Ulefone Armor X12 vs. Doogee S89 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor X12 and the Doogee S89 Pro aim to deliver that, but they diverge significantly in their approach to internal hardware. The X12 prioritizes longevity and affordability, while the S89 Pro aims for a more powerful, feature-rich experience. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a durable phone, the Doogee S89 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Ulefone Armor X12’s Helio A22, making it far more capable for demanding tasks. While the X12 boasts impressive battery endurance, the S89 Pro’s 65W charging mitigates any battery capacity concerns.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X12 Doogee S89 Pro
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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, September2022, August 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, August 25
Body
Dimensions157.2 x 76.8 x 14.3 mm (6.19 x 3.02 x 0.56 in)172 x 86 x 19.4 mm (6.77 x 3.39 x 0.76 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight257 g (9.07 oz)400 g (14.11 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~65.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.1 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761V/WAB Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 13 (Go edition)Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
Video1080p@30fps1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.4µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
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, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-65W wired
TypeLi-Po 4860 mAh12000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Black/Orange, Black/GreenBlack, Orange
Price-About 370 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery47:39h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X12

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

  • Weak processor performance (Helio A22)
  • Likely lower-quality display
  • Limited multitasking capabilities

Doogee S89 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Helio P90)
  • 65W fast charging
  • Likely better display quality

  • Potentially shorter battery life compared to X12
  • Higher price point
  • May run warmer under heavy load

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point of the X12, it likely utilizes a lower-quality panel than the S89 Pro. The S89 Pro, positioned as a more premium device, likely benefits from better color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are also likely to be thinner on the S89 Pro, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. Without specific nit brightness data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but the S89 Pro’s higher price suggests a brighter display.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is impossible. However, the S89 Pro’s positioning suggests a more sophisticated camera system. While both phones likely feature multiple lenses, the S89 Pro is more likely to have a larger primary sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The X12 likely relies on software processing to compensate for a less capable sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically poor.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Doogee S89 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P90, an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked up to 2.1 GHz, represents a significant leap over the Ulefone Armor X12’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor based on the Helio A22. The P90’s architecture allows for far more efficient multitasking and smoother performance in demanding applications. The A22 is designed for basic smartphone functions, while the P90 can handle moderate gaming and more complex tasks. The 12nm process node is shared, but the core count and architecture differences are paramount.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X12 boasts an impressive 47:39h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. However, the Doogee S89 Pro compensates for any potential capacity difference with its 65W wired charging. This allows for incredibly fast charging times, minimizing downtime. While the X12’s 1000 charge cycles suggest excellent long-term battery health, the S89 Pro’s rapid charging capability provides a more convenient user experience. The trade-off is endurance versus convenience; the X12 lasts longer between charges, while the S89 Pro gets back to full power much faster.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X12 if you need a supremely affordable, long-lasting rugged phone for basic communication and light tasks, prioritizing battery life above all else. Buy the Doogee S89 Pro if you prefer a more responsive and versatile experience, capable of handling more demanding applications and benefiting from significantly faster charging speeds, even if it means slightly less ultimate battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Helio P90 in the Doogee S89 Pro powerful enough for gaming?
The Helio P90 is capable of handling many popular mobile games at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the Helio A22 in the Ulefone Armor X12. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to charge the Doogee S89 Pro with the 65W charger?
While exact figures depend on the battery's state of charge, the Doogee S89 Pro can realistically charge from 0% to 100% in under 40 minutes with the included 65W charger. This is a substantial advantage over the slower charging speeds of the Ulefone Armor X12.
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor X12 struggle with everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The Ulefone Armor X12's Helio A22 processor is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and making calls. However, you may experience noticeable lag when opening multiple apps or switching between them. It's not designed for demanding multitasking.
❓ How does the ruggedness of these phones compare? Are they both waterproof and drop-proof?
Both phones are marketed as rugged devices, offering protection against water, dust, and drops. However, specific IP ratings are needed for a precise comparison. Generally, both should withstand submersion in water for a limited time and survive drops from reasonable heights, but the S89 Pro's build quality is likely more robust.