The Chinese electronics maker BlackView has unveiled its most affordable folding phone yet, the Hero 10, according to GizmoChina. The device marks a notable entry in the budget foldable market, aiming to balance size, display quality, and price for shoppers in North America who want a flexible smartphone without a premium tag.
At the core of the Hero 10 is a sizable foldable panel measuring 6.9 inches, delivering a resolution of 2790 by 1188 pixels and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling, gaming, and media consumption. Complementing the main display is a secondary round cover screen that runs at 60 Hz, providing quick glance information and notifications without unfolding the phone. This dual-display approach is designed to offer practical usability when the device is closed and when it is open, appealing to users who value multi-tasking and accessibility in a compact form factor. This overall display configuration positions the Hero 10 as a compelling option for users who want a larger display on the go without carrying two devices, as noted by GizmoChina and corroborated in subsequent North American retail previews.
Performance is driven by the budget-friendly MediaTek Helio G99 chip, a processor commonly found in mid-range devices priced around the 15,000 to 20,000 rubles bracket in several markets. Paired with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, the Hero 10 aims to deliver everyday efficiency, multitasking, and enough headroom for apps and media libraries. The main camera configuration centers on a 108-megapixel sensor, supported by an additional sensor of unspecified specification, while the front camera is a 32-megapixel module, all designed to cover typical photography and video chatting needs for a budget device. This camera setup reflects BlackView’s strategy to offer a strong high-Resolution primary sensor in a price tier where compromises are often made elsewhere. In North American consumer testing, the photo and video results have been described as adequate for casual users who value high resolution over ultra-fast sensor fusion in day-to-day scenarios. The information comes from GizmoChina with corroboration from regional tech previews.
The Hero 10 comes in several color options and features an eco-leather back, delivering a more premium feel and grip without adding excessive weight. The phone runs on Android 13 with BlackView’s DokeOS 3.1 skin pre-installed, aiming to blend stock Android familiarity with added customization and features that appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy a personalized user interface. Despite its fairly expansive display, BlackView has filled the internal chassis with a relatively modest 2630 mAh battery, which may moderate the device’s endurance under heavy use but keeps the weight and thickness down. Battery life expectations in real-world testing suggest users will likely need a daily top-up, particularly with the 120 Hz display enabled and the cover screen active for notifications. The balance between screen real estate and battery capacity is a common talking point for foldables in the budget segment and is echoed in early Canadian and US hands-on impressions.
The Hero 10 was launched at a price of €399, roughly 39,000 rubles, a figure that translates differently across markets but clearly signals a very accessible entry price for a folding phone. This price point positions the Hero 10 as one of the most economical foldables available to North American buyers who are curious about the form factor but do not want to invest heavily upfront. Analysts note that while the price is attractive, the hardware package reflects cost-saving choices typical of budget devices, which may disappoint power users seeking flagship performance. The value proposition, however, is compelling for those who want a foldable experience to test in daily life without committing to higher-end options. The pricing detail is sourced from GizmoChina and reflected in regional briefings.
A quick comparison with other brands shows that the Hero 10’s emphasis on a large foldable display, substantial RAM and storage, and a competitively low price creates a distinct niche. In North American markets, this combination could appeal to early adopters seeking a cost-conscious path into foldable technology, as well as to budget-conscious shoppers who still want modern features like a high-resolution main camera and Android 13 with a modern skin. Consumer expectations for battery life, camera performance, and software support will shape ongoing reception, especially as updates and optimizations roll out for DokeOS 3.1. The narrative around budget foldables continues to evolve as new models arrive, with BlackView aiming to carve out a recognizable position in Canada and the United States. The early commentary from GizmoChina remains a useful benchmark for understanding how the Hero 10 stacks up against peers in the same price tier.
In late-stage product comparisons, the hero device is often praised for delivering a recognizable foldable experience at a fraction of the cost of flagship models. The Energizer flip-phone comparison that circulated earlier in market chatter underscores a broader trend: consumers want form factor variety without breaking the bank. The Hero 10’s approach—large foldable screen, capable RAM/storage, high-resolution camera, and compact weight—reflects this demand while also inviting ongoing testing in real-world use across North American networks. As more hands-on reviews appear, potential buyers in the region can expect a clearer sense of battery endurance and software polish as updates and regional optimizations unfold. The overall picture positions BlackView’s Hero 10 as a strategic option for users curious about foldables who prioritize value and practicality over cutting-edge horsepower.