Energizer Hard Case G5 vs. Ulefone Armor 9E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Energizer Hard Case G5 is the better choice. Its Dimensity 800U chipset, built on a 7nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Ulefone Armor 9E’s 12nm Helio P90, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the 9E offers 18W charging, the G5’s superior processing power makes it the overall winner.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Energizer Hard Case G5 | Ulefone Armor 9E |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q4 | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 78.2 x 13.7 mm (6.60 x 3.08 x 0.54 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 | - | 324 g (11.43 oz) |
| IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m | 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | PowerVR GM9446 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF 20 MP, f/1.8 13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter |
| - | Endoscope mount (camera sold separately) | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 500 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Energizer Hard Case G5
- More powerful Dimensity 800U chipset for smoother performance.
- 7nm process offers better power efficiency and thermal management.
- Potentially better camera image processing due to superior ISP.
- Charging speed is unknown and potentially slower than the Ulefone.
- Battery capacity not specified, potentially smaller than the competition.
Ulefone Armor 9E
- 18W wired charging for faster top-ups.
- Potentially lower price point compared to the Energizer.
- Rugged design provides excellent durability.
- Older Helio P90 chipset offers lower performance.
- 12nm process is less power efficient, potentially leading to more heat.
- Older ISP may result in lower image quality.
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Armor 9E’s positioning, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. The G5, with its more modern chipset, *could* support a higher refresh rate display, though this isn’t confirmed. Bezels are likely similar across both devices, given their rugged design focus. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for outdoor visibility on both, but not geared towards professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones often prioritize durability over camera quality. Both devices likely feature a main sensor, ultrawide, and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The G5’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 800U will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The 9E’s Helio P90 ISP is older and less capable. We can assume both phones will offer acceptable image quality for casual use, but neither will compete with flagship smartphone cameras.
Performance
The Energizer Hard Case G5’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7nm) represents a significant leap over the Ulefone Armor 9E’s Helio P90 (12nm). The 7nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the G5 will likely run cooler and sustain peak performance for longer periods. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration with a similar Cortex-A55 cluster, the G5’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.0 GHz) are architecturally superior to the 9E’s Cortex-A75 cores (2x2.2 GHz). This translates to faster single-core performance, benefiting app launch times and general responsiveness. The 9E’s slightly higher clock speed on the A75 cores won’t fully compensate for the architectural advantage of the G5’s A76 cores.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s 18W wired charging is a concrete advantage. The Energizer G5’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s likely slower. The Dimensity 800U’s superior power efficiency *could* offset a slightly smaller battery capacity in the G5, providing comparable real-world battery life. However, users who frequently need to top up their phone quickly will benefit from the 9E’s 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hard Case G5 if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value a more modern chipset for better long-term software support. Buy the Ulefone Armor 9E if you prioritize a lower price point and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, and light app usage, and appreciate the convenience of 18W wired charging.