Choosing a budget smartphone can be tricky. The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro offers rugged durability, while the Samsung Galaxy A10s provides the reliability of a Samsung device. Let's break down these two contenders to see which one reigns supreme for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A10s edges out the Armor X9 Pro thanks to its slightly faster processor and generally smoother software experience. However, if durability and water resistance are your top priorities, the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro is a compelling choice.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A107M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2019, August 12. Released 2019, August 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 235 g (8.29 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Black, Green | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | - | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Armor X9 Pro
- Rugged and durable design
- Water and dust resistant (IP68/IP69K)
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- Less refined camera
- Slow charging (10W)
- Lower screen quality
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- Reliable Samsung brand
- Slightly faster processor
- Better camera quality
- More polished software experience
- Generally better screen quality
- Less durable than Armor X9 Pro
- Standard charging speed
- Plastic build feels less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.21-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is similar, Samsung's display technology typically offers slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The Armor X9 Pro's screen is likely less protected than the A10s, despite its rugged design.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A10s generally has a better camera system. It typically features a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor, offering better portrait mode capabilities. The Armor X9 Pro likely has a similar resolution main camera, but image processing may not be as refined. Low-light performance is expected to be better on the A10s.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A10s, with its MT6762 Helio P22, boasts a slightly faster clock speed (2.0 GHz) compared to the Armor X9 Pro's MT6762D Helio A25 (1.8 GHz). This translates to marginally better performance in everyday tasks and slightly smoother multitasking. Both phones will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4000mAh battery. Battery life will be comparable, but the A10s's slightly more efficient processor could give it a slight edge. The Armor X9 Pro's 10W charging is significantly slower than what many modern phones offer.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone needing a phone that can withstand harsh conditions. The Samsung Galaxy A10s is a better fit for everyday users who prioritize a reliable brand and a generally more polished user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro waterproof?
Yes, the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro is rated IP68/IP69K, meaning it's water and dust resistant. However, avoid prolonged submersion.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A10s handle drops?
The Samsung Galaxy A10s is not specifically designed for rugged use and is more susceptible to damage from drops compared to the Armor X9 Pro.
