Ulefone Armor 34 vs Cubot KingKong 8: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Ulefone Armor 34 is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful Dimensity 7300 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage, while the 66W charging drastically reduces downtime. The Cubot KingKong 8 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing basic functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 34 | Cubot KingKong 8 |
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, August | 2023, October 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 18 | Available. Released 2023, October 23 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 183.1 x 86.6 x 32.7 mm (7.21 x 3.41 x 1.29 in) | 169.9 x 80.2 x 20 mm (6.69 x 3.16 x 0.79 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 763 g (1.68 lb) | 382 g (13.47 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~72.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.4 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Mediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 512GB 16GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/1.3", 1.2µm, multi-directional PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, 4 infrared lights 50 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) 0.3 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | Yes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.5, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 | 66W wired 10W reverse wired | Wired Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 25500 mAh | 10600 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Red, Green |
| Price | € 459.99 / $ 413.32 / £ 369.99 | About 170 EUR |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 384:54h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class D (88 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Ulefone Armor 34
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 7300)
- 66W fast charging for quick power-ups
- Longer battery lifespan (1000 cycles)
- Likely higher price point
- Rugged design may add bulk
Cubot KingKong 8
- More affordable price
- Durable, rugged construction
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Outdated and less powerful processor (MT8788V)
- Slower charging speeds
- Potentially shorter battery lifespan
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but given the market segment, both likely feature LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. The Armor 34’s chipset suggests potential for a higher refresh rate display, though this is unconfirmed. The KingKong 8, with its older chipset, is likely limited to a standard 60Hz panel. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing durability over a sleek aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited, but the chipset disparity suggests a significant advantage for the Ulefone Armor 34. Modern chipsets like the Dimensity 7300 include advanced image signal processors (ISPs) capable of superior noise reduction, dynamic range, and computational photography features. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the Armor 34’s ISP will likely extract more detail and produce higher-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 34’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) represents a massive leap in performance over the Cubot KingKong 8’s Mediatek MT8788V (12nm). The Dimensity 7300’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smooth multitasking. The 4nm process node also translates to improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The KingKong 8’s Cortex-A73 cores, while capable, are demonstrably slower and less efficient. This difference will be particularly noticeable in graphically intensive applications and gaming.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 34 boasts impressive battery endurance, rated at 384:54h, and supports 66W wired charging. This combination allows for rapid replenishment, minimizing downtime. While the Cubot KingKong 8 offers reverse wired charging, the lack of specified charging wattage suggests it will be significantly slower than the Armor 34. The Armor 34’s 1000 charge cycle rating also indicates a longer lifespan, ensuring sustained battery health over years of use. The KingKong 8’s battery capacity is unknown, but the less efficient chipset will likely result in shorter real-world usage times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 34 if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior processing power and faster charging are ideal for users who rely on their phone throughout the day. Buy the Cubot KingKong 8 if you prioritize affordability and require a durable device for essential communication and light usage – think construction workers or those needing a reliable backup phone.