Ulefone Armor 25T Pro vs. Cubot KingKong 9: A Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro is the better choice. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the Cubot KingKong 9’s Helio G99. However, the KingKong 9 excels in battery endurance, making it ideal for extended off-grid use.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 25T Pro | Cubot KingKong 9 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, May | 2023 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 177.4 x 81.4 x 12.5 mm (6.98 x 3.20 x 0.49 in) | 172 x 81.6 x 17.7 mm (6.77 x 3.21 x 0.70 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 326 g (11.50 oz) | 390 g (13.76 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Mohs level 7 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~75.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal camera by ThermoVue, 160x120 px, 25Hz, 12μm | 100 MP, (wide), PDAF 24 MP, (night vision camera), 2 IR emitters 5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 0.8µm | 32 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired 30W wireless Reverse wireless | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6500 mAh | 10600 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 420 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 90:55h endurance, 1600 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class C |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Ulefone Armor 25T Pro
- More powerful Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Faster 33W wired and 30W wireless charging
- Reverse wireless charging capability
- Battery life likely shorter than KingKong 9
- No specific battery capacity information available
Cubot KingKong 9
- Exceptional 90:55h battery endurance
- Long-lasting 1600 charge cycles
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful Helio G99 chipset
- Slower overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here will likely be on durability rather than display quality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to provide impact protection. Color accuracy will likely be secondary to visibility in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones often prioritize durability over camera quality. We can assume both will feature a multi-camera setup, but the sensor sizes and image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. The absence of information suggests neither phone will be a standout performer in photography, focusing instead on providing functional imaging capabilities for documentation and basic snapshots.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 25T Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) represents a significant step up in processing power compared to the Cubot KingKong 9’s Helio G99 (6nm). While both chipsets share a similar core configuration – Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) versus (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) – the Dimensity 6300’s higher clock speeds and architectural refinements translate to faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process node on both contributes to efficiency, but the Dimensity 6300 is likely to offer better sustained performance under load. The Armor 25T Pro will benefit users who engage in resource-intensive activities.
Battery Life
The Cubot KingKong 9 boasts a remarkable 90:55h endurance rating and a claimed 1600 charge cycles, suggesting exceptional battery longevity. While the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, its 33W wired and 30W wireless charging capabilities offer greater convenience. The KingKong 9’s endurance is a clear advantage for users who need multi-day battery life, while the 25T Pro’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups. The addition of reverse wireless charging on the 25T Pro is a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 25T Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its more powerful processor and wireless charging capabilities provide a premium experience. Buy the Cubot KingKong 9 if you prioritize maximum battery life and are willing to trade some processing power for extended uptime, particularly if you frequently find yourself away from power outlets for prolonged periods.