Ulefone Armor X12 vs. Blackview BV8800: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing a device that can withstand drops, dust, and the elements. The Ulefone Armor X12 and Blackview BV8800 both aim to deliver this durability, but they diverge significantly in their approach to performance and battery optimization. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing sheer longevity and minimal fuss, the Ulefone Armor X12’s exceptional 47:39h endurance rating is a clear winner. However, the Blackview BV8800, with its Helio G96 chipset, offers a significantly more responsive experience for multitasking and media consumption, making it the better choice for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X12 Blackview BV8800
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2023, September2021, December 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, January 10
Body
Dimensions157.2 x 76.8 x 14.3 mm (6.19 x 3.02 x 0.56 in)176.2 x 83.5 x 17.7 mm (6.94 x 3.29 x 0.70 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight257 g (9.07 oz)367 g (12.95 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
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4-
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761V/WAB Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13 (Go edition)Android 11, Doke-OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal32GB 3GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/1.8, (IR camera), 2 IR emitters Auxiliary lens
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.4µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging-33W wired, 31% in 30 min, 100% in 90 min Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 4860 mAh8380 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Black/Orange, Black/GreenBlack, Orange, Green
Price-About 350 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 199h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1348:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -29.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 254849 (v8), 288964 (v9) GeekBench: 1752 (v5.1) GFXBench: 10fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
EU LABEL
Battery47:39h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X12

  • Exceptional battery life (47:39h endurance)
  • 1000 charge cycles promise long-term reliability
  • Focus on core functionality for extended usability

  • Significantly weaker processor for demanding tasks
  • Display specifications likely inferior to the BV8800
  • Charging speed likely slower

Blackview BV8800

  • Faster and more responsive performance with Helio G96
  • Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
  • 33W fast charging with 90-minute full charge

  • Significantly shorter battery life (199h endurance)
  • Higher power consumption
  • May experience more throttling under sustained load

Display Comparison

The Blackview BV8800 boasts a measured peak brightness of 501 nits and a 1348:1 contrast ratio, providing a more vibrant and visible display experience, particularly outdoors. While the Ulefone Armor X12’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume a lower brightness level given its focus on battery life. The identical contrast ratio suggests similar panel technology, but the BV8800’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for usability in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the BV8800’s more powerful chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on many phones in this segment is often a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview BV8800’s Mediatek Helio G96, an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A76 and A55 cores clocked up to 2.05 GHz, represents a substantial leap in performance over the Ulefone Armor X12’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor and Helio A22 chipset. The G96’s architecture allows for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The A22 is geared towards efficiency, but will struggle with demanding applications. This translates to a better experience for gaming and media consumption on the BV8800.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X12’s standout feature is its incredible 47:39h endurance rating, achieved with a battery size not specified but optimized for longevity. In contrast, the Blackview BV8800 offers a significantly lower 199h endurance. However, the BV8800 compensates with 33W wired charging, achieving 31% charge in 30 minutes and a full charge in 90 minutes. The Armor X12’s charging speed is unknown, but likely slower. The BV8800 also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X12 if you need a phone that will reliably last for days on a single charge, and your primary use case revolves around basic communication and occasional light tasks. Buy the Blackview BV8800 if you prefer a smoother, more capable experience for gaming, streaming, and running multiple apps, and are willing to charge it more frequently. The BV8800 is for those who need a rugged phone that doesn't compromise on performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Blackview BV8800’s Helio G96 chipset generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G96 is known to run warmer than some other mid-range chips. While the BV8800’s rugged design may aid in heat dissipation, extended gaming at maximum settings could lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. However, it will still provide a significantly better gaming experience than the Ulefone Armor X12.
❓ How does the Ulefone Armor X12’s battery performance hold up over time, considering its 1000 charge cycle claim?
Ulefone’s claim of 1000 charge cycles suggests the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its capacity even after extensive use. However, battery degradation is inevitable. While 1000 cycles is a good indicator, real-world performance will also depend on charging habits and environmental factors.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Blackview BV8800 fast enough to mitigate its shorter battery life compared to the Ulefone Armor X12?
The 33W charging is a significant advantage for the BV8800, allowing for a full charge in 90 minutes. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for more frequent charging compared to the X12, it minimizes downtime and makes topping up the battery more convenient.