Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra vs. Nokia XR20: A Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users demanding uncompromising performance and rapid charging, the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 9300+ chipset delivers a substantial performance leap over the XR20’s Snapdragon 480. However, the Nokia XR20 remains a compelling option for those prioritizing software updates and a more budget-friendly entry into the rugged phone space.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra | 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 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 18 | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 177.3 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 5, Mohs level 4 | 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 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 900 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 9300+ (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 1TB 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 | 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/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel 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 | 8K@30fps, 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 3.2 Gen2, Display Port 1.4, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, 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-Po 21200 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | $ 877.91 / £ 639.99 / € 799.99 | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 112:30h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra
- Exceptional performance with Dimensity 9300+
- Ultra-fast 120W charging
- Long battery life (112:30h endurance)
- Likely higher price point
- Potential for increased heat under sustained load (though mitigated by 4nm process)
Nokia XR20
- Guaranteed software updates (Nokia's strength)
- More affordable price
- Solid build quality and durability
- Significantly weaker performance
- Slow charging speeds (18W wired)
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but given the Armor 29 Ultra’s positioning, we can expect a higher resolution and refresh rate panel than the XR20. The XR20 likely utilizes an IPS LCD, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over vibrant colors. The Armor 29 Ultra, targeting a higher price bracket, may incorporate OLED technology for superior contrast and color accuracy. The impact of panel technology is significant for media consumption and gaming, favoring the Ulefone if it delivers a more advanced display.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the chipset difference suggests a significant advantage for the Ulefone. The Dimensity 9300+ includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of handling higher resolution sensors and more complex image processing algorithms. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Ulefone is expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The XR20’s camera system is likely geared towards everyday snapshots, while the Armor 29 Ultra aims for a more versatile and capable photographic experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra’s MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ (4nm) is a flagship-level chipset, featuring a complex core configuration (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4, 3x2.85 GHz Cortex-X4, and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A720). This contrasts sharply with the Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm), which employs a more modest octa-core setup (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460). The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 9300+ offers significantly improved power efficiency and thermal performance, translating to sustained performance under load. Users engaging in resource-intensive tasks will experience a dramatically smoother experience on the Ulefone.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra boasts impressive battery endurance, rated at 112:30h, and supports 120W wired charging, achieving 20% charge in just 10 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the Nokia XR20’s 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. While the XR20’s battery capacity is unknown, the Ulefone’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime. The 1000 charge cycle rating for the Ulefone also suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself, mitigating degradation over time. The Ulefone’s charging speed is a game-changer for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 29 Ultra if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like mobile gaming, video editing, or running complex applications, and if fast charging is a priority. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more affordable, reliable device with guaranteed software updates and a focus on essential smartphone functionality, prioritizing longevity over raw power.