Rugged phones are built to withstand the harshest conditions, and Ulefone is a popular name in this space. Today, we're pitting two of their offerings against each other: the newer Armor X5 Pro and the older Armor 2. Let's see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ulefone Armor 2 edges out the X5 Pro thanks to its faster processor, significantly quicker charging, and generally better performance despite being an older model. While the X5 Pro has a newer chipset, the Armor 2's overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 | 2017, August. Released 2017, August |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in) | 159 x 78.3 x 14.5 mm (6.26 x 3.08 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 235 g (8.29 oz) | 270 g (9.52 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~55.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762V/WD Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6757 Helio P25 (16 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T880MP2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4700 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Red | Gray, Gold |
| Price | About 110 EUR | - |
Ulefone Armor X5 Pro
- Newer Chipset (Helio P22)
- Potentially better software support
- More efficient 12nm process
- Slower Processor
- Slow 10W Charging
- Lower overall performance
Ulefone Armor 2
- Faster Processor (Helio P25)
- Faster 18W Charging
- Generally better performance
- Potentially better display calibration
- Older Design
- Potentially less software support
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic displays, likely around 5-6 inches with a resolution of 720p. The Armor 2 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its age and potentially better calibration, but both will prioritize durability over visual fidelity. Expect decent outdoor visibility, but not a stunning viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both phones is likely to be modest. The Armor 2 might have a slight edge in image processing due to software optimizations over time. Expect decent daylight shots, but low-light performance will be weak on both. Both likely feature basic camera features.
Performance
The Armor 2's Helio P25 with its dual-cluster octa-core setup offers a noticeable performance advantage over the X5 Pro's Helio P22. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Armor 2. The X5 Pro's 12nm process is more efficient, but the raw power isn't there.
Battery Life
The Armor 2's 18W charging is a significant advantage. The X5 Pro's 10W charging will take considerably longer to fully replenish the battery. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4000-5000mAh), so the charging speed makes a big difference in usability.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Armor X5 Pro is best suited for users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and potentially better software support, but who aren't overly concerned with speed or charging. The Ulefone Armor 2 is ideal for those needing a reliable, rugged phone with a faster processor and faster charging, and who are comfortable with an older design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X5 Pro waterproof?
Yes, both the Armor X5 Pro and Armor 2 are IP68 and IP69K certified, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While battery capacity is similar, the Armor 2's faster charging makes it more convenient to use, effectively giving it better battery usability.
