Ulefone Armor 6E vs. Ulefone Armor 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

Ulefone’s Armor series consistently delivers durable, feature-packed smartphones for demanding users. The Armor 6E and Armor 8 Pro represent two compelling options, but subtle differences in their core components – specifically the chipset and charging capabilities – dictate which phone is better suited for different needs. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Ulefone Armor 6E emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P70 chipset, while a generation older, offers a marginal CPU performance advantage. However, the Armor 8 Pro remains a viable option for those seeking wireless charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 6E Ulefone Armor 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, May. Released 2019, May2021, April 28
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, April 28
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions166 x 83 x 13.3 mm (6.54 x 3.27 x 0.52 in)166 x 81.8 x 15 mm (6.54 x 3.22 x 0.59 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight267.5 g (9.45 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 compliantIP68 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
Resolution1080 x 2246 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~402 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 96.9 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 2 MP-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Panorama, HDR
Single-8 MP, f/2.2
Triple-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor, uv sensorFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired 10W wireless15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, RedBlack, Orange, Red
Price-About 190 EUR

Ulefone Armor 6E

  • Slightly faster CPU performance with the Helio P70.
  • Faster 18W wired charging.
  • Offers both wired and 10W wireless charging.

  • May be harder to find as newer models are released.
  • Lacks the wireless charging convenience of the Armor 8 Pro.

Ulefone Armor 8 Pro

  • Convenience of wireless charging.
  • Potentially more readily available.
  • Slightly more modern chipset (though performance is similar).

  • Slower 15W wired charging.
  • Marginally lower CPU performance compared to the Armor 6E.

Display Comparison

Neither Ulefone provides detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. Given the target market, both likely utilize IPS LCDs prioritizing durability and visibility in direct sunlight over color accuracy. Without nit brightness or color gamut data, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the focus on ruggedness suggests both displays are likely protected by Gorilla Glass or a similar toughened material.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the price point and rugged phone segment, expect competent but not exceptional camera performance. The focus is likely on durability and functionality rather than cutting-edge image quality. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this price range.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Armor 6E features the Mediatek Helio P70, built on a 12nm process, with an octa-core CPU configuration of 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Armor 8 Pro steps down to the Helio P60, also 12nm, but with a slightly slower CPU clock speed of 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. While both utilize the same core architecture, the 100MHz clock speed difference on the A73 cores of the P70 translates to a marginal performance boost in CPU-intensive tasks. The GPU performance is likely similar, as both chipsets use a Mali-G72 MP3. Real-world differences will be most noticeable in demanding applications and multitasking.

Battery Life

Both phones offer substantial battery life, typical of rugged devices. The Armor 6E supports 18W wired charging and 10W wireless charging, providing flexibility in charging options. The Armor 8 Pro is limited to 15W wired charging, sacrificing some charging speed for the convenience of wireless charging. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the 18W charging on the 6E will likely result in faster 0-100% charge times compared to the 8 Pro, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 6E if you need a reliable, work-focused rugged phone where consistent processing power for apps and multitasking is paramount. It’s ideal for field workers, construction professionals, or anyone who demands a phone that can keep up with a busy day. Buy the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro if you prioritize the convenience of wireless charging and are willing to accept a slight performance trade-off. This makes it a good fit for users who frequently use wireless charging pads or prefer a clutter-free charging experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P60 in the Armor 8 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio P60 is capable of running these games, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The P70 in the Armor 6E offers a slight advantage, but neither chipset is designed for high-end gaming. Expect medium settings to be the sweet spot for a playable experience on both devices.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Armor 8 Pro significantly slower than the wired charging on the Armor 6E?
Yes, the 10W wireless charging on the Armor 6E and the 15W wired charging on the Armor 8 Pro represent a substantial difference. Wireless charging is inherently slower than wired charging, and the Armor 8 Pro’s lower wired charging wattage further exacerbates this difference. Expect a significantly longer charge time when using wireless charging.
❓ How does the ruggedness of these phones compare? Are they both waterproof and drop-proof?
Both the Armor 6E and Armor 8 Pro are built to withstand harsh conditions, boasting IP68 and IP69K ratings for water, dust, and shock resistance. They are both designed to survive drops onto concrete and submersion in water, making them ideal for outdoor work or adventurous activities. However, the specific drop height and submersion duration may vary.