Ulefone Armor X12 vs Blackview BV9900E: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but often at the expense of performance. The Ulefone Armor X12 and Blackview BV9900E represent different approaches within this segment. The X12 prioritizes extended battery life and affordability, while the BV9900E aims for a more powerful experience with its Helio P90 chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which best suits your needs.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Blackview BV9900E is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset delivers a significantly more fluid experience than the Ulefone Armor X12’s Helio A22. However, the X12’s exceptional 47:39h battery endurance makes it ideal for those who value longevity above all else.

PHONES
Phone Names	Ulefone Armor X12	Blackview BV9900E

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE

Launch
Announced	2023, September	2020, September 10. Released 2020, September
Status	Available. Released 2023, September	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	157.2 x 76.8 x 14.3 mm (6.19 x 3.02 x 0.56 in)	156.5 x 78.3 x 14.2 mm (6.16 x 3.08 x 0.56 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	257 g (9.07 oz)	273 g (9.63 oz)

Display
Protection	Mohs level 4	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)	1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)
Size	5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio)	5.84 inches, 85.1 cm2 (~69.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT6761V/WAB Helio A22 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6779V/CE Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPU	PowerVR GE8320	PowerVR GM9446
OS	Android 13 (Go edition)	Android 10

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM	128GB 6GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad	-	48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 16 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF	-
Video	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps

Selfie camera
Single	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.4µm	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video	Yes	1080p@30fps

Sound
35mm jack	Yes	No
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer

Battery
Charging	-	15W wired 18W wireless
Type	Li-Po 4860 mAh	4380 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Black/Orange, Black/Green	Black, Silver
Price	-	About 260 EUR

EU LABEL
Battery	47:39h endurance, 1000 cycles	-
Energy	Class B	-
Free fall	Class A (270 falls)	-
Repairability	Class C	-

Ulefone Armor X12

Exceptional battery life (47:39h endurance)
Long-lasting battery health (1000 charge cycles)
Affordable price point

Limited processing power
Slow performance for demanding tasks
Likely lower-quality display

Blackview BV9900E

Significantly faster performance (Helio P90)
Wireless charging support (18W)
Potentially better camera image processing

Shorter battery life compared to X12
Higher price point
May experience more heat under heavy load

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The BV9900E’s more powerful chipset suggests it *could* support a higher resolution or refresh rate, but this is speculative. The X12’s focus on endurance implies a potentially more power-efficient panel, even if lower in resolution.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the BV9900E’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P90 chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the X12’s lower processing power may limit its ability to effectively utilize features like HDR or night mode. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview BV9900E’s MediaTek Helio P90 is a substantial upgrade over the Ulefone Armor X12’s Helio A22. The P90 features an octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) compared to the X12’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to significantly faster application loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the BV9900E. The P90’s architecture, utilizing Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the A53 cores in the A22. The 12nm process node is shared by both, meaning thermal efficiency differences will be primarily driven by workload and chipset architecture.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X12 boasts an impressive 47:39h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. While the BV9900E’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its more powerful chipset will inevitably consume more power. However, the BV9900E compensates with 15W wired and 18W wireless charging, offering greater convenience and faster top-ups. The X12’s 1000 charge cycles suggest a focus on long-term battery health, while the BV9900E’s wireless charging adds a modern convenience factor.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X12 if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app use. You’ll appreciate its affordability and robust build. Buy the Blackview BV9900E if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for demanding apps, occasional gaming, and multitasking, and are willing to charge the device more frequently. The wireless charging capability adds convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Blackview BV9900E’s Helio P90 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?

While the Helio P90 is a capable chipset, it's not a flagship processor. Expect some heat generation during extended gaming, but the rugged design should provide adequate heat dissipation. Performance throttling is possible to prevent overheating, but the extent will depend on the game and ambient temperature.

❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X12 suitable for running multiple apps simultaneously?

The Ulefone Armor X12’s Helio A22 chipset and limited RAM will struggle with heavy multitasking. Running several apps concurrently will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. It’s best suited for running one app at a time.

❓ Does the Blackview BV9900E support fast charging via USB-PD?

The specifications only mention 15W wired charging. There's no indication of USB-PD support. While 15W is faster than standard charging, it's not as rapid as some newer fast charging standards.

❓ How does the ruggedness of the Ulefone Armor X12 compare to the Blackview BV9900E?

Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. Without specific IP ratings for each model, it's difficult to say which is more rugged. However, both brands specialize in rugged devices, so a reasonable level of durability is expected from both.