The Blackview SHARK 9 5G: A Budget 5G Contender with Compromises
Let’s cut through the spec sheet clutter and talk about what this phone actually feels like to use. At around €145-€180, the SHARK 9 5G is aiming for that sweet spot between affordability and modern features. But does it hit the mark? Let’s break it down.
The Screen: Big but Blurry
That 6.67-inch LCD sounds impressive until you realize it’s a 720p panel. For comparison, most budget phones in this range now offer 1080p. At 264 ppi, text isn’t razor-sharp, and you’ll notice pixels if you’re picky about streaming HD content. The brightness peaks at 700 nits, though, which is solid for outdoor use—it’s readable in sunlight, even if Netflix isn’t cinema-quality. The "frameless" design? It’s really just slim bezels, but the plastic frame keeps it lightweight (200g) for its size.
Performance: Surprisingly Competent (for the Price)
The Unisoc T820 chipset isn’t a household name, but it’s no slouch. That 530k Antutu score puts it in the same ballpark as a Snapdragon 695. Translation: It’ll handle social media, light gaming (think: Candy Crush, not Genshin Impact), and multitasking with 8GB RAM. The Mali-G57 GPU won’t wow you, but casual games run smoothly. The active cooling system? Overkill for everyday use, but it means the phone doesn’t throttle during long YouTube binges. Just don’t expect flagship speed—apps take a half-beat longer to load.
Cameras: One Hit Wonder
The 50MP main camera (Samsung S5KJN1 sensor) is the star here, but even that’s a mixed bag. Daylight shots are decent—colors pop, details are okay—but low-light performance struggles. The tiny 0.64µm pixels mean noise creeps in quickly, even with pixel binning. The 2MP macro and depth sensors? Basically decoration. You’ll use them once, realize they’re fuzzy, and forget they exist. The 8MP selfie cam is serviceable for video calls, but don’t expect Instagram-worthy portraits.
Battery Life: The Real MVP
With a 5,000mAh battery, this phone lasts. Even heavy users will get through a full day, and lighter users might stretch it to two. The catch? 18W charging feels sluggish in 2025. A full recharge takes nearly two hours—painful if you’re used to 30W+ speeds. No wireless charging here, either.
5G and Connectivity: Where It Shines
This is the SHARK 9’s killer feature. It supports 20+ 5G bands, including n77/n78 (common in Europe/Asia) and n1/n2/n5 for broader coverage. For a budget phone, that’s rare. Dual SIM support, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 cover the basics, though the lack of Wi-Fi 6 is a bummer. GPS works reliably, and NFC is included for contactless payments—a nice touch at this price.
Software: Android 14, But…
Blackview ships with Android 14, which is great… for now. Their update track record is shaky. Some models get one major OS update, others don’t. Assume you’re stuck with Android 14, but at least it’s bloatware-light. Google services are preinstalled, so no app store headaches.
Who’s It For?
- Budget travelers: The 5G band support is stellar for hopping between countries.
- Light users: If you need calls, WhatsApp, and the occasional TikTok, this works.
- Battery life chasers: Two-day endurance is rare at this price.
Who Should Skip It?
- Gamers: The GPU and screen resolution won’t cut it.
- Photography lovers: The camera setup is basic at best.
- Display snobs: That 720p screen is a hard sell in 2025.
The Tradeoffs
Blackview prioritized 5G and battery life over everything else. To hit this price, they cut corners on the display, camera sensors, and charging speed. The plastic build feels cheaper than glass-backed phones, but it’s durable and practical.
My Take: Would I Buy It?
If I needed a backup phone or a device for a teenager, maybe. The 5G and battery are standout features, and the price is right. But as a daily driver? I’d miss the sharper screen and faster charging. For €50 more, phones like the Poco M6 Pro or Samsung A15 offer better displays and cameras. Still, if 5G on a budget is your priority, the SHARK 9 is a legit option—just know what you’re sacrificing.
Final verdict: It’s a utilitarian pick, not a thrill ride. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
