Ulefone Armor 29 Pro vs. Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and rapid charging, the Ulefone Armor 29 Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7400 chipset offers a significant leap over the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20. However, the Nokia XR20 remains a compelling choice for those valuing long-term software support and a more refined, albeit less powerful, user experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 29 Pro | Nokia XR20 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 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, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 14 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 15 | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 177.4 x 85.6 x 33.8 mm (6.98 x 3.37 x 1.33 in) | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 688 g (1.52 lb) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7400 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 512GB 16GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (night vision), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 4 infrared lights 50 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS, NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired, PPS, 20% in 10 min 10W reverse wired | 18W wired 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 21200 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | € 479.99 / $ 459.99 / £ 369.99 | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Armor 29 Pro
- Significantly faster processor for demanding tasks
- Blazing-fast 120W wired charging
- More efficient 4nm chipset for better battery life under load
- Potential for less software update support compared to Nokia
- Rugged design may compromise aesthetics for some users
Nokia XR20
- Guaranteed software updates from Nokia
- Reliable build quality and durability
- Wireless charging convenience
- Significantly slower processor for demanding tasks
- Slow charging speeds compared to the Ulefone
- Less efficient 8nm chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) are missing for both, the focus is on ruggedness, not visual fidelity. However, the chipset difference hints at potential display capabilities; the Dimensity 7400 could support a higher refresh rate panel than the Snapdragon 480 is capable of driving efficiently. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to drop protection. Color accuracy is likely similar, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over color science perfection.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Dimensity 7400 in the Ulefone Armor 29 Pro suggests superior image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The XR20’s Snapdragon 480 will likely produce acceptable images in good lighting conditions, but may struggle in low-light scenarios. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS makes a definitive judgment impossible, but the chipset advantage leans heavily towards the Ulefone.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Ulefone Armor 29 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7400 (4nm) is a significant upgrade over the Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). The Dimensity 7400’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.6 GHz, deliver considerably more processing power than the Snapdragon 480’s Kryo 460 cores at 2.0 GHz. The 4nm process node further enhances efficiency, meaning the Ulefone is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without significant throttling. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience, particularly for demanding applications. The XR20 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but will struggle with graphically intensive games or complex workflows.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 29 Pro’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer. Achieving 20% charge in just 10 minutes drastically reduces downtime. The Nokia XR20’s 18W wired and 15W wireless charging are comparatively slow. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Dimensity 7400’s superior efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the Ulefone, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The XR20’s wireless charging is a convenience feature, but the Ulefone’s speed is a significant advantage for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 29 Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and if minimizing downtime with incredibly fast 120W charging is crucial. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a phone with guaranteed software updates, a focus on reliable durability, and a more streamlined user experience, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.