Ulefone Power Armor 18 vs. 18T: A Rugged Showdown

Ulefone's Power Armor series is renowned for its durability and long battery life. The Power Armor 18 and 18T are the latest iterations, offering robust builds and impressive features. But are they identical? This detailed comparison will help you decide which model best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Ulefone Power Armor 18 and 18T are remarkably similar, sharing the same core chipset and charging capabilities. The 18T typically offers slightly improved camera performance and potentially a more refined software experience, making it the marginally better choice for most users, though the difference is subtle.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Power Armor 18 Ulefone Power Armor 18T
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2022, December 052022, October 31
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, December 05Available. Released 2022, October 31
Body
Dimensions175.2 x 83.4 x 18.8 mm (6.90 x 3.28 x 0.74 in)175.2 x 83.4 x 18.8 mm (6.90 x 3.28 x 0.74 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight409 g (14.43 oz)409 g (14.43 oz)
 IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope)IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810G compliant Accessory connector (ulefone endoscope, microscope)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesHexa-LED flash, HDR, panoramaHexa-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.2µm32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.2µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP (macro) FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module) 5 MP (for thermal module)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.2µm32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.2µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavICGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NavIC
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingWireless FM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connector
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging66W wired, 52% in 30 min 15W wireless 5W wireless reversed66W wired, 52% in 30 min 15W wireless 5W wireless reversed
TypeLi-Po 9600 mAhLi-Po 9600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 400 EURAbout 640 EUR

Ulefone Power Armor 18

  • Excellent battery life
  • Rugged and durable design
  • Fast 66W wired charging
  • Decent performance for the price
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging

  • Camera performance could be better
  • Software experience may not be the most refined
  • Design can be bulky

Ulefone Power Armor 18T

  • Improved camera performance compared to 18
  • Rugged and durable design
  • Fast 66W wired charging
  • Decent performance
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially more refined software

  • Slightly more expensive than the 18
  • Design can be bulky

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.53-inch IPS display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution. While the specifications are identical, the 18T might have a slightly improved display calibration or brightness, though this is often subtle and varies by unit. Expect vibrant colors and decent viewing angles on both.

Camera Comparison

The camera setup is where the 18T potentially gains an edge. While both have a 64MP main sensor, the 18T often includes improved image processing algorithms and potentially a slightly better secondary lens (likely a macro or depth sensor). Expect slightly better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the 18T. Both offer a 16MP front-facing camera.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset, both phones deliver smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Dimensity 900 is a capable mid-range processor, handling multitasking and demanding apps with ease. Differences in real-world performance are likely minimal and depend more on software optimization.

Battery Life

Both devices boast a massive 7000mAh battery, ensuring all-day (and often multi-day) battery life. The 66W wired charging is a significant advantage, allowing for a 52% charge in just 30 minutes. The 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging are also present on both models.

Buying Guide

The Ulefone Power Armor 18 is ideal for users prioritizing a budget-friendly rugged phone with excellent battery life and solid performance. The Ulefone Power Armor 18T is better suited for those who want slightly better camera capabilities and potentially a more polished software experience, and are willing to spend a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the Ulefone Power Armor 18 and 18T?
The primary difference lies in the camera performance, with the 18T generally offering slightly better image quality and processing. Software experience may also be marginally improved on the 18T.
❓ Are these phones waterproof?
Yes, both phones are IP68 and IP69K certified, meaning they are dustproof, waterproof, and can withstand high-pressure water jets.