The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor X3 and Doogee S40 Pro aim to deliver that, but at different price points and with varying levels of internal hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing resilience and affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Doogee S40 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio A25 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a significant performance uplift over the Ulefone Armor X3’s older MT6580, translating to a smoother user experience. While both offer 10W charging, the S40 Pro’s more modern architecture makes it the better all-around performer.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2020, July 17. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in) | 158.2 x 79.4 x 14.1 mm (6.23 x 3.13 x 0.56 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 235 g (8.29 oz) | 238 g (8.40 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2 m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~61.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 4650 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Silver | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
Ulefone Armor X3
- Lowest possible price point in the rugged phone category.
- Basic functionality for essential communication.
- Durable build quality expected from the Ulefone Armor series.
- Outdated MT6580 chipset offers limited performance.
- Likely struggles with modern apps and multitasking.
- Limited future software support.
Doogee S40 Pro
- More powerful and efficient Helio A25 chipset.
- Octa-core processor enables smoother multitasking.
- Better overall user experience compared to the Armor X3.
- 10W charging is relatively slow.
- Camera performance likely remains basic despite the chipset upgrade.
- Still a budget device, so premium features are absent.
Display Comparison
Neither Ulefone nor Doogee provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel size. However, the difference in processing power suggests the S40 Pro is more likely to handle higher resolution displays smoothly. The absence of information regarding brightness nits or color accuracy implies both devices target basic visibility rather than media consumption excellence. Expect similar viewing experiences in direct sunlight, likely requiring maximum brightness settings.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are lacking for both devices. However, given the target market, it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The focus should be on functionality rather than image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and limited sensor size. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor X3 utilizes the Mediatek MT6580, a 28nm quad-core processor. This older architecture is demonstrably less efficient and powerful than the Doogee S40 Pro’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio A25, fabricated on a more advanced 12nm process. The Helio A25’s octa-core configuration (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks and overall responsiveness. Users will notice a significant difference in app loading times and multitasking capabilities on the S40 Pro.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – expect around 3-4 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient 12nm Helio A25 in the Doogee S40 Pro will likely translate to slightly better battery life under similar usage conditions. The S40 Pro’s improved processing efficiency means less power draw during everyday tasks, extending the time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor X3 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Doogee S40 Pro if you want a more responsive device capable of handling multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming without significant lag, even within a budget-conscious framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S40 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Helio A25 isn't a high-end processor, it's capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps, but it should provide a usable experience for social media and messaging.
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X3 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Ulefone Armor X3 is perfectly adequate for basic communication. Its primary strength is its ruggedness at a very low price point. If your needs are limited to calls, texts, and occasional light browsing, the X3 will suffice.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. The MT6580 in the Ulefone Armor X3 will struggle with even basic games. The Helio A25 in the Doogee S40 Pro can handle some lighter games at low settings, but don't expect a smooth experience with demanding titles.
❓ What type of charging cable do these phones use?
Both the Ulefone Armor X3 and Doogee S40 Pro utilize a USB-C charging port, which is a modern standard and offers convenience and compatibility with many existing cables.
