Ulefone Armor Pad vs. Apple iPad mini (2021): A Clash of Titans
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The iPad mini (2021) is the clear winner for most users, offering superior performance, a stunning display, and the Apple ecosystem. However, the Ulefone Armor Pad’s incredible battery life and rugged design make it a compelling choice for those needing extreme durability and extended use in harsh environments.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor Pad | Apple iPad mini (2021) |
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 22 | 2021, September 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, September 24 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 213 x 128.8 x 14 mm (8.39 x 5.07 x 0.55 in) | 195.4 x 134.8 x 6.3 mm (7.69 x 5.31 x 0.25 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 560 g (1.23 lb) | 293 g (Wi-Fi) / 297 g (Wi-Fi + Cellular) (10.34 oz) |
| IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope) | Stylus support (2nd gen only) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 4 | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~189 ppi density) | 1488 x 2266 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~327 ppi density) |
| Size | 8.0 inches, 185.6 cm2 (~67.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.3 inches, 203.9 cm2 (~77.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Hexa-core (2x2.93 GHz + 4xX.X GHz) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| OS | Android 12 | iPadOS 15, upgradable to iPadOS 26.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 12 MP, f/2.4, 122˚ (ultrawide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@25/30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector | USB Type-C 3.1, DisplayPort |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W Wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 7650 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5078 mAh (19.3 Wh) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Space Gray, Pink, Purple, Starlight |
| Models | - | A2568, iPad14,1, iPad14,2 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | - | -29.7 LUFS (Average) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 83:38h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class F | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Ulefone Armor Pad
- Exceptional battery life
- Extremely durable and rugged
- Long lifespan (1000 cycles)
- Affordable price
- Lower performance
- Less vibrant display
- Basic camera quality
- Larger bezels
Apple iPad mini (2021)
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Stunning display
- Compact and portable design
- Excellent camera quality
- Access to the Apple ecosystem
- Higher price
- Shorter battery life compared to Armor Pad
- Less rugged design
Display Comparison
The iPad mini (2021) boasts a significantly superior display. Its 1325:1 contrast ratio and 518 nits brightness deliver vibrant colors and excellent visibility, even in direct sunlight. The Armor Pad's display, while functional, lacks the same level of clarity and color accuracy. The iPad mini's smaller size also contributes to a more enjoyable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While neither tablet excels in camera quality, the iPad mini (2021) generally produces better results. Its image processing is superior, resulting in more detailed and natural-looking photos. The Armor Pad's cameras are serviceable for quick snapshots but lack the refinement of the iPad mini.
Performance
Performance is where the iPad mini (2021) truly shines. The A15 Bionic chip is a powerhouse, effortlessly handling demanding apps, games, and multitasking. The Armor Pad's Helio G25 chipset is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with more intensive workloads. Expect noticeable lag and slower loading times on the Armor Pad.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor Pad takes the crown in battery endurance. Its advertised 83:38h endurance and 1000 cycles are exceptional, far surpassing the iPad mini (2021). While the iPad mini offers decent battery life, it doesn't come close to the Armor Pad's longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Ulefone Armor Pad? Individuals working in construction, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone needing a tablet that can withstand drops, dust, and water. Who should buy the Apple iPad mini (2021)? Users seeking a powerful, portable tablet for entertainment, productivity, and creative tasks, especially those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.