Ulefone Armor X8 vs Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and future-proofing, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480 chipset offers a significant performance advantage and supports faster network speeds. However, the Ulefone Armor X8 remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget who don't require 5G.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor X8 | Nokia XR20 |
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 06. Released 2020, October 06 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 79 x 13.8 mm (6.31 x 3.11 x 0.54 in) | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 256.3 g (9.03 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2 m MIL-STD-810G compliant | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~66.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| eMMC 5.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.4 | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | - | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5080 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Armor X8
- Significantly lower price point
- Rugged design for demanding environments
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Outdated and less powerful Helio A25 chipset
- No 5G connectivity
- Likely slower software updates
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Higher price tag
- LCD display lacks vibrancy
- May not have as large a battery as the X8
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing for the Ulefone Armor X8, suggesting a basic LCD. The Nokia XR20 also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on durability with Gorilla Glass Victus. While neither phone will impress videographers, the XR20’s Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and shatter resistance, crucial for a rugged device. Brightness data is unavailable for both, but given the target market, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight is likely.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond sensor count are scarce for both devices. However, the focus on ruggedness suggests image quality isn't a primary concern. The absence of detailed specs implies both phones likely employ budget sensors and image processing. While the XR20 benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 480, offering potentially better noise reduction and dynamic range, the real-world difference will likely be minimal for casual users. We can assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm) is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Ulefone Armor X8’s MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm). This translates to greater power efficiency and significantly improved CPU performance. The XR20’s octa-core configuration, with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores, outperforms the X8’s 4x1.8 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 setup in both single-core and multi-core tasks. Users who plan to run multiple apps simultaneously or engage in light gaming will find the XR20 a far more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Ulefone Armor X8, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Nokia XR20 offers 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, a significant convenience feature absent on the X8. While the XR20’s battery size isn’t massive, the Snapdragon 480’s 8nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the X8. The addition of wireless charging on the XR20 provides flexibility and reduces wear and tear on the charging port, a common failure point on rugged devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor X8 if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic tasks and don't require 5G connectivity. It's ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, or anyone needing a reliable backup device. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more refined experience with 5G support, wireless charging, and a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking and occasional gaming. It's suited for professionals who need reliable connectivity in challenging environments and appreciate a longer software support lifecycle.