Ulefone Armor 7 vs. Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing maximum battery life and a potentially brighter screen in direct sunlight, the Ulefone Armor 7 is the better choice. However, the Nokia XR20’s Snapdragon 480 5G offers future-proofing and a more efficient architecture, making it ideal for users who value connectivity and software updates.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 7 | Nokia XR20 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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, 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 | - | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat13 600/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 81 x 13.6 mm (6.53 x 3.19 x 0.54 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 | 290 g (10.23 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| IP69K dust/water resistant Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant | 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 Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB 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 | 5-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 | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, heart rate, baroceptor, coulombmeter | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired 10W wireless | 18W wired 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5500 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 440 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -72.0dB | - |
| Battery life | Endurance rating 140h | - |
| Camera | Photo / Video | - |
| Display | Contrast ratio: 1455:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker | -31.6 LUFS (Below average) | - |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 163017 (v7), 216770 (v8) GeekBench: 6913 (v4.4), 1476 (v5.1) GFXBench: 7.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Ulefone Armor 7
- Exceptional battery life (140h endurance)
- Potentially brighter display (406 nits)
- Rugged build quality for demanding environments
- Older chipset (Helio P90) with less efficient architecture
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Limited camera details suggest average performance
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 480 8nm)
- Potential for longer software support from Nokia
- Likely shorter battery life compared to Armor 7
- Display brightness likely lower than Armor 7
- Performance may not match higher-end rugged phones
Display Comparison
The Ulefone Armor 7 boasts a measured peak brightness of 406 nits and a 1455:1 contrast ratio. While the Nokia XR20’s display specifications aren’t provided, the Armor 7’s higher measured brightness suggests superior visibility outdoors. The contrast ratio on the Armor 7 indicates deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, though the panel technology (likely IPS on both) isn’t cutting-edge. Neither device is expected to compete with flagship OLED displays, but the Armor 7 appears to have a slight edge in visual clarity under direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Given the market positioning, neither is expected to deliver flagship-level image quality. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the lack of detail suggests both rely on software processing to enhance images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on many phones in this segment is often a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the XR20’s Qualcomm ISP is likely to provide more refined image processing.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 7 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P90 (12nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores. This chipset, while capable, is based on an older 12nm process. The Nokia XR20, conversely, employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). The 8nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to the 12nm Helio P90. While the Armor 7’s Cortex-A75 cores offer higher peak clock speeds (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz on the XR20’s Kryo 460), the Snapdragon 480’s architecture and efficiency are likely to provide a smoother, more sustained experience, especially during prolonged tasks. The XR20 also benefits from 5G connectivity, a feature absent in the Armor 7.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 7 achieves an impressive endurance rating of 140 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. It supports 15W wired and 10W wireless charging. The Nokia XR20 offers 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. While the XR20’s wired charging is slightly faster, the Armor 7’s superior endurance rating suggests it will require less frequent charging overall. The difference in charging speed is unlikely to be significant for most users, but the Armor 7’s longer runtime is a substantial advantage for those who spend extended periods away from power outlets.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 7 if you need a phone that will last for days on a single charge, frequently work outdoors in bright conditions, and aren't heavily reliant on 5G connectivity. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize 5G access, appreciate a cleaner software experience with guaranteed updates, and need a phone that balances durability with modern features.