Ulefone caters to the budget and rugged phone markets, but the S1 and Armor X16 Pro represent vastly different approaches. The S1 is an older, entry-level device, while the Armor X16 Pro aims to deliver modern performance and extended battery life within a durable package. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Ulefone Armor X16 Pro is the clear winner. Its modern Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, coupled with 33W charging and exceptional battery endurance, offers a significantly improved experience compared to the aging Mediatek MT6580-powered S1. The S1 only makes sense for those on the absolute tightest budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, August. Released 2018, August | 2025, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 148.6 x 70.7 x 9.6 mm (5.85 x 2.78 x 0.38 in) | 173.8 x 83.4 x 18 mm (6.84 x 3.28 x 0.71 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 395.4 g (13.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 5 |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 910 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 Oreo (Go edition) | Android 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
5 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
25 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Ion 10360 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gold, Black | Wasteland Shadow/Sand Dune |
| Price | - | $ 199.99 / C$ 399.99 / £ 215.99 / € 249.99 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | - | 114:48h endurance, 1000 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class A |
| Free fall | - | Class A (270 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class C |
Ulefone S1
- Extremely affordable
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially very lightweight
- Outdated processor
- Poor performance with modern apps
- Likely limited battery life
- Slow charging
Ulefone Armor X16 Pro
- Modern and powerful Dimensity 6300 chipset
- Exceptional battery endurance (114:48h)
- Fast 33W wired charging
- Rugged design for durability
- Camera likely average
- Higher price than the S1
- May be bulkier due to ruggedization
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for the Ulefone S1, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its market segment, it likely features a lower resolution and brightness panel. The Armor X16 Pro, while not boasting flagship-level display tech, benefits from a more modern manufacturing process. The focus here isn't on cutting-edge features, but on providing a usable experience in various lighting conditions. The X16 Pro's panel is likely more energy efficient due to the Dimensity 6300's optimized display controller.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Ulefone S1 are unavailable. The Armor X16 Pro's camera system is not detailed beyond its existence, suggesting a focus on functionality rather than photographic excellence. Given Ulefone's typical approach, expect a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The Dimensity 6300's image signal processor (ISP) will offer improved image processing capabilities compared to the MT6580, but the overall camera experience will likely be average. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither phone is a strong contender for photography enthusiasts.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Ulefone S1's Mediatek MT6580, a 28nm quad-core processor, is severely outmatched by the Armor X16 Pro's Mediatek Dimensity 6300. The Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, features an octa-core configuration with powerful Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.4 GHz) alongside efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores (6x2.0 GHz). This translates to a dramatically faster and smoother user experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The S1 will struggle with modern apps and games.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor X16 Pro excels in battery life, boasting an impressive 114:48h endurance rating and a claimed 1000 charge cycles. This is a substantial advantage over the S1, which lacks detailed battery specifications. The X16 Pro's 33W wired charging is another significant benefit, allowing for rapid replenishment. The inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging adds a convenient feature for topping up accessories. The S1 likely offers significantly slower charging and a shorter overall battery lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone S1 if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. Buy the Ulefone Armor X16 Pro if you prioritize responsiveness, longer battery life, faster charging, and a more future-proofed experience, even if it means spending a bit more. The X16 Pro is ideal for users who need a rugged phone for outdoor work or activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Armor X16 Pro capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 is a significant step up from the MT6580 and is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable and enjoyable experience, especially considering the phone's price point. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Armor X16 Pro compare to other rugged phones on the market?
While Ulefone doesn't specify exact IP ratings for the Armor X16 Pro, it's designed to withstand drops, dust, and water exposure. It's likely to meet IP68 or IP69K standards, offering robust protection for outdoor use. However, it's important to note that 'rugged' doesn't mean indestructible; it's designed to be more resilient than standard smartphones, but extreme conditions can still cause damage.
❓ What is the real-world charging time for the Ulefone Armor X16 Pro with the 33W charger?
Ulefone claims 33W charging, which should translate to a full charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is a substantial improvement over the likely several hours required to charge the Ulefone S1.
