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.
🏆 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.
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 235 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 compliant | IP68 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 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS 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 MT6762V/WD Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
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 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Black, Green | Black, Orange, Red |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 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.