Looking for a tough, dependable smartphone that can withstand the elements? The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro and X8i are both rugged contenders, boasting impressive durability and affordability. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro and X8i are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and charging speed. The X9 Pro *might* offer slight improvements in camera software or minor design tweaks, but the differences are minimal. Ultimately, the best choice depends on price and availability.
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2021, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2021, September 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in) | 160.3 x 79 x 13.8 mm (6.31 x 3.11 x 0.54 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 235 g (8.29 oz) | 256 g (9.03 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/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 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~66.2% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5080 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Black, Green | Black, Orange, Red |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Ulefone Armor X9 Pro
- Potentially improved camera software
- Slightly newer design (unconfirmed)
- Rugged and durable build
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Slow 10W charging
- Mediocre performance for demanding tasks
- HD+ display resolution
Ulefone Armor X8i
- Affordable price
- Rugged and durable build
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Mediocre performance for demanding tasks
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.21-inch HD+ displays. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for outdoor use, but don't anticipate flagship-level color accuracy or resolution. The X9 Pro *may* have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance, but this is unconfirmed.
Camera Comparison
While both have 13MP main cameras, the X9 Pro *might* benefit from slightly improved image processing software, potentially resulting in marginally better photos in certain lighting conditions. Front cameras are likely 8MP on both. Expect decent image quality for casual snapshots.
Performance
Powered by the same Mediatek Helio A25 chipset, performance will be virtually identical. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games will struggle, but these phones aren't targeted at hardcore gamers.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. The 10W charging speed is relatively slow, so be prepared for extended charging times.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Armor X9 Pro is ideal for those seeking the absolute latest (albeit minor) features within the Armor line and are willing to pay a slight premium. The Ulefone Armor X8i is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize ruggedness and reliability without needing the newest enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X9 Pro worth the extra cost over the X8i?
The difference is minimal. Unless you specifically want the latest design tweaks or a potentially slightly better camera, the X8i offers excellent value.
❓ How durable are these phones?
Both phones are built to military standards (MIL-STD-810G) and are IP68/IP69K certified, meaning they are waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
