Ulefone’s Armor series consistently delivers durable, affordable smartphones. The Armor X9 and X10 Pro represent two points in their rugged lineup, but subtle chipset differences dictate real-world performance. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you determine which model best suits your needs, particularly for users prioritizing longevity and reliability in challenging environments.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Ulefone Armor X10 Pro is the better choice. While both phones share a 10W charging rate and rugged build, the X10 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, with its higher clock speed, provides a noticeable performance boost over the X9’s Helio A25, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| 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, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 21/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2022, March 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2022, March 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.5 x 13.9 mm (6.22 x 3.05 x 0.55 in) | 158.2 x 76.7 x 14.6 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.57 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 (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~63.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.2% 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 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 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 20 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.78", 1.0µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5180 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Black, Green | Black/Gray |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Ulefone Armor X9
- Potentially slightly better battery life under minimal load.
- Lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Rugged design provides excellent protection against drops and elements.
- Noticeably slower performance compared to the X10 Pro.
- Less responsive user interface.
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
Ulefone Armor X10 Pro
- Faster processor for smoother performance.
- More responsive user experience.
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.
- Slightly improved image processing capabilities.
- Higher price compared to the Armor X9.
- 10W charging remains slow on both devices.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter under heavy use.
Display Comparison
Both the Armor X9 and X10 Pro likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price points. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable, but we can infer that neither will compete with flagship-level displays. The focus here is durability, not visual fidelity. Expect adequate outdoor visibility, but not vibrant colors or high peak brightness. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, prioritizing screen protection over maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Ulefone typically equips these models with basic camera setups. Expect a primary sensor, likely 8-13MP, and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The image processing capabilities of the Helio P22 in the X10 Pro *may* offer slightly better noise reduction and dynamic range, but the difference will likely be minimal. Avoid placing significant weight on the presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device; its utility is limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Armor X10 Pro utilizes the Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762), featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Armor X9, conversely, uses the Helio A25 (MT6762D) with an octa-core CPU split between 1.8 GHz and 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speed of the P22 translates to faster processing. This means quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface on the X10 Pro. The A25 is geared towards ultra-budget devices, prioritizing power efficiency over raw performance. The X10 Pro will handle multitasking and moderately demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 10W wired charging, meaning charging times will be relatively slow – expect several hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The slightly more efficient Helio A25 in the X9 *could* translate to marginally longer battery life under light usage, but the performance demands of the X10 Pro’s P22 will likely offset this in real-world scenarios. The user experience will be more impacted by the slow charging speed than the battery capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor X9 if you need the absolute lowest cost entry point into the rugged smartphone market and your usage is limited to basic communication and extremely light app usage. Buy the Ulefone Armor X10 Pro if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a small premium for the improved chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor X10 Pro handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without lag?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the X10 Pro is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps smoothly. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, you should expect acceptable performance for browsing feeds, posting updates, and viewing stories. The Armor X9 may exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple social media apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed a significant drawback for either phone?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards for both the X9 and X10 Pro. Expect a full charge to take several hours. This is a compromise made to keep the cost down and maintain the rugged, sealed design. Neither phone supports fast charging technologies.
❓ Can the Ulefone Armor X10 Pro run PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Armor X10 Pro can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at low or medium graphics settings with a moderate frame rate. The Helio P22 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and prolonged gaming sessions may result in some thermal throttling. The Armor X9 would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.
❓ How durable are these phones, and what kind of protection do they offer?
Both the Armor X9 and X10 Pro are built to withstand harsh conditions. They typically feature IP68/IP69K ratings, meaning they are dustproof, waterproof (submersible to a certain depth), and shockproof. They are designed to survive drops onto hard surfaces and operate in extreme temperatures. However, 'rugged' doesn't mean indestructible; excessive abuse can still cause damage.
