Blackview has introduced the Hero 10, which is billed as the most reasonably priced foldable smartphone on the market right now, giving the foldable smartphone market a new competitor. The Hero 10, which costs €429 (around $460), aims to increase the accessibility of foldable technology for a larger range of people.

The gadget has a 108MP primary camera, a 6.9-inch AMOLED display, and 45W wired charging. Despite a few limitations made to keep the price low, the Hero 10 is positioned to draw in users on a tight budget who are looking for cutting-edge mobile technology.

Design and Build Quality

The Blackview Hero 10's brushed aluminum frame and delicate curves that improve its feel in the hand give it an air of firmness and refinement. There are two color options for the device: the striking Sakura Purple and the classy Eclipse Black. The rear panel has a texture like leather, which makes it comfortable to hold and may eventually increase its durability.

The Hero 10's folding form factor is among its most noteworthy features. A 6.9-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 2560x1080 pixels and a brightness of up to 1,300 nits serves as the primary display. The display's 60Hz refresh rate is its only limitation, though, as competitors with 120Hz panels can achieve higher refresh rates. The phone uses a waterdrop hinge that can withstand 250,000 folds and has an imperceptible crease, which enables the phone to close totally flat.

Performance and Software

The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, which powers the Hero 10, is only capable of 4G connectivity despite its efficiency. In a time when the majority of newly released smartphones have 5G capabilities, this is a major disadvantage. The gadget has 256GB of internal storage and 12GB of RAM, which can be expanded to 36GB via RAM expansion technology.

Running on DokeOS 4.0 based on Android 13, the Hero 10 is somewhat behind the latest software releases as of mid-2024. However, Blackview has committed to providing an update to Android 14 later this year, along with three years of major version updates, ensuring support up to Android 16. Despite these updates, the device lacks specific features designed to take full advantage of its foldable screen, which could be seen as a missed opportunity.

Camera and Additional Features

The Hero 10's camera configuration, which includes a 32MP front-facing camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 108MP primary sensor (Samsung ISOCELL HM6), is its best feature. High-quality photography is promised by this combo, which is especially remarkable for a gadget at this cost. Despite being smaller than those on other foldables, the 1.19-inch OLED cover screen provides useful features like media controls, notifications, and a camera viewfinder in addition to a variety of customizable watch face options.

With just a 10-minute charge, the device's 4000mAh battery-which supports 45W rapid charging-can allow users up to four hours of talk time. This feature is very useful for people who lead fast-paced lives and need power replenishment quickly and effectively.

Specifications

• Display: 6.9-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 60Hz, 1300 nits brightness

• Processor: MediaTek Helio G99

• RAM: 12GB (expandable to 36GB)

• Storage: 256GB

• Camera:

• 108MP main camera (Samsung ISOCELL HM6)

• 8MP ultrawide lens

• 32MP front-facing camera

• Battery: 4000mAh, 45W fast charging

• Operating System: DokeOS 4.0 based on Android 13 (upgradable to Android 16)

• Connectivity: 4G only

• Hinge: Waterdrop, rated for 250,000 folds

Market Impact

The release of the Blackview Hero 10 marks a major advancement in the accessibility of foldable smartphones. It is a compelling choice for customers on a tight budget because of its affordable price and outstanding features. The device's drawbacks, such its 60Hz refresh rate and absence of 5G connectivity, might, nevertheless, put off some prospective customers.

Nevertheless, Blackview's dedication to affordability and innovation is evident in the Hero 10, which helps to progressively democratize cutting-edge mobile technology. It will be interesting to see how the Hero 10 competes against other affordable options and whether it can carve out a major niche for itself as the foldable phone market continues to expand.