Umidigi Bison 2 vs Bison Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

Umidigi’s Bison series caters to users needing durable, affordable smartphones. The Bison 2 and Bison Pro represent incremental updates, but key differences in their chipsets and processing power dictate which model is better suited for demanding tasks. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly better gaming capabilities, the Umidigi Bison Pro is the superior choice. While both offer robust build quality and 18W charging, the Helio G80’s higher clock speeds and architectural refinements provide a noticeable edge in responsiveness and multitasking.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison 2 Umidigi Bison Pro
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, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE
Launch
Announced20222021. Released 2021
StatusAvailable. Released 2022Discontinued
Body
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 in)164 x 79.6 x 12.7 mm (6.46 x 3.13 x 0.5 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight280 g (9.88 oz)265 g (9.35 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio P90 (12 nm)Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GM9446Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 12Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 16 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", AF 16 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
Type6150 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackStorm Gray, Hack Black

Umidigi Bison 2

  • Potentially higher peak CPU clock speeds for burst performance.
  • May be available at a lower price point.
  • Rugged design for durability.

  • Older chipset architecture.
  • Potentially lower sustained performance under load.
  • Less optimized GPU for gaming.

Umidigi Bison Pro

  • More efficient chipset architecture for better sustained performance.
  • Improved GPU for smoother gaming experience.
  • Enhanced image processing capabilities.

  • Lower peak CPU clock speeds.
  • May be slightly more expensive.
  • Rugged design adds bulk.

Display Comparison

Both the Bison 2 and Bison Pro likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on durability, and both are built to withstand harsh conditions. Without specific data, it’s safe to assume both prioritize visibility in direct sunlight over color accuracy.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of multiple sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G80 generally offers improved image processing capabilities compared to the P90. This could result in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos captured on the Bison Pro. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Bison 2 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P90, featuring a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.2 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Bison Pro steps down to the Helio G80, with a dual-core Cortex-A75 clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. While the P90 has a higher peak clock speed on its prime cores, the G80 benefits from architectural improvements and a more optimized GPU. This translates to a smoother experience in graphically intensive applications and games. The lower clock speed on the G80’s A75 cores is offset by its more efficient design, potentially leading to better sustained performance under load.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. Battery capacity is not specified, but given their rugged design and target audience, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio G80’s improved efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life on the Bison Pro, especially during gaming or other demanding tasks. However, real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison 2 if you primarily need a durable phone for basic communication, social media, and light tasks, and value potential cost savings. Buy the Umidigi Bison Pro if you frequently engage in mobile gaming, run demanding applications, or require smoother multitasking, and are willing to spend a bit more for the performance boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Bison Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G80 in the Bison Pro is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it should provide a noticeably smoother experience than the Bison 2, allowing for playable frame rates at medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but overall, it's a more capable gaming device.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the P90 and G80 significant in everyday use?
While the Bison 2's P90 has a higher peak clock speed, the G80's architectural improvements and optimized GPU are more impactful in everyday use. The G80 handles multitasking and app launches more efficiently, resulting in a snappier overall experience. The P90's higher clock speed is less noticeable in typical scenarios.
❓ How does the ruggedness of these phones compare? Are they waterproof?
Both the Bison 2 and Bison Pro are built to withstand drops, dust, and extreme temperatures. However, neither is officially waterproof. They likely have an IP68 or IP69K rating for dust and water *resistance*, meaning they can survive splashes and brief submersion, but prolonged exposure to water should be avoided.