Actually I wanted the Blackview 9600 Plus (fingerprint reader in the screen) and backed
the Kickstarter compaign.
But that was stopped and I was given the choice of getting a BV 9600 Pro or a BV9700 Pro (Much smaller battery, smaller display, IPS instead of Amoled, higher clocked CPU).
I have chosen the BV 9600 Pro.
It shipped with an Android 8.1 image ("BV9600Pro_S70_V1.1_20181105V31").
For all software issues. That's the firmware I'm talking about.
POSITIVE
- Battery runtime is as advertised. Without SIM card after 24h intense use (reinstalling 140 apps) and sleep tracking, it was still at 50%
- At some point it is supposed to get an Android 9.0 or 9.1 update.
- It has working Qi wireless charging (lacking on my previous phone).
- It has the same 12V 1.5A and 9V 2A quick charge as my previous phone.
- It has NFC (also lacking on my previous phone).
- It's a roughed IP68 outdoor phone and even compes with a hook to attach a strap for not loosing it. So it needs no Otterbox or other case.
- SIM card can be removed without any special needle or other tools and without disassembling any case.
- Bluetooth Audio with my Renault/Dacia MediaNav works agian (failed on the last 2 generations of phones I had)
- The supplied contacts app is not limited to only create contacts in the address book of the first of 2 Google accounts.
NEGATIVE
- The socket IS NOT USB-C. It's requires special 8mm plugs and standard 5mm USB-C cables don't fit!!! Obviously this is a MAJOR, MAJOR issue!!!
- The menu/overview -button (square) DOESN'T WORK. You can't switch between apps with the stock or any 3rd party launcher.
- The Android Multi-User feature has been disabled (present since Android 4.4) .
- It comes with a screen protector that is very hard to attach because of the raised display bezel.
- After 2 days I still can't post in the Blackview User Forum to find a solution about any of my software issues. The first post of any new user must be vetted by an admin and that still hasn't happened.
- Some system menus have translation errors. Others are hard to understand after translation into German or UK English or US English
- The supplied phone app is in no way integrated with the supplied contact app. A phone number can not be added to an existing contact and a contact has no long-press menu to open them for editing.
AMBIVALENT
- Back and Menu are reversed compared to my last phone
- The default icons (including all settings items) and the wireless charger are a terribly over-the-top super-bling rose-golden colour.
