The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Energizer U680S and Ulefone Note 17 Pro represent two distinct approaches. The U680S aims for affordability, while the Note 17 Pro attempts to deliver a more modern chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Ulefone Note 17 Pro is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a substantial performance uplift over the Energizer U680S’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the U680S is cheaper, the Note 17 Pro’s improved speed and 33W charging justify the price difference.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q3 | 2024, January 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 163.8 x 74.2 x 9 mm (6.45 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 197.8 g (6.98 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 4 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~91.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 120Hz, 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | No |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF
5 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP
VGA | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.7µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Velvet Black, Pearl White, Amber Orange |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 47:33h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (112 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Energizer U680S
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially longer software support (Energizer brand recognition)
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated chipset architecture
- Likely limited camera capabilities
Ulefone Note 17 Pro
- Faster and more efficient processor
- 33W fast charging
- Long battery endurance and cycle life
- Higher price than the Energizer U680S
- Ulefone brand may be less familiar to some users
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Ulefone Note 17 Pro’s focus on modern features, it’s reasonable to expect a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the Energizer U680S. The U680S, targeting the ultra-budget segment, likely utilizes a simpler LCD panel to minimize costs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Ulefone Note 17 Pro’s positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The Helio G99 chipset typically supports more advanced image signal processors (ISPs) than the Unisoc SC9863A, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. It’s likely the Note 17 Pro will offer more sophisticated image processing algorithms and potentially features like night mode. The U680S will likely rely on simpler camera hardware and software.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Ulefone Note 17 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) boasts a powerful octa-core configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Energizer U680S’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) which features 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm process node of the Helio G99 translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The Cortex-A76 cores in the Note 17 Pro offer a significant architectural advantage over the Cortex-A55 cores found in the U680S, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Note 17 Pro claims 47:33h endurance and 1000 charge cycles, indicating a focus on long-term battery health and usability. While the Energizer U680S’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Note 17 Pro’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. This allows for significantly faster top-ups compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the U680S. The Note 17 Pro’s endurance rating suggests optimized power management, complementing the efficiency of the Helio G99 chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer U680S if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Ulefone Note 17 Pro if you want a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and the ability to handle moderate gaming or multitasking without significant slowdowns. The Note 17 Pro is also the better choice for users who value faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Ulefone Note 17 Pro capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable gaming chipset. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process and efficient core configuration help prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the Unisoc SC9863A in the Energizer U680S perform with multitasking and app switching?
The Unisoc SC9863A is designed for basic smartphone tasks. Multitasking and app switching will likely be sluggish, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. Expect noticeable delays when switching between applications.
❓ What is the real-world charging time for the Ulefone Note 17 Pro with the 33W charger?
While a precise time depends on the starting battery level, the Ulefone Note 17 Pro should be able to charge from 0% to 50% in approximately 30-40 minutes with the included 33W charger. A full charge should take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
❓ Does the Energizer U680S support over-the-air (OTA) software updates?
While Energizer is a known brand, software update support for their budget devices can be inconsistent. It's likely the U680S will receive occasional security patches, but major Android version updates are less certain.
