Blackview A96 Comprehensive Review Specs Pricing & More

Design and Build

The Blackview A96 is a well-crafted smartphone with sleek dimensions of 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm and a weight of 193.9 g. It comfortably fits in the hand thanks to its ergonomic design. Available in Provence Purple and Obsidian Black, the device has a modern aesthetic appeal. The dual SIM feature (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) adds to its practicality for users who need separate numbers for work and personal use.

Display

Equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen, the Blackview A96 offers a satisfying visual experience with its 120Hz refresh rate. This makes for smoother animations and transitions, enhancing the UI experience. The screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels provides clear and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption. The display's ~85.0% screen-to-body ratio ensures that users enjoy more screen and less bezel.

Performance

At the heart of the Blackview A96 is the Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) chipset, which ensures efficient performance with its octa-core CPU consisting of two 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and six 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU offers decent graphical performance for gaming and multimedia tasks. Users can choose between 8GB and 12GB RAM options, alongside a hefty 256GB of internal storage, though lacking a card slot for expansion. The device runs on Android 13 with Doke OS 3.1, offering a clean and intuitive user interface with enhanced features.

Camera

The Blackview A96 boasts a dual-camera setup at the rear, with a 48 MP primary wide sensor and an 8 MP ultrawide lens. The combination of a large sensor and PDAF (Phase Detection Auto Focus) technology allows for sharp and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions. The camera supports video resolutions up to 1440p at 30fps, providing excellent video quality. The front-facing 16 MP selfie camera captures clear self-portraits and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.

Battery and Charging

Powering the Blackview A96 is a 4380mAh non-removable battery, capable of sustaining daily usage effectively. The device supports 18W wired charging, ensuring that the phone can be quickly recharged to full capacity. While the battery isn't the largest available, it competently balances performance and endurance.

Connectivity and Features

The Blackview A96 supports a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring seamless wireless communication. The phone includes GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for precise navigation, alongside NFC support for mobile payments and data transfer. A notable feature is the inclusion of an FM radio, catering to users who enjoy broadcast radio stations. The USB Type-C 2.0 port supports OTG, allowing for versatile peripheral connections.

Security and Sensors

Security is robust on the Blackview A96, with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor allowing quick and convenient access to the device. Additional sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, which collectively enrich the phone's functional capabilities for various applications.

Network and Communication

The device is equipped to handle diverse network technologies, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE bands. With extensive 4G band support, users can expect reliable connectivity on various carriers globally. The device is marketed at a price point of $159.99 or €197.42, making it an appealing option for those seeking a budget-friendly device with competent specifications.

Conclusion

In summary, the Blackview A96 offers a compelling blend of features for its price range. Its robust build, capable camera system, and satisfactory performance make it a suitable choice for everyday users seeking value. Though lacking expandable storage, its substantial 256GB internal memory ensures ample space for applications and multimedia. The device strikes a fine balance between cost-effectiveness and functionality, making it a noteworthy contender in the affordable smartphone market.