Blackview

Blackview R7: Pros and Cons

Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
Mediatek Helio P10 MT6755
Mali-T860 MP2
4 GB / 32 GB
5.5 inch (1080 x 1920 px)
13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus

Blackview announced the launch of the R7 smartphone in 2016. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 5.5 inch IPS display, Mediatek Helio P10 MT6755 SoC, and 4 GB of RAM. The R7 series was launched with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) pre-installed, but it is upgradable. This phone features a high resolution 1080 x 1920 px IPS display. The size of screen is 5.5 inch. This smartphone has a single camera on the back (13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus). Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Blackview R7 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Blackview R7 / 1

Blackview R7 specifications

BrandBlackview
NameR7
ModelR7
Release date2016

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.98 oz
Dimensions5.98 x 3.07 x 0.35 inch
Colorsgold, gray, silver
SIM typeMicro SIM

The weight of Blackview R7 is about 6.98 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. A micro SIM is a smaller version of the standard SIM card used in mobile devices.

Blackview R7 / 1

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v6.0 (Marshmallow)
SoCMediatek Helio P10 MT6755
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 2 GHz Cortex-A53, Quad-core 1 GHz Cortex-A53
GPUMali-T860 MP2

The Blackview R7 comes with Android OS v6.0 (Marshmallow) out of the box. The Android operating system uses the Linux kernel as its foundation. It includes a user interface, middleware, and many pre-installed applications. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Many mobile devices use ARM Mali GPUs. They are well known for their good performance and power efficiency.

Blackview R7 / 2

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size5.5 inch
Resolution1080 x 1920 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 5.5 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 5.5 inch display make this smartphone pocket-friendly. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

Blackview R7 / 3

Memory, storage

RAM4 GB
Internal storage32 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Blackview R7 comes with 4 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services you use. Generally, a smartphone should have a minimum of 32 GB of internal storage. The R7 has 32 GB. You can expand the internal storage (32 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera13 MP, 4160 x 3120 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera8 MP

The single camera can be enough for many smartphone users. It depends on their photography needs and preferences. The R7 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.0, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCyes
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The R7 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The R7 has a built-in NFC chip, which allows it to support various NFC applications and services. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The battery of R7 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsCorning Gorilla Glass 3, Dual SIM

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The R7 smartphone has an accelerometer. The R7 phone has a fingerprint scanner. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. Corning Gorilla Glass is a type of chemically strengthened super-glass.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Blackview phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • adequate memory
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • limited-size screen
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
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Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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