- Blackview Explore 1 brings great power and durability to the rugged smartphone category
- Dual-screen design adds an unconventional touch that could appeal to adventurous users
- Huge 20,000 mAh battery prioritizes endurance for extended use outdoors or in the field
The Blackview Explore 1 rugged smartphone introduces several unconventional elements that make it stand out, although not always for clear reasons.
Designed for demanding environments and extended use, this device seems to pack almost everything possible into a single frame.
With its dual-screen design, an infrared remote control, and a claim that it’s “flame retardant,” the device appears to combine serious engineering with some baffling extras.
A high-performance design for harsh environments
Built around the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, the Explore 1 runs on an octa-core configuration consisting of two Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz.
It comes in two configurations: one with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS 3.1 storage, and another with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
Both variants support LPDDR5 memory and include what Blackview calls “virtual expansion.”
This feature allows temporary memory expansion up to 24 GB or 32 GB using part of the internal storage.
It mimics additional RAM for smoother multitasking, but doesn’t provide the same sustained performance as physical memory.
The phone also supports microSD expansion up to 2TB, ensuring plenty of space for offline storage.
Blackview’s decision to add a secondary 2.01-inch rear display is one of the Explore 1’s more unusual options.
The 6.78-inch 2.4K IPS main panel runs at 120Hz, while the smaller screen will likely serve for notifications or quick camera previews.
It’s unclear whether this rear display provides significant utility or simply a novelty factor.
The phone also includes an infrared remote control feature, allowing users to operate televisions and other home appliances, an old feature that few modern smartphones still include.
The Explore 1’s camera system looks ambitious, combining a 64MP main sensor, a 20MP night vision camera, and a 50MP front lens.
Blackview mentions the inclusion of AI tools to improve image clarity and adapt to different lighting conditions, but without independent testing, its capabilities remain uncertain.
Running on DokeOS 4.2 based on Android 15, it supports a wide range of 5G, 4G and legacy networks.
Under the hood, there is a 20,000 mAh battery, which promises long-lasting use, backed by 55W fast charging; However, at 638g, it is much heavier than typical devices.
This device has IP68, IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications, placing it among rugged smartphones designed to work in extreme conditions.
Perhaps the most surprising feature is the mention of “flame retardant.”
Blackview doesn’t explain what this entails, whether it’s the phone’s exterior materials or internal security protection, and without supporting data, the claim seems more like a marketing gimmick than a verifiable feature.
Priced at £206.15 on Banggood, the Blackview Explore 1’s features look good on paper, although its reliability remains uncertain.
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