Ulefone Armor X9 Pro vs. Armor X5 Pro: Which Rugged Phone Should You Choose?

Looking for a tough phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? Ulefone's Armor series is known for its durability. But with multiple models, choosing the right one can be tricky. We're pitting the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro against the Ulefone Armor X5 Pro to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Ulefone Armor X5 Pro edges out the X9 Pro thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio P22 chipset, offering a noticeable performance boost. Both offer excellent ruggedness and battery life, but the X5 Pro's improved processing makes it the better overall value for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X9 Pro Ulefone Armor X5 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 28
SpeedHSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, September 072020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 07Discontinued
Body
Dimensions158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in)158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight235 g (8.29 oz)235 g (8.29 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 compliantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant
Display
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density)720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio)5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetMediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6762V/WD Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, Panorama, HDR
Single5 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single5 MP5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fps-
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio, RDS, recording
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired10W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsRed, Black, GreenBlack, Orange, Red
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 110 EUR

Ulefone Armor X9 Pro

  • Potentially slightly more robust build
  • Larger screen (marginally)
  • Rugged and durable design

  • Slower processor (Helio A25)
  • Slower performance
  • 10W charging

Ulefone Armor X5 Pro

  • Faster processor (Helio P22)
  • Better performance
  • Rugged and durable design
  • Good value for money

  • 10W charging
  • Camera quality is average

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.21-inch display, likely with a 720 x 1520 resolution. While the X9 Pro might have a marginally better panel, the difference will be minimal in real-world use. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness suitable for outdoor use, but not exceptional color accuracy or sharpness.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a combination of a primary sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Low-light performance will be a weakness on both devices. The X5 Pro's slightly better processor *might* allow for marginally improved image processing.

Performance

This is where the X5 Pro takes a lead. The Helio P22 chipset is significantly faster than the Helio A25 in the X9 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the X5 Pro. The X9 Pro will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature a large battery capacity (around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times for both devices.

Buying Guide

The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially a more robust build (though both are very durable). The Ulefone Armor X5 Pro is a better choice for those who need a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and gaming, without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro and X5 Pro are IP68 and IP69K certified, meaning they are waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
❓ What kind of warranty do these phones have?
Ulefone typically offers a 1-year warranty on their rugged phones, covering manufacturing defects. Check the specific retailer for details.