The rugged smartphone market offers a compelling alternative for users prioritizing durability and reliability. Both the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 and Ulefone Armor 15 cater to this need, but diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a dependable rugged phone, the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset delivers noticeably superior CPU and GPU performance compared to the Ulefone Armor 15’s Helio G35, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming, despite the Armor 15's 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE Cat13 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, August 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 58.1 x 13.4 mm (5.16 x 2.29 x 0.53 in) | 170.2 x 79.6 x 18.2 mm (6.70 x 3.13 x 0.72 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 oz) | 346 g (12.20 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810G compliant
Built-in wireless earbuds housed inside the top side of the phone; charging |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~56.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769CZ Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.4μm
13 MP, f/2.4, 106˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0μm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0μm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Red | Meteorite Black, Tech Blue, Sport Red |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Cubot KingKong Mini 3
- Superior CPU performance with the Helio G85
- More responsive user experience
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May lack the fastest charging speeds
Ulefone Armor 15
- 18W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Potentially longer battery life during light usage
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Struggles with demanding apps and games
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Mini 3's overall performance advantage suggests it *may* have a slightly higher refresh rate, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on durability rather than minimizing size. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and auxiliary lenses (potentially macro or depth). The image processing capabilities will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely on software algorithms. The quality of the primary sensor will be the determining factor, and without knowing the sensor sizes or apertures, it's difficult to declare a winner. We can assume both will perform adequately in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3’s Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture prioritizes performance with the A75 cores handling demanding tasks. Conversely, the Ulefone Armor 15 utilizes the Helio G35, also on 12nm, but with a less potent CPU arrangement: 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the G35 has a higher clock speed on its primary cores, the A53 architecture is significantly less efficient than the A75, resulting in lower overall performance. The Mini 3 will exhibit faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. Gamers will find the G85 capable of handling moderately demanding titles, while the G35 will struggle with anything beyond casual games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Ulefone Armor 15 offers 18W wired charging, which is a slight advantage. The Helio G85 in the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 is more power-hungry, meaning it *may* drain the battery faster under heavy load. However, the G85's efficiency gains during lighter tasks could offset this. The 18W charging on the Armor 15 will likely result in faster 0-100% charge times, but the overall battery life will depend on the actual capacity and software optimization.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its more powerful processor ensures a fluid experience. Buy the Ulefone Armor 15 if your primary concern is basic functionality and extended battery life with a slightly faster charging capability, and you don't anticipate heavy app usage or gaming. It's a solid option for those prioritizing simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Helio G85 is capable, Genshin Impact will likely require low to medium graphics settings for a playable experience. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios. The Ulefone Armor 15’s Helio G35 will struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Helio G85 and Helio G35 in everyday tasks?
You'll notice a significant difference in app loading times and overall responsiveness. The KingKong Mini 3 will feel snappier when switching between apps, browsing the web, and performing general tasks. The Armor 15 may exhibit noticeable lag or delays, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 15's 18W charging make a substantial difference in charging speed?
Yes, 18W charging is faster than the typical 10W or 15W charging found in this price range. While not as fast as some flagship phones, it will noticeably reduce charging times compared to slower alternatives. However, the actual charging speed will also depend on the charger and cable used.
❓ Are either of these phones likely to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 in the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load. While the rugged design helps dissipate heat, expect some performance reduction after extended gaming. The Helio G35 in the Armor 15 is less powerful and therefore less likely to overheat, but its lower performance limits its gaming capabilities.
