Umidigi Bison X10S vs Nokia XR20: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Value

The Umidigi Bison X10S and Nokia XR20 both target the growing market for rugged smartphones, offering durability alongside core smartphone functionality. However, they approach this segment with different philosophies: the Bison X10S prioritizes affordability, while the XR20 aims for a more premium experience with 5G connectivity and a focus on software support. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and long-term software support, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480 chipset offers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the Bison X10S’s Unisoc Tiger T310, justifying the price difference. However, the Bison X10S remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison X10S Nokia XR20
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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021. Released 20212021, July 27
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight279 g (9.84 oz)248 g (8.75 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUQuad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T310 (12nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal32GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Triple16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioWireless FM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type6150 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsStorm GreyUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
Price-About 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Umidigi Bison X10S

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding chipset (depending on battery capacity)

  • Slow 10W charging
  • Less powerful Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset
  • Limited software update support

Nokia XR20

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • More powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset
  • 18W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Nokia’s commitment to Android updates and security patches

  • Higher price compared to the Bison X10S
  • May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the Bison X10S, its price point suggests a basic LCD panel. The Nokia XR20, similarly, doesn't highlight display prowess. However, the XR20’s focus on outdoor usability suggests a higher peak brightness than the Bison X10S, crucial for visibility in direct sunlight. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices indicates a focus on power efficiency rather than fluid visuals.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature modest camera systems geared towards functional photography rather than high-end image quality. Without detailed sensor information for the Bison X10S, it’s safe to assume the XR20’s camera, while not flagship-level, benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing capabilities. The XR20’s camera system is likely to offer more consistent performance across various lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically produce low-resolution images with limited detail.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Umidigi Bison X10S’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (12nm). The Snapdragon 480’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) provides a noticeable boost in multitasking and app loading speeds compared to the Bison X10S’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 480 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. This benefits users who engage in moderate gaming or run demanding applications.

Battery Life

The battery capacity is not specified for the Bison X10S, but given its focus on affordability, it's likely comparable to or slightly smaller than the XR20’s. However, the Nokia XR20’s 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging provide a significant advantage over the Bison X10S’s slow 10W wired charging. This means the XR20 can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity is desirable, the XR20’s faster charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery size.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison X10S if you need a highly affordable, durable phone for basic tasks and aren't concerned with 5G or frequent software updates. It's ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more future-proof device with 5G, faster processing speeds for multitasking and gaming, and Nokia’s commitment to Android updates and security patches. This phone suits users who need a rugged device for demanding work or active lifestyles and value long-term usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20 powerful enough for gaming?
The Snapdragon 480 is capable of handling casual gaming and less demanding titles. However, it's not a gaming powerhouse. Expect to play games like PUBG Mobile at medium settings with moderate frame rates. The Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Bison X10S will struggle with even these settings.
❓ How durable is the Nokia XR20 compared to the Umidigi Bison X10S?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. However, the Nokia XR20 boasts an IP68 rating, offering superior protection against dust and water ingress compared to the Bison X10S’s likely IP67 or lower rating. This means the XR20 can be submerged in deeper water for longer periods.
❓ Will the Umidigi Bison X10S receive Android updates?
Umidigi’s update track record is inconsistent. Expect limited or no major Android version updates for the Bison X10S. Nokia, on the other hand, guarantees at least three years of security updates and two major Android version upgrades for the XR20, ensuring long-term security and functionality.
❓ Does the Nokia XR20 support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20 supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. The Bison X10S, lacking 5G, doesn't have this capability.