Ulefone Armor 12 5G vs. Armor 8 Pro: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

Rugged phones are built to withstand the harshest conditions, and Ulefone is a leading name in this space. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the Ulefone Armor 12 5G and the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro. Which one offers the best blend of durability, features, and performance?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Ulefone Armor 12 5G is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster chipset, 5G connectivity, and wireless charging. While the Armor 8 Pro remains a solid, more affordable option, the 12 5G's superior performance and modern features make it the better overall choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names	Ulefone Armor 12 5G	Ulefone Armor 8 Pro

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66
5G bands	1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps
Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	CDMA2000 1xEV-DO	-

Launch
Announced	2021, August 14	2021, April 28
Status	Available. Released 2021, August 23	Available. Released 2021, April 28

Body
Build	Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame	Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions	175.9 x 82.5 x 14.3 mm (6.93 x 3.25 x 0.56 in)	166 x 81.8 x 15 mm (6.54 x 3.22 x 0.59 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	296 g (10.44 oz)	282 g (9.95 oz)
	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant	IP68 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
Resolution	720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)	720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size	6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio)	6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset	Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)	Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MC2	Mali-G72 MP3
OS	Android 11	Android 11

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal	128GB 8GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, Panorama, HDR
Quad	48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/2.2
Triple	-	16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video	1440p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Features	HDR, panorama	-
Single	16 MP, f/2.2	8 MP, f/2.2
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	No	Yes
35mm jack	No	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes, with dual speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	4.2, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Wireless FM radio, RDS	FM radio, RDS, recording
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	18W wired 15W wireless	15W wired
Type	Li-Po 5180 mAh	Li-Po 5580 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black/Orange, Gray/Black	Black, Orange, Red
Price	About 370 EUR	About 190 EUR

Ulefone Armor 12 5G

5G Connectivity
Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
Wireless Charging
Likely Improved Camera
Rugged Design

Potentially Higher Price
May have slightly shorter battery life than the 8 Pro depending on usage

Ulefone Armor 8 Pro

More Affordable
Rugged Design
Long Battery Life
Decent Performance for Basic Tasks

Older Processor (Helio P60)
No 5G
No Wireless Charging
Lower Performance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature ruggedized displays, likely with Corning Gorilla Glass for scratch resistance. The Armor 12 5G likely has a slightly larger display and potentially a higher resolution, though specific details are needed. Expect similar viewing angles and brightness levels, prioritizing durability over premium display quality.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer multiple rear cameras, the Armor 12 5G likely has a more advanced camera system thanks to its newer chipset and potentially larger sensors. Expect better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and improved video recording capabilities on the Armor 12 5G. Specific megapixel counts and features would need to be confirmed.

Performance

This is where the Armor 12 5G shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is significantly more powerful than the Helio P60. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Armor 12 5G. The Armor 8 Pro will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones are designed for long battery life. The Armor 12 5G likely has a slightly larger battery capacity, but the Dimensity 700's efficiency could offset this. The Armor 12 5G's wireless charging is a significant advantage.

Buying Guide

The Ulefone Armor 12 5G is ideal for users who need 5G connectivity, prioritize performance, and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging. The Ulefone Armor 8 Pro is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a durable phone and don't require the latest features or 5G.