOS 4.0, based on Android 13, runs the show. The company promises updates to Android 16, which is commendable for a budget device. However, reviewers noted a lack of foldable-specific software features.
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| The Blackview Hero 10 in action, demonstrating its interface and features |
Camera System
The Hero 10 boasts a 108MP main camera (Samsung ISOCELL HM6 sensor), alongside an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 32MP front-facing camera. While capable of decent shots in good lighting, low-light performance is reportedly subpar, especially with the ultrawide sensor.
Battery and Charging
A 4,000mAh battery powers the device, offering around 5.5 hours of screen-on time. The Hero 10 supports 45W fast charging, which is a nice addition at this price point.
Durability Concerns
The biggest question mark surrounding the Hero 10 is its long-term durability. Some reviewers expressed concerns about the hinge mechanism, noting occasional loose feelings and squeaking sounds. While not necessarily indicative of immediate failure, it raises questions about the device's longevity compared to more expensive foldables.
Price and Availability
Pricing for the Blackview Hero 10 varies significantly depending on the retailer:
- Official Blackview website: $530
- AliExpress: $400
- Amazon: $600
This price fluctuation makes it difficult to definitively assess the phone's value proposition.
The Verdict
The Blackview Hero 10 represents an interesting step towards more affordable foldable smartphones. It offers a premium-looking design and a vibrant main display at a fraction of the cost of flagship foldables. However, compromises in performance, camera quality, and potential durability concerns may give some buyers pause.
For those willing to take a chance on a budget foldable and can find it at the lower end of its price range, the Hero 10 could be an intriguing option. More conservative buyers might want to consider slightly pricier alternatives from established brands that may offer better long-term reliability.
