Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro vs. Ulefone Armor 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Evolution

Ulefone's Armor series consistently delivers durable smartphones for demanding users. The Armor Mini 20 Pro represents a significant generational leap, boasting a modern Dimensity 6300 chipset. But does this translate to a worthwhile upgrade over the established Armor 8 Pro, powered by the older Helio P60? We dissect the key differences to help you choose.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro is the superior choice. Its significantly faster Mediatek Dimensity 6300 processor, coupled with 33W wired and 15W wireless charging, offers a substantial performance and convenience boost over the Armor 8 Pro's Helio P60 and 15W wired charging. The price difference justifies the upgrade for anyone prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro Ulefone Armor 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, September2021, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2021, April 28
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions133.5 x 63.3 x 24.9 mm (5.26 x 2.49 x 0.98 in)166 x 81.8 x 15 mm (6.54 x 3.22 x 0.59 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight301 g (10.62 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 compliant
Display
Protection-Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~373 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size4.7 inches, 53.3 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 14Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm Night vision camera-
FeaturesDual-LED 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
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.2
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless15W wired
TypeLi-Ion 6200 mAhLi-Po 5580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Red
PriceAbout 340 EURAbout 190 EUR

Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
  • 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • More power-efficient chipset (6nm)
  • Potential for smoother gaming and multitasking

  • Likely higher price point
  • May have a slightly smaller form factor, potentially less comfortable for some

Ulefone Armor 8 Pro

  • Lower price point
  • Proven durability (Armor series reputation)
  • Simple and reliable performance for basic tasks
  • Familiar user experience for existing Ulefone users

  • Outdated processor (Helio P60)
  • Slow 15W wired charging only
  • Less responsive performance
  • Limited future-proofing

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature similar ruggedized display construction, the internal components driving them differ significantly. We lack specific display specs for both, but the chipset difference suggests the Mini 20 Pro could support a higher refresh rate panel. The Armor 8 Pro's Helio P60 may struggle to consistently deliver smooth visuals at higher refresh rates. The 6nm Dimensity 6300 in the Mini 20 Pro is more efficient, potentially allowing for a brighter display without excessive battery drain.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing power of the Dimensity 6300 in the Armor Mini 20 Pro will likely enable superior image processing, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. While both phones likely feature similar sensor configurations (given Ulefone's typical approach), the newer chipset can extract more detail and clarity from the available hardware. The Armor 8 Pro's Helio P60 may struggle with complex image processing tasks, especially in low-light conditions.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Armor 8 Pro’s Helio P60 (12nm). The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance than the Helio P60’s Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm process node also provides better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. The Armor 8 Pro’s older architecture will show its age in demanding scenarios.

Battery Life

The Armor 8 Pro offers 15W wired charging, while the Armor Mini 20 Pro steps up to 33W wired and adds 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging. This is a major convenience upgrade. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Dimensity 6300’s improved power efficiency should offset any potential capacity difference. The 33W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Armor 8 Pro’s 15W, and the addition of wireless charging provides a cable-free option.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor Mini 20 Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, and value the convenience of wireless charging. Buy the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro if you prioritize a lower price point and only require basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light app usage – in a durable package. The Armor 8 Pro remains a viable option for budget-conscious users who don't need cutting-edge performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 6300 in the Armor Mini 20 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 is a significant step up from the Helio P60 and should provide a much smoother gaming experience. While it's not a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running popular titles at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. The improved GPU and efficient thermal management will help prevent throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Armor Mini 20 Pro's wireless charging work with any Qi-compatible charger?
Yes, the Armor Mini 20 Pro supports the Qi wireless charging standard, meaning it will work with any Qi-compatible wireless charger. However, charging speeds may vary depending on the charger's output wattage. For optimal charging speeds, it's recommended to use a 15W or higher Qi charger.
❓ Is the Armor 8 Pro still a good option if I only need a phone for basic communication and occasional web browsing?
Absolutely. The Armor 8 Pro remains a viable option for users with basic needs. Its Helio P60 processor is sufficient for calls, texts, and light web browsing. The ruggedized design provides excellent durability, making it ideal for outdoor workers or anyone prone to dropping their phone. However, be prepared for slower performance and longer charging times compared to the Mini 20 Pro.
❓ How does the 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 impact battery life compared to the 12nm Helio P60?
The 6nm process node used in the Dimensity 6300 is significantly more power-efficient than the 12nm process used in the Helio P60. This means the Dimensity 6300 consumes less power for the same level of performance, resulting in longer battery life and reduced heat generation. You should expect to see a noticeable improvement in battery endurance with the Armor Mini 20 Pro.