Ulefone Armor Pad Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro: A Rugged Tablet Showdown

The Ulefone Armor Pad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro both target professionals needing a durable Android tablet, but they approach the challenge with different philosophies. The Ulefone prioritizes affordability and extreme battery endurance, while the Samsung focuses on a more refined experience powered by a newer, more efficient chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which tablet truly reigns supreme for demanding work environments.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing absolute battery life and a lower price point, the Ulefone Armor Pad Pro is the clear winner. However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro delivers significantly better performance and a longer-term battery health promise thanks to its superior chipset and cycle count, making it the better investment for professionals relying on consistent speed.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor Pad Pro Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 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, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66, 68
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, April2025, April 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2025, May 07
Body
Dimensions213 x 128.8 x 14 mm (8.39 x 5.07 x 0.55 in)242.9 x 170.2 x 10.2 mm (9.56 x 6.70 x 0.40 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only)
Weight560 g (1.23 lb)680 g or 683 g (1.50 lb)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, Mohs level 5
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density)1920 x 1200 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio)10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDTFT LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A520)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 810
OSAndroid 13Android 15, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm12 MP, f/1.8, AF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/2.0
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.4, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS - cellular model only
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 3.2, charging/accessories connector pins
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only)
Battery
Charging18W wired-
TypeLi-Po 7650 mAhLi-Po 10100 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackGreen
Models-SM-X356B, SM-X350
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 900 EUR
SAR EU-1.31 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery83:38h endurance, 1000 cycles142:50h endurance, 2000 cycles
EnergyClass FClass E
Free fallClass A (270 falls)Class E (0 falls)
RepairabilityClass CClass B

Ulefone Armor Pad Pro

  • Exceptional battery endurance (83:38h)
  • Lower price point
  • Ruggedized design for harsh environments

  • Older, less powerful chipset
  • Limited battery cycle count (1000)
  • Slower charging speed (18W)

Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro

  • Significantly faster and more efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset
  • Double the battery cycle count (2000)
  • Likely faster charging support

  • Higher price
  • Shorter battery endurance compared to Ulefone (though still excellent)
  • May require more frequent charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS, TFT) and resolution are missing, but both are likely geared towards practicality over visual fidelity. The focus is on readability in harsh conditions. However, the Samsung’s chipset allows for potentially better image processing and color calibration. The Ulefone’s display is likely optimized for power efficiency, contributing to its longer battery life.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is unlikely to be a primary concern for these devices, but the Samsung likely holds an advantage. While specific sensor details are missing, Samsung generally employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Ulefone’s camera is likely a basic module for quick documentation. Given the target audience, both tablets likely prioritize functionality over photographic quality.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro’s Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4nm) is a significant leap forward from the Ulefone’s Mediatek MT8788 (12nm). The Snapdragon’s newer architecture (Cortex-A720 cores) and smaller fabrication node translate to greater processing power and improved thermal efficiency. This means the Samsung will handle multitasking, demanding apps, and graphics-intensive tasks with ease, while the Ulefone may exhibit slowdowns under heavy load. The Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU also provides a superior graphics experience. The Ulefone’s older Cortex-A73/A53 cores are adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with modern workloads.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Ulefone truly shines, boasting an impressive 83:38h endurance. However, the Samsung counters with a substantial 142:50h endurance. This difference is partially attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon chipset. Crucially, the Samsung also offers 2000 battery cycles compared to the Ulefone’s 1000, indicating a longer lifespan and sustained performance over time. While the Ulefone offers faster initial usage, the Samsung provides greater long-term reliability. The Ulefone’s 18W charging is slower than what the Samsung likely supports (details missing), further emphasizing the Samsung’s convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor Pad Pro if you need a tablet primarily for tasks like reading schematics, basic data entry, or long shifts where access to power is limited. Its exceptional 83:38h battery endurance is unmatched. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for demanding applications like CAD software, video conferencing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 and 2000 battery cycles offer a more robust and future-proof solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek MT8788 in the Ulefone Armor Pad Pro struggle with running multiple CAD applications simultaneously?
Yes, the Mediatek MT8788 is a less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3. Running multiple demanding CAD applications concurrently will likely result in noticeable slowdowns and lag on the Ulefone. The Samsung’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 is better equipped to handle such workloads.
❓ How does the 2000 battery cycle count on the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro translate to real-world usage?
The 2000 battery cycle count means the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 2000 full charge cycles. This is double the Ulefone’s 1000 cycles, meaning the Samsung’s battery will maintain its performance for a significantly longer period, especially for users who charge their tablet daily.
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor Pad Pro's 18W charging speed sufficient for quick top-ups during a workday?
18W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. While it will charge the device overnight, it won’t provide a significant charge boost during a short break. The Samsung likely supports faster charging, offering more convenience for users needing a quick power-up.
❓ Given the rugged nature of both tablets, are screen replacements expensive?
Screen replacements for rugged tablets are generally more expensive than standard tablets due to the reinforced display and specialized construction. Expect higher repair costs for both models, but sourcing parts for the Samsung may be easier due to its brand recognition and wider service network.