Blackview Hero 10 test review — Why it can be your budget option
The world of smartphones has witnessed a remarkable evolution in recent years, with the emergence of foldable devices as a game-changer in the industry. While renowned brands like Samsung and Huawei once dominated the foldable market with premium, high-priced offerings, a newcomer has now shaken up the status quo. Blackview, a Shenzhen-based OEM known for its rugged smartphone designs, has introduced the Hero 10 — a foldable smartphone that redefines the term “budget-friendly” and challenges the notion that foldable technology is reserved for the elite.
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Design and Display:
The Blackview Hero 10 features a stunning 6.9-inch 2.5K OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which folds in half to create a compact, wallet-sized device. The foldable mechanism is the heart of this smartphone, and according to the review, the hinge has been thoroughly tested, withstanding thousands of folds without any significant issues. This level of durability is particularly impressive, as foldable phones have historically been plagued by concerns over hinge reliability. However, it’s worth noting that a peer reviewer did experience minor creaking at the hinge, indicating that the long-term durability may vary slightly from unit to unit.
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Performance and Camera:
Under the hood, the Hero 10 is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which, while not the most cutting-edge processor on the market, provides adequate performance for most everyday tasks. The inclusion of a 108-megapixel camera, sourced from Samsung, is a pleasant surprise at this price point and should deliver satisfactory photo quality, particularly in well-lit conditions. While the performance and camera capabilities may not be the absolute best in class, they represent a solid balance of features at the Hero 10’s attractive price point.
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Software and Usability:
The Blackview Hero 10 runs a vanilla version of Android 13, which the review describes as “fine” and performing as expected. One notable feature of the Hero 10 is its ability to stay in a midway position, thanks to the hinge design. This allows the user interface to adapt and provide a unique laptop-like experience, blurring the lines between traditional smartphone and foldable form factors.
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Value Proposition:
The Blackview Hero 10’s biggest selling point is its remarkably low price of just $400, making it one of the most affordable foldable smartphones on the market. This pricing strategy significantly lowers the barrier of entry for consumers who have been priced out of the foldable smartphone market in the past. While the review acknowledges the risks associated with purchasing from a smaller brand, it suggests that the Hero 10 may be worth considering for those willing to accept these trade-offs in exchange for a more budget-friendly foldable experience.
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Conclusion
In a landscape dominated by premium foldable devices, the Blackview Hero 10 stands out as a budget-friendly alternative that offers a compelling foldable experience. With its large, high-quality display, decent performance, and capable camera, the Hero 10 presents a unique value proposition for those seeking an affordable entry into the world of foldable smartphones. While the long-term durability of the hinge may be a concern, the Hero 10 represents a significant step forward in making foldable technology more accessible to a wider audience. For those willing to take a chance on a lesser-known brand, the Blackview Hero 10 could be a game-changer in the foldable smartphone market.
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Availability
Blackview Hero 10 is available for purchasing in AliExpress, click here to learn more, if you are interested in this budget folding smartphone.
