Doogee V20 vs. Ulefone Armor 12 5G: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in harsh conditions. Both the Doogee V20 and Ulefone Armor 12 5G aim to deliver this, powered by the same Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset. However, key differences in charging capabilities and potentially other unseen optimizations separate these two contenders, making a detailed comparison crucial for informed buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience and faster power-ups, the Doogee V20 emerges as the winner. While both phones share the same core processing power, the V20’s 33W wired charging and addition of reverse wireless charging offer a significant advantage over the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s 18W wired charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee V20 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, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 791, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, November 272021, August 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, JanuaryAvailable. Released 2021, August 23
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions170.5 x 81.2 x 14 mm (6.71 x 3.20 x 0.55 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
Weight296 g (10.44 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
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)
Size6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 500 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-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
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights-
Video1440p, 1080p1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackUnspecifiedNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioWireless FM radio, RDS
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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 wired 15W wireless Reverse wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type6000 mAhLi-Po 5180 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, RedBlack/Orange, Gray/Black
PriceAbout 440 EURAbout 370 EUR

Doogee V20

  • Faster 33W wired charging for quicker power-ups.
  • Includes 15W wireless charging for added convenience.
  • Offers reverse wired charging for topping up accessories.

  • Rugged design may result in a bulkier form factor.
  • Potential for higher price compared to the Ulefone Armor 12 5G.

Ulefone Armor 12 5G

  • Rugged and durable construction for harsh environments.
  • 5G connectivity for fast data speeds.
  • 15W wireless charging provides charging flexibility.

  • Slower 18W wired charging takes longer to fully charge.
  • Lacks reverse wireless charging functionality.

Display Comparison

Both the Doogee V20 and Ulefone Armor 12 5G likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in the rugged segment for their durability. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rate operation, impacting power consumption during prolonged use. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, prioritizing screen protection over a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

The provided data doesn’t detail camera specifications beyond the chipset. Given the market segment, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both will offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be heavily reliant on software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely for marketing purposes, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

At the heart of both devices lies the Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). This chipset features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivering comparable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The shared chipset means performance differences will likely stem from RAM management and software optimization, areas not specified in the provided data. Thermal throttling, a common concern in rugged phones due to limited internal space, will likely be similar on both, though the V20’s potentially more efficient charging system *could* indirectly contribute to slightly better sustained performance.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging capabilities are a key differentiator. The Doogee V20 supports 33W wired charging, significantly faster than the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s 18W wired charging. This translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time for the V20. Both devices offer 15W wireless charging, providing a convenient alternative. Crucially, the Doogee V20 adds reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Ulefone Armor 12 5G.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee V20 if you need a rugged phone with faster charging speeds, the convenience of wireless charging, and the added utility of reverse wireless charging to top up accessories. Buy the Ulefone Armor 12 5G if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are less concerned with rapid recharging, accepting a slower 18W wired charging solution. Both are excellent choices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee V20’s 33W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s 18W?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Doogee V20 will noticeably reduce charging time. While exact figures depend on battery capacity (not provided), a nearly 50% increase in wattage translates to a substantially faster 0-100% charge. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their device.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging feature on the Doogee V20 useful for more than just earbuds?
Absolutely. While ideal for charging wireless earbuds or smartwatches, the Doogee V20’s reverse wired charging can also provide a limited charge to other smartphones or low-power devices in emergencies. It’s a valuable feature for users who often find themselves without access to a traditional power outlet.
❓ Given both phones use the Dimensity 700, will I notice a performance difference in demanding games?
The performance difference in demanding games will likely be minimal. Both phones share the same chipset and core CPU architecture. Any difference will come down to RAM speed (not specified) and thermal management. The V20’s potentially more efficient charging system *might* contribute to slightly better sustained performance under heavy load, but it won’t be a dramatic improvement.