The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability and reliability in harsh conditions. We pit the Oukitel BT80 against the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro, examining how their specifications translate into real-world performance and value. While the BT80 aims for affordability, the Armor 17 Pro focuses on delivering a more powerful experience with its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset provides a substantial advantage over the unknown internals of the Oukitel BT80. However, if budget is the primary concern, the BT80 may offer a viable, albeit less capable, alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April | 2022, October 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2022, October 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 52.7 x 44.5 x 14.2 mm (2.07 x 1.75 x 0.56 in) | 172.7 x 80.4 x 12.5 mm (6.80 x 3.17 x 0.49 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 290 g (10.23 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Tempered glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (~304 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.13 inches | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | Unspecified | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Triple-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52”, 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
8 MP, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights |
| Video | - | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | MagSafe compatible accessories |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 66W wired, 53% in 15 min
15W wireless
Wireless reversed |
| Type | 1000 mAh | Li-Po 5380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Titanium | Black |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 260 EUR |
Oukitel BT80
- Potentially lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- May offer longer battery life due to less powerful processor (speculation)
- Unknown chipset and performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially lower quality display
Ulefone Armor 17 Pro
- Powerful Mediatek Helio G99 processor
- 66W fast wired charging (53% in 15 min)
- 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
- Higher price compared to the Oukitel BT80
- May have slightly lower battery life due to more powerful processor
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Oukitel BT80, a direct comparison is difficult. The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro likely benefits from a more modern panel due to its higher-tier chipset. Display quality is often tied to the SoC's ability to drive it efficiently. We can assume the Armor 17 Pro will offer better color accuracy and brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility, a key requirement for rugged phones.
Camera Comparison
The absence of camera specifications for the Oukitel BT80 makes a detailed comparison impossible. The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s camera system, while not detailed in the provided data, will likely benefit from the Helio G99’s image signal processor (ISP). A modern ISP is crucial for noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. We can expect the Armor 17 Pro to deliver superior photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) would further enhance image clarity.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is the defining performance factor. Its octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant uplift in CPU and GPU performance compared to what is typically found in budget rugged phones. The 6nm process node also contributes to improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Oukitel BT80, lacking published specs, likely utilizes a less powerful chipset, resulting in slower app loading times and reduced multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro’s 66W wired charging is a standout feature, capable of delivering a 53% charge in just 15 minutes. This rapid charging capability is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging adds further convenience. While the Oukitel BT80’s battery capacity is unknown, its charging speed is likely considerably slower, potentially requiring several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel BT80 if you need a basic, durable smartphone for essential tasks and are on a very tight budget. It's suited for users who prioritize longevity and don't require demanding applications. Buy the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience, faster charging speeds (66W wired, 15W wireless), and the ability to run more demanding apps and games thanks to the Mediatek Helio G99 processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro's Helio G99 chipset get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is designed for efficiency, and the Armor 17 Pro's rugged build likely incorporates heat dissipation features. While some warmth is expected during prolonged gaming, the 6nm process node and potential thermal management solutions should prevent significant throttling and maintain stable performance.
❓ Is the lack of specific specs for the Oukitel BT80 a major concern for potential buyers?
Yes, the absence of detailed specifications raises concerns about the BT80's overall performance and quality. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, and display details, it's difficult to assess its capabilities accurately. Buyers should proceed with caution and consider the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro if performance is a priority.
❓ How does the 66W charging on the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro compare to standard charging speeds?
66W charging is significantly faster than standard charging speeds (typically 10-15W). The Armor 17 Pro can achieve a 53% charge in just 15 minutes, drastically reducing downtime compared to traditional charging methods. This is particularly useful for users who rely on their phone throughout the day and need a quick power boost.
