Ulefone Armor X10 vs. Armor 12 5G: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

Ulefone’s Armor series caters to users needing durability, but the X10 and 12 5G represent different approaches. The X10 prioritizes affordability, while the 12 5G aims for a more modern experience with 5G connectivity and a significantly upgraded chipset. This comparison dissects the trade-offs between these two rugged offerings, helping you determine which best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Ulefone Armor 12 5G is the superior choice. The Dimensity 700 chipset delivers a substantial performance boost over the Helio A22, enabling smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. The addition of 5G and faster, wireless charging further solidify its position as the more future-proof option, despite a likely higher price.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X10 Ulefone Armor 12 5G
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, December 242021, August 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 24Available. Released 2021, August 23
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions158.2 x 76.7 x 14.6 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.57 in)175.9 x 82.5 x 14.3 mm (6.93 x 3.25 x 0.56 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight256 g (9.03 oz)296 g (10.44 oz)
 IP68/IP69K 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
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~71.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal32GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingWireless FM radio, RDS
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5180 mAhLi-Po 5180 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack/GrayBlack/Orange, Gray/Black
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 370 EUR

Ulefone Armor X10

  • Most affordable option in the Ulefone Armor lineup.
  • Rugged build quality for durability.
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.

  • Outdated Helio A22 chipset offers limited performance.
  • Slow 10W charging.
  • Lacks 5G connectivity.

Ulefone Armor 12 5G

  • Significantly faster Dimensity 700 chipset.
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
  • 18W wired and 15W wireless charging.

  • Higher price point than the Armor X10.
  • May experience slightly reduced battery life due to 5G usage.
  • Rugged design adds bulk.

Display Comparison

While both phones likely feature durable, laminated displays typical of the Armor series, the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. Display specs beyond resolution are not provided, but the chipset difference will heavily influence UI responsiveness. The Armor 12 5G’s Dimensity 700 will provide a smoother scrolling experience and faster app loading times, even with a similar panel.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Armor 12 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Dimensity 700 chipset will likely result in better image processing, improved dynamic range, and faster image capture speeds. While both phones may include similar auxiliary lenses (likely a depth or macro sensor), the primary sensor’s performance will be the key differentiator, and the Armor 12 5G has the processing power to maximize its potential.

Performance

The performance gap between the Mediatek Helio A22 in the Armor X10 and the Dimensity 700 in the Armor 12 5G is substantial. The Helio A22’s quad-core Cortex-A53 architecture, built on a 12nm process, is geared towards basic tasks. In contrast, the Dimensity 700’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) on a more efficient 7nm node offers significantly improved CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle more demanding applications. The Armor 12 5G is demonstrably better suited for gaming and resource-intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature large batteries, common in rugged devices. However, the Armor 12 5G’s 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging provide a significant advantage over the X10’s 10W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speeds of the 12 5G mean less downtime and greater convenience. The 7nm Dimensity 700 is also more power-efficient, potentially offsetting any capacity difference with improved battery life during typical use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X10 if you need a highly affordable, basic rugged phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Buy the Ulefone Armor 12 5G if you prioritize performance, faster data speeds, and the convenience of wireless charging, and are willing to invest a bit more for a more capable and future-proof device.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 12 5G’s Dimensity 700 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won’t match the performance of flagship chipsets, it’s a significant upgrade over the Armor X10’s Helio A22, which would struggle with such titles.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Armor 12 5G worth the extra cost if I don’t have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Armor 12 5G’s 5G modem provides future-proofing. It also often includes improved 4G LTE capabilities compared to older modems, potentially resulting in faster and more reliable 4G speeds even in the absence of 5G networks.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Armor 12 5G compared to the X10 in real-world use?
The Armor 12 5G’s 18W charging will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge in approximately 2-3 hours, compared to potentially 4-5 hours with the X10’s 10W charging. The addition of 15W wireless charging offers even more convenience.