Ulefone Armor X32 vs. Blackview BV9800 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor X32 and Blackview BV9800 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they diverge in their approach to internal hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, battery life, and overall value for users demanding a phone that can withstand harsh conditions.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and longer battery life, the Ulefone Armor X32 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G91 chipset, featuring newer Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks, while the reported 56:28h endurance ensures all-day usability even under heavy load.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X32 Blackview BV9800 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, April 032019, October 28. Released 2019, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, April 14Discontinued
Body
Dimensions163.4 x 80.8 x 14.5 mm (6.43 x 3.18 x 0.57 in)168.5 x 81 x 14.8 mm (6.63 x 3.19 x 0.58 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight280 g (9.88 oz)322 g (11.36 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 4-
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~285 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size5.65 inches, 82.4 cm2 (~62.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G91 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 14Android 9.0 (Pie)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaThermal imaging, LED flash
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights 2 MP (macro)48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, thermal assisted camera FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE4.1, A2DP
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioFM 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
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 5500 mAh6580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Black/Orange, Black/GreenBlack, Orange
Price-About 340 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery56:28h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X32

  • More modern and efficient Helio G91 chipset
  • Superior battery endurance (56:28h)
  • 1000 charge cycle battery lifespan

  • Display specifications unknown
  • Camera details lacking

Blackview BV9800 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Established chipset (Helio P70)
  • Rugged design

  • Older chipset architecture (Helio P70)
  • Inferior battery endurance compared to X32
  • Less efficient CPU cores

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the rugged nature of both phones, we can assume both utilize durable, scratch-resistant glass. The BV9800 Pro, being a slightly older model, may have lower peak brightness and color accuracy compared to newer panels. Users should prioritize checking independent reviews for detailed display analysis, focusing on outdoor visibility and color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the rugged phone segment often prioritizes durability over camera quality. It’s likely both phones feature a primary sensor, potentially accompanied by auxiliary lenses of limited utility (like the often-present 2MP macro). Users should focus on reviews that assess real-world image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance, rather than relying on megapixel counts.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor X32’s Mediatek Helio G91 (12nm) utilizes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture is demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the Blackview BV9800 Pro’s Helio P70 (12nm), which features four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.1 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A75 cores in the G91 offer a significant IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement over the A73, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While the P70’s higher clock speed on the A73 cores might offer a slight edge in single-core tasks, the G91’s overall architecture is better suited for sustained workloads.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X32 boasts an impressive 56:28h endurance rating, suggesting excellent power efficiency. While both phones share the same 18W wired charging, the X32’s superior endurance means it will require less frequent charging. The X32 also claims 1000 charge cycles, indicating a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation. This is a crucial advantage for users who rely on their phones for extended periods in remote locations.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X32 if you need a rugged phone that can handle demanding applications like navigation, data logging, or light gaming, and you value extended battery life for field work or outdoor adventures. Buy the Blackview BV9800 Pro if you prioritize a slightly older, but still capable, chipset and are looking for a potentially more affordable rugged option, suitable for basic communication and less intensive tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G91 in the Ulefone Armor X32 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G91 is a gaming-focused chipset, and while it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The improved CPU architecture and GPU efficiency compared to the Helio P70 in the BV9800 Pro will result in a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the 18W charging compare on both phones, considering the different battery endurance?
While both phones utilize 18W charging, the Ulefone Armor X32's significantly longer battery life means you'll be charging it less frequently. The 18W charger will take longer to fully replenish the X32's larger effective capacity, but the overall time spent plugged in will likely be lower due to the superior endurance.
❓ Is the Blackview BV9800 Pro still a viable option for basic communication and light use?
Yes, the Blackview BV9800 Pro remains a capable device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. However, users should be aware that its older chipset and lower battery endurance will result in slower performance and shorter battery life compared to the Ulefone Armor X32.