Ulefone Power Armor X11 vs. Blackview BV9200: A Rugged Performance Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but performance and features vary wildly. We pit the entry-level Ulefone Power Armor X11 against the more ambitious Blackview BV9200 to determine which offers the best balance of toughness, usability, and value. The X11 represents a budget-conscious approach, while the BV9200 aims for a more premium experience within the rugged category.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Blackview BV9200 is the superior choice. Its Helio G96 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the X11’s Helio A22, and the inclusion of 66W wired and 30W wireless charging dramatically improves usability. While the X11 is cheaper, the BV9200’s speed and convenience justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Power Armor X11 Blackview BV9200
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 281, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 / 1900
Launch
Announced2023, June 182022, December 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 18Available. Released 2023, January 09
Body
Dimensions158.2 x 76.7 x 19.3 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.76 in)174.5 x 81.8 x 13.6 mm (6.87 x 3.22 x 0.54 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight330 g (11.64 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
 -IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 12, Doke-OS 3.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/1.8, 120˚, (ultrawide), AF Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with dual speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W66W wired 30W wireless
TypeLi-Po 8150 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 140 EURAbout 200 EUR

Ulefone Power Armor X11

  • Lowest possible price for a rugged phone
  • Durable build quality (expected of the Power Armor series)
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Extremely slow performance
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Likely outdated display technology

Blackview BV9200

  • Significantly faster performance with Helio G96
  • 66W wired and 30W wireless charging
  • Bright and high-contrast display

  • Higher price point than the Ulefone X11
  • May be slightly bulkier due to larger battery and charging components
  • Software updates may be less frequent than mainstream brands

Display Comparison

The Blackview BV9200 boasts a significantly more refined display experience. While the Ulefone X11’s display specifications are not provided, the BV9200’s measured 481 nits of peak brightness ensures excellent visibility outdoors, a crucial feature for a rugged device. The 1423:1 contrast ratio further enhances image quality, providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Without comparable data for the X11, it’s safe to assume the BV9200 offers a superior viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is limited. However, the BV9200’s chipset includes a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of handling more complex image processing algorithms. This suggests better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. It’s reasonable to expect the BV9200 to offer superior camera performance, even if both phones feature similar megapixel counts. The prevalence of low-resolution macro lenses on both brands suggests these are largely marketing features and should not be a primary consideration.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Blackview BV9200’s Mediatek Helio G96, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), is a significant upgrade over the Ulefone X11’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 based Helio A22. The G96’s Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, while the increased core count and higher clock speeds deliver superior multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the BV9200. The X11 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Ulefone X11, the Blackview BV9200’s charging capabilities are a game-changer. The BV9200 supports 66W wired charging, allowing for a significantly faster 0-100% charge time compared to the X11’s 10W charging. Furthermore, the inclusion of 30W wireless charging adds a layer of convenience. Even if the X11 has a larger battery capacity, the BV9200’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery, ensuring less downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Power Armor X11 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point in a rugged phone and prioritize basic functionality over speed. It’s suitable for users who primarily make calls, send texts, and use simple apps. Buy the Blackview BV9200 if you demand a smoother, more responsive experience, faster charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for a phone that can handle demanding tasks and keep up with a modern workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Blackview BV9200’s Helio G96 chipset capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Helio G96 is a capable gaming chipset. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The BV9200’s thermal management will be a key factor, but the G96 is a substantial upgrade over the X11’s Helio A22 for gaming.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Blackview BV9200 from 0% to 100% with the 66W charger?
Blackview claims approximately 46 minutes for a full charge with the 66W charger. Real-world results may vary slightly depending on usage during charging, but it’s significantly faster than the Ulefone X11’s 10W charging, which would likely take several hours.
❓ Does the Ulefone Power Armor X11 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Ulefone’s update track record is inconsistent. While they do provide updates, they are often less frequent and slower to arrive compared to more established brands. Users should not expect the same level of software support as with a Samsung or Google Pixel device.
❓ What level of water and dust resistance can I expect from both phones?
Both phones are marketed as rugged devices, typically adhering to IP68 or IP69K standards. This means they should be resistant to dust ingress and capable of surviving submersion in water for a specified period. However, the level of protection can vary, and it’s crucial to check the specific IP rating for each model to understand its limitations.