I replaced a Samsung Galaxy S22 with the Blackview Shark 8, and I don't regret the switch. This phone is better IMO than the Samsung product.
Pros:
1. It is very fast.
2. I love the 'feeling' of the keyboard when typing on it. And, I like the fact that I don't have to turn off predictive typing, because it is in the OFF position automatically. Predictive typing is really annoying.
3. When typing, corrective spelling is active, which I really like.
4. The speech-to-text functionality works much better on the Shark 8 than on the S22, especially when it comes to adding commas and periods.
5. Although I haven't used the call recording functionality yet, I think it is a great feature to have.
6. The battery lasts longer than on my Samsung S22.
7. The phone charges more quickly than the S22, and the battery doesn't heat up when surfing the internet, like it did on my S22.
8. The phone came with great memory - 8 GB RAM and 256 GB internal memory.
9. The touchscreen is very responsive. I don't have to pound the screen to get it to respond, like I had to with my S22.
10. I like the 3-finger swipe to be able to take a screenshot.
11. The phone comes with an FM radio, which uses very little battery, that I can listen to at night.
12. The phone comes with a 3.5 mm jack for headphones with the S22 didn't have.
13. Great support from Blackview.hk.
I'm sure I will find lots of other great features as I become more familiar with the phone.
Cons:
1. I was not able to turn on Wi-Fi Calling without the help of Blackview. I am in a bad reception area, so I need this to get good call quality in my house. You will need to have the March 5, 2024 update for Android 13 to be able to turn on this feature. (You will also need this feature to be activated with your carrier and have a Wi-Fi source at your house.) The Android 13 version that came with my phone was too old and Blackview had to upload an update to my phone in order for me to update the OS.
2. The data transfer function from my Samsung to the Blackview did not work. I was not able to figure out why, so I just transferred everything with Wondershare MobileTrans Pro, which I had a license for.
3. The volume control for Notifications is tied in with the volume control for the Ringtone, so when I turn up one, I turn up the other.
4. I can barely hear SMS notifications, but if I turn the volume up for them, the phone ends up ringing super loud.
| Brand | Blackview |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Blackview |
| Place of Business | Blackview |
| Model | TBCA2024-Shark8-256-black |
| Model Name | TBCA2024-Shark8-256-black |
| Model year | 2024 |
| Part Number | TBCA2023-Shark8-256-black |
| Memory storage capacity | 256 GB |
| Flash memory installed size | 256 GB |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| OS | Android 13.0 |
| Processor Type | MediaTek Helio |
| Standing screen display size | 6.78 Inches |
| Display type | LCD |
| Resolution | 1080*2460 Pixels |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 64 MP |
| Battery Description | Lithium-Polymer |
| Batteries included | Yes |
| Batteries Required | Yes |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Polymer |
| Battery Power Rating | 5000 Amp Hours |
| Cellular technology | 4G |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| Connector Type | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC |
| Human Interface Input | Touchscreen |
| Does it contain liquid? | No |
| Manufacturer | Blackview |
| Item model number | TBCA2024-Shark8-256-black |
| Parcel Dimensions | 18.6 x 9.6 x 6.7 cm; 540 g |
| ASIN | B0CNVW95WM |
