Umidigi Active T1 vs Bison 2 Pro: Which Rugged Phone Reigns Supreme?

Umidigi has carved a niche for itself in the rugged smartphone market, offering durable devices at competitive prices. The Active T1 and Bison 2 Pro represent two distinct approaches within that segment. The Active T1 focuses on a newer chipset and faster charging, while the Bison 2 Pro leverages a slightly older, but more powerful, processor. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which phone delivers the best overall experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users prioritizing raw performance and responsiveness, the Umidigi Bison 2 Pro is the better choice, thanks to its Mediatek Helio P90 chipset. However, the Active T1’s 20W charging offers a significant convenience advantage, making it ideal for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Active T1 Umidigi Bison 2 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 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
Launch
Announced20232022
StatusAvailable. Released 2023Available. Released 2022
Body
Dimensions263.6 x 168.2 x 11.8 mm (10.38 x 6.62 x 0.46 in)172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight756 g (1.67 lb)280 g (9.88 oz)
Display
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~212 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size11.0 inches, 344.4 cm2 (~77.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 420 nitsIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio P90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1PowerVR GM9446
OSAndroid 13Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR
Triple-48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 16 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioWireless FM radio
USBUSB Type-C, accessory connector pinsUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging20W wired18W wired
Type10000 mAh6150 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack

Umidigi Active T1

  • Faster 20W charging for quicker top-ups
  • More modern Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset architecture
  • Potentially better software support due to newer chipset

  • Slightly lower CPU performance compared to the Bison 2 Pro
  • Likely less capable GPU for gaming

Umidigi Bison 2 Pro

  • More powerful Mediatek Helio P90 chipset for smoother performance
  • Superior GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks
  • More advanced ISP for potentially better image quality

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Older chipset architecture

Display Comparison

Neither Umidigi provides detailed display specifications beyond size and resolution. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Bison 2 Pro’s Helio P90 has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother animations and better graphics rendering, even if the panels themselves are similar. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of rugged designs prioritizing protection over slimness.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are absent. However, given Umidigi’s typical approach, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, an ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P90 is more advanced, offering better noise reduction and dynamic range. While megapixel counts are unknown, the P90’s superior ISP will likely result in better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The Active T1’s newer chipset *could* offer some software-based image processing improvements, but the hardware advantage lies with the Bison 2 Pro.

Performance

The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Bison 2 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P90 features a CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, compared to the Active T1’s Unisoc Tiger T616 with 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. While both are octa-core designs with the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, the higher clock speed and slightly more mature architecture of the P90 translate to a noticeable performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The Unisoc T616 benefits from being built on a 12nm process, but the P90’s overall architecture provides a performance edge. RAM configurations are not specified, but the P90’s GPU will be the limiting factor for graphically intensive applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Active T1’s 20W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Bison 2 Pro’s 18W charging. This means the Active T1 will reach a full charge significantly faster, a crucial benefit for users who need to quickly replenish their battery. Without knowing the battery capacities, it’s difficult to definitively say which phone offers better battery life, but the faster charging of the Active T1 provides a tangible usability benefit.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Active T1 if you need a phone that charges quickly and benefits from a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means slightly lower peak performance. This phone is ideal for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Buy the Umidigi Bison 2 Pro if you prioritize smoother multitasking, more demanding games, and a generally more responsive user experience, and are willing to accept slower 18W charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Active T1 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Unisoc Tiger T616 is a capable chipset for everyday tasks, it may struggle to maintain consistently high frame rates in graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty, especially at higher settings. The Bison 2 Pro’s Helio P90 offers a more robust GPU, providing a smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 20W charging on the Active T1 compared to the 18W charging on the Bison 2 Pro in real-world use?
The 20W charging on the Active T1 will likely shave off around 15-30 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the Bison 2 Pro’s 18W charging, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging. This difference is most noticeable when quickly topping up the battery for short periods.
❓ Are either of these phones certified for any specific ruggedness standards (e.g., IP68, MIL-STD-810G)?
Umidigi typically advertises ruggedness based on internal testing rather than formal certifications. While both phones are designed to withstand drops, dust, and water splashes, specific certification details are not readily available. Users should manage expectations accordingly.