Energizer Hardcase H621S vs. Ulefone Armor 11T 5G: A Rugged Performance Showdown

The rugged phone market caters to users needing durability, but performance often takes a backseat. We pit the entry-level Energizer Hardcase H621S against the more ambitious Ulefone Armor 11T 5G, examining how their chipsets and features translate to real-world usability. This comparison focuses on the core performance differences and whether the Armor 11T 5G’s price premium is justified.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 800 chipset delivers a substantial performance leap over the H621S’s Helio P22, making it suitable for more demanding tasks and 5G connectivity. However, the H621S remains a viable option for basic use cases where budget is the primary concern.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Hardcase H621S Ulefone Armor 11T 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, 2, 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, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, June. Released 2021, June2021, May 29
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, June 07
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)163.8 x 81.6 x 14.2 mm (6.45 x 3.21 x 0.56 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight241 g (8.50 oz)293 g (10.34 oz)
 -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-Oleophobic coating
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~68.3% 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 11Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Penta-48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) 5 MP 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single48 MP, PDAF16 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor
Battery
Charging15W wired18W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 590 EUR

Energizer Hardcase H621S

  • Extremely affordable
  • Rugged build quality
  • Simple and easy to use

  • Weak performance
  • Slow charging
  • Outdated chipset

Ulefone Armor 11T 5G

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 5G connectivity
  • Wireless charging

  • Higher price
  • Potentially bulkier design
  • May still lack high-end camera features

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. The H621S, with its Helio P22, lacks the processing power to drive a high-refresh-rate panel, limiting it to a standard 60Hz experience. The Armor 11T 5G, while not explicitly stated, benefits from the Dimensity 800’s graphics capabilities, potentially supporting higher refresh rates for smoother scrolling and animations. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of rugged designs prioritizing drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Given the target market, camera performance isn't a primary focus for either device. Details beyond the main sensors are scarce. The Armor 11T 5G likely benefits from the Dimensity 800’s improved image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. While both may include multiple rear cameras, expect the quality of secondary sensors (like macro lenses) to be limited. The larger processing power of the Armor 11T 5G will allow for more sophisticated computational photography techniques.

Performance

This is where the chasm appears. The Energizer H621S’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) is an entry-level chipset designed for basic smartphone functions. Its octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz will struggle with multitasking and demanding applications. Conversely, the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7nm) is a significant upgrade. The Dimensity 800 utilizes a more efficient 7nm process and a combination of four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores, all clocked at 2.0 GHz. This architecture delivers substantially faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance, making the Armor 11T 5G capable of handling gaming and resource-intensive apps with ease. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Both phones offer respectable battery capacities, but the charging speeds differ. The H621S supports 15W wired charging, while the Armor 11T 5G steps up to 18W wired charging *and* 10W wireless charging. While 18W isn’t exceptionally fast, it will reduce charging times compared to the H621S. The inclusion of 10W wireless charging on the Armor 11T 5G adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging. Real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns, but the Dimensity 800’s improved efficiency could offset any capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Hardcase H621S if you need a truly basic, ultra-affordable rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G if you prioritize performance for gaming, streaming, or running multiple apps, and require 5G connectivity and faster charging speeds. The Armor 11T 5G is for users who want a rugged phone that doesn't feel like a compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 800’s 7nm process and improved thermal management capabilities significantly reduce the risk of overheating compared to the Helio P22 in the H621S. While some throttling may occur during prolonged, intensive gaming, it should be less pronounced on the Armor 11T 5G.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Armor 11T 5G worth the extra cost if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Armor 11T 5G’s 5G modem offers future-proofing. The Dimensity 800 also provides improved 4G LTE performance compared to the Helio P22, resulting in faster and more reliable 4G speeds in areas without 5G.
❓ Can the Energizer Hardcase H621S handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the H621S can handle basic social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, but expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between apps. It's suitable for light social media use, but not for heavy multitasking.