Energizer Hardcase H620S vs. Ulefone Armor 10 5G: A Rugged Performance Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but performance often takes a backseat. We pit the budget-focused Energizer Hardcase H620S against the more ambitious Ulefone Armor 10 5G, examining how their drastically different chipsets impact real-world usability and whether the Armor 10 5G’s 5G connectivity justifies its higher price point.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800 chipset delivers significantly superior performance compared to the Energizer H620S’ Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking, demanding apps, and 5G connectivity. However, the H620S remains a viable option for basic use cases where budget is paramount.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Hardcase H620S Ulefone Armor 10 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, December. Released 2021, February 092020, November 17. Released 2020, December 07
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 in)176.5 x 82.8 x 14.6 mm (6.95 x 3.26 x 0.57 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight250 g (8.82 oz)328 g (11.57 oz)
 IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2mIP68 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-Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MP4
OSAndroid 10Android 10, planned upgrade to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash, Panorama, HDR
Quad-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single48 MP, PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor, coulombmeter
Battery
Charging-15W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5800 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 420 EUR

Energizer Hardcase H620S

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Weak performance with the Helio P22 chipset
  • Limited multitasking capabilities
  • Likely outdated software support

Ulefone Armor 10 5G

  • Significantly faster performance with the Dimensity 800
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing
  • Wireless charging convenience

  • Higher price compared to the H620S
  • 15W charging is relatively slow
  • Rugged design adds bulk

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are absent for the H620S, its price point suggests a basic LCD panel. The Ulefone Armor 10 5G also likely features an LCD, but the focus here isn’t display quality; it’s ruggedness. Both will prioritize durability over vibrant colors or high refresh rates. The Armor 10 5G’s larger size may offer a slightly more immersive viewing experience, but neither phone is designed for media consumption.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are limited, but both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras to offer versatility. However, the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. Given the price difference, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G likely benefits from a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 800 chipset, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 5G modem in the Armor 10 5G suggests a more modern overall component selection, potentially extending to the camera module.

Performance

This is where the chasm between these two phones becomes apparent. The Energizer H620S utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, a 12nm chipset with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is an entry-level processor designed for basic tasks. Conversely, the Ulefone Armor 10 5G is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 800, a 7nm chip featuring a more powerful combination of Cortex-A76 and A55 cores, also clocked at 2.0 GHz. The 7nm process node and superior core architecture of the Dimensity 800 translate to significantly improved performance and power efficiency. The Armor 10 5G will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with far greater ease, while the H620S will struggle with anything beyond basic operations.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for the H620S, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Ulefone Armor 10 5G supports both 15W wired and 15W wireless charging, offering convenient charging options. While 15W isn’t fast charging by modern standards, the Dimensity 800’s superior power efficiency means the Armor 10 5G will likely deliver longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the H620S. The wireless charging capability is a unique advantage for the Armor 10 5G, catering to users who prefer cable-free charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Hardcase H620S if you need a supremely affordable, extremely durable phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and aren’t concerned with demanding performance or 5G. Buy the Ulefone Armor 10 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, 5G connectivity for future network compatibility, and the ability to handle more intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, even if it means a higher initial investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 10 5G’s Dimensity 800 chipset handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 800 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won’t match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Helio P22 in the Energizer H620S, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much does the ruggedization of the Ulefone Armor 10 5G impact its size and weight?
Rugged phones inherently add bulk due to reinforced materials and protective features. The Ulefone Armor 10 5G is noticeably thicker and heavier than standard smartphones. While exact dimensions aren’t provided, expect a substantial device that prioritizes durability over sleekness. This is a trade-off users must accept for the added protection.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Ulefone Armor 10 5G significantly slower than wired charging?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than even standard wired charging solutions. Expect a full charge to take several hours via wireless charging. However, it offers convenience for users who prefer not to deal with cables, especially in situations where access to a power outlet is limited.