Cubot KingKong X Pro vs. Ulefone Armor 12 5G: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. We pit the Cubot KingKong X Pro, boasting a flagship-level Mediatek Dimensity 8200 chipset, against the Ulefone Armor 12 5G, a more budget-conscious option powered by the Dimensity 700. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone delivers the best blend of durability, performance, and value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and extended battery life, the Cubot KingKong X Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset and impressive 88:59h endurance significantly outperform the Ulefone Armor 12 5G. However, the Armor 12 5G offers wireless charging and a lower price point, making it a viable option for less demanding users.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong X Pro Ulefone Armor 12 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2024, November 012021, August 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2021, August 23
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions175.9 x 83.3 x 18.4 mm (6.93 x 3.28 x 0.72 in)175.9 x 82.5 x 14.3 mm (6.93 x 3.25 x 0.56 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight392 g (13.83 oz)296 g (10.44 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant
Display
ProtectionMohs level 7-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 24GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro), AF-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-16 MP, f/2.2
VideoYes1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single32 MP16 MP, f/2.2
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedWireless FM radio, RDS
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type10200 mAhLi-Po 5180 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack/Orange, Gray/Black
Price€ 349.95About 370 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery88:59h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong X Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 8200)
  • Exceptional battery life (88:59h endurance)
  • Potentially superior camera performance
  • Longer battery lifespan (1400 cycles)

  • Slower charging speed (33W)
  • Likely higher price point

Ulefone Armor 12 5G

  • Wireless charging support
  • More affordable price
  • Acceptable performance for basic tasks
  • 5G connectivity

  • Significantly slower processor (Dimensity 700)
  • Shorter battery life
  • Potentially lower camera quality

Display Comparison

While both phones are built for rugged use, display details are absent in the provided data. However, given the KingKong X Pro's higher price point, we can infer a potentially brighter panel and possibly a higher refresh rate. The Armor 12 5G likely focuses on durability and visibility in direct sunlight, potentially sacrificing peak brightness for power efficiency. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are not provided, but the chipset difference suggests a significant advantage for the KingKong X Pro. The Dimensity 8200 includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of handling higher resolution sensors and more complex image processing algorithms. This likely results in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The Armor 12 5G’s camera will likely be sufficient for casual snapshots, but won’t compete with the KingKong X Pro in challenging lighting conditions. We anticipate both phones will include a basic macro camera, but its utility will be limited.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cubot KingKong X Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a significant leap ahead of the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 8200 features a tri-cluster configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A78 core at 3.1 GHz, alongside additional A78 cores, and efficiency cores, offering superior multi-core and single-core performance. The 7nm process of the Dimensity 700, while efficient, can't match the 4nm node's density and power efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the KingKong X Pro. The Armor 12 5G will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with graphically intensive applications.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong X Pro boasts an impressive 88:59h endurance, indicating exceptional battery life. While the capacity isn't specified, this figure suggests a large battery combined with the efficiency of the Dimensity 8200. The 33W wired charging is respectable, but slower than some competitors. The Ulefone Armor 12 5G offers both 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. While wireless charging adds convenience, the slower charging speeds and potentially lower battery capacity (not specified) mean it will likely require more frequent charging compared to the KingKong X Pro. The KingKong X Pro's 1400 charge cycles also suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong X Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously, and if long battery life is paramount. Buy the Ulefone Armor 12 5G if you prioritize affordability, wireless charging convenience, and primarily use your phone for basic communication, navigation, and occasional photography. It's a solid choice for those who need a durable device without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 12 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 chipset in the Ulefone Armor 12 5G is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates, and even then, expect some stuttering. The Cubot KingKong X Pro, with its Dimensity 8200, will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Cubot KingKong X Pro compared to the Ulefone Armor 12 5G, and does the lack of wireless charging matter?
While the exact 0-100% charging times aren't specified, the 33W charging on the KingKong X Pro will be noticeably faster than the 18W wired and 15W wireless charging on the Armor 12 5G. The convenience of wireless charging is a plus for the Armor 12 5G, but the KingKong X Pro's faster wired charging, combined with its superior battery life, means you'll likely spend less time tethered to a charger overall.
❓ Given the rugged nature of these phones, how does the chipset choice impact long-term performance under heat?
The Dimensity 8200's 4nm process in the Cubot KingKong X Pro offers better thermal efficiency than the Dimensity 700's 7nm process. This means the KingKong X Pro is less likely to throttle performance under sustained load, such as during prolonged gaming or GPS navigation in direct sunlight. While both phones are designed to withstand harsh conditions, the KingKong X Pro will maintain higher performance levels for longer periods.