BLU Tank Xtreme vs. Ulefone Armor 9E: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Ulefone Armor 9E is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset delivers a significantly more fluid experience than the BLU Tank Xtreme’s aging Cortex-A53 processor. While the Tank Xtreme may offer slightly better value for extremely basic use, the Armor 9E’s performance justifies the price difference.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | BLU Tank Xtreme | Ulefone Armor 9E |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.6 x 71.8 x 10.2 mm (6.05 x 2.83 x 0.40 in) | 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm (6.62 x 3.23 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 324 g (11.43 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | PowerVR GM9446 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter |
| - | Endoscope mount (camera sold separately) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4200 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 290 EUR |
BLU Tank Xtreme
- Extremely affordable price point
- Rugged build quality for basic protection
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Very slow processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor gaming performance
Ulefone Armor 9E
- Significantly faster processor (Helio P90)
- 18W fast charging
- More responsive user experience
- Higher price than the BLU Tank Xtreme
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Still a budget-oriented device with compromises
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Armor 9E’s chipset allows for potentially better image processing, leading to slightly more vibrant colors. However, without specific display specs for the Tank Xtreme, it’s difficult to assess brightness or color accuracy. Bezels are likely substantial on both, prioritizing durability over a modern, edge-to-edge design.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Armor 9E’s more powerful chipset likely enables better image signal processing (ISP), resulting in improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. It’s reasonable to assume the Armor 9E will offer more features and potentially better video recording capabilities. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor here. The BLU Tank Xtreme’s Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 processor is a dated architecture, designed for low-power efficiency rather than speed. In contrast, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90, built on a 12nm process, features an Octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 (performance) and Cortex-A55 (efficiency) cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio P90 also includes a more capable GPU, enabling basic gaming that would be unplayable on the Tank Xtreme.
Battery Life
While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Tank Xtreme likely charges at a much slower rate. The Helio P90’s 12nm process, while powerful, is also relatively efficient, meaning the Armor 9E can deliver longer sustained performance without excessive battery drain. Real-world usage will depend on individual habits, but the Armor 9E’s charging speed and chipset efficiency give it an edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Tank Xtreme if you need a basic, incredibly affordable rugged phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage. It’s ideal for those who prioritize extreme durability over performance. Buy the Ulefone Armor 9E if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like navigation, streaming, and light gaming, and appreciate a smoother, more responsive user experience. It’s for users who need a workhorse that can withstand harsh conditions without sacrificing usability.