Cubot KingKong ES 3 vs. Ulefone Power Armor 19T: A Rugged Showdown

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. We pit the Cubot KingKong ES 3, focused on extended battery life, against the Ulefone Power Armor 19T, prioritizing faster processing and charging speeds, to determine which offers the best blend of durability and performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and rapid refueling, the Ulefone Power Armor 19T is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and 66W charging significantly outperform the Cubot KingKong ES 3’s Unisoc T615 and 33W charging, despite the ES 3’s impressive battery endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong ES 3 Ulefone Power Armor 19T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2025, August2023, March 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, AugustAvailable. Released 2023, March 06
Body
Dimensions177.4 x 83.7 x 15.3 mm (6.98 x 3.30 x 0.60 in)175.2 x 83.4 x 18.8 mm (6.90 x 3.28 x 0.74 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight352 g (12.42 oz)409 g (14.43 oz)
 -IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T615 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 15Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashHexa-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP (macro) FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) 5 MP (for thermal module)
VideoYes1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.0µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoWireless FM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired66W wired, 52% in 30 min 15W wireless 5W wireless reversed
Type10200 mAhLi-Po 9600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 440 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery61:01h endurance, 1300 cycles-
EnergyClass E-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong ES 3

  • Exceptional battery endurance (61:01h)
  • High battery cycle count (1300 cycles)
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Less powerful processor (Unisoc T615)
  • Slower charging speed (33W)

Ulefone Power Armor 19T

  • Faster processor (Helio G99)
  • Significantly faster charging (66W wired, wireless options)
  • More efficient chipset (6nm process)

  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to ES 3
  • Likely higher price point

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The Ulefone, being newer, may benefit from improved color calibration and viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rate information suggests both target practicality over visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature multi-camera setups. The Ulefone’s Helio G99 chipset likely offers more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of sensor size information makes it impossible to definitively declare a winner, but the G99’s processing power gives Ulefone an edge.

Performance

The Ulefone Power Armor 19T’s Mediatek Helio G99, fabricated on a 6nm process, represents a significant leap in efficiency and performance over the Cubot KingKong ES 3’s Unisoc T615 (12nm). The G99’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, deliver noticeably faster processing speeds compared to the ES 3’s 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While both utilize a 6x Cortex-A55 configuration for efficiency, the G99’s superior architecture provides a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong ES 3 boasts an impressive 61:01h endurance and 1300 charge cycles, indicating exceptional battery longevity. However, the Ulefone Power Armor 19T counters with significantly faster charging: 66W wired, achieving 52% charge in just 30 minutes, alongside 15W wireless and 5W reverse wireless charging. While the ES 3 excels in sustained runtime, the 19T’s charging speed is a game-changer for users who need a quick power boost. The 19T’s faster charging mitigates the potential disadvantage of a potentially smaller battery capacity (not specified).

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong ES 3 if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge and prioritize longevity over raw power. This is ideal for extended trips off-grid or users who frequently find themselves away from power outlets. Buy the Ulefone Power Armor 19T if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging – perfect for those who need to quickly top up their phone between uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Ulefone Power Armor 19T’s Helio G99 chipset generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, is designed for improved thermal efficiency compared to older chipsets. While gaming will inevitably generate heat, the G99’s architecture and the rugged design of the Power Armor 19T (likely incorporating heat dissipation features) should prevent significant throttling and maintain stable performance for extended periods.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Ulefone Power Armor 19T compare to standard fast charging solutions?
66W charging is considerably faster than typical fast charging standards (e.g., 18W or 25W). The Ulefone Power Armor 19T can achieve a 52% charge in just 30 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. This is particularly beneficial for users who need a quick power boost before heading out for work or an adventure.
❓ Is the 1300 charge cycle claim for the Cubot KingKong ES 3 realistic, and what does it mean for the average user?
1300 charge cycles indicate the number of times the battery can be fully charged and discharged before experiencing significant degradation in capacity. While real-world results may vary based on usage patterns, this suggests the ES 3’s battery is designed for exceptional longevity, potentially lasting several years with proper care.