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Ulefone Armor 9 The Ultimate Rugged Smartphone Unveiled

Release Date
2020, June 29
Camera
64MP
Battery
6600mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Helio P90
Screen
6.3"
Storage
128GB , microSDXC
Ram
8GB RAM
Operating System
Android 10

Overview of Ulefone Armor 9

Ulefone Armor 9 is a rugged smartphone designed to withstand the toughest environments while offering performance and versatility that meet the needs of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. Released in June 2020, the device integrates advanced technology with durability, making it a unique offering in the rugged smartphone market.

Design and Build

The Ulefone Armor 9 measures 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm and weighs 320 grams. It features a robust build with an aluminum back and frame, and it is further reinforced with rubber elements to absorb shocks. The front is protected with scratch-resistant glass that has an oleophobic coating to resist smudges. These features contribute to the device’s IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810G certifications, ensuring resistance to dust, water, shock, vibration, and even extreme temperature changes.

Display

The device sports a 6.3-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, delivering sharp and vivid visuals. With a pixel density of approximately 409 ppi, users can expect clear and detailed imagery, suitable for a variety of tasks from viewing multimedia content to reading schematics and maps.

Performance

Powered by the Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 chipset built on a 12 nm process, the Ulefone Armor 9 promises a smooth user experience. The octa-core CPU comprises two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, providing a balance between performance and efficiency. The PowerVR GM9446 GPU enhances graphic-related tasks, making it capable of handling demanding applications with ease.

Memory and Storage

The smartphone is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking, and 128GB of internal storage, ample for storing numerous apps, media files, and documents. If additional storage is needed, it can be expanded via a microSDXC card, which uses the second SIM slot.

Camera Capabilities

The Ulefone Armor 9 excels in photography with a triple camera setup on the rear. The primary sensor is a 64 MP lens with an f/1.9 aperture, which captures high-resolution images and has PDAF for fast focusing. It is complemented by a 2 MP depth sensor and a FLIR thermal camera with a Lepton module, providing thermal imaging functionality. This makes it a valuable tool for professionals in maintenance, inspection, and safety roles. On the front, an 8 MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture caters to selfies and video calls.

Video Recording

Both the main and selfie cameras are capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, delivering clear and stable footage suitable for both personal and professional use.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a high-capacity 6600 mAh Li-Po battery, ensuring extended usage time. With an endurance rating of up to 148 hours, users can rely on the Armor 9 for long periods of fieldwork without concern for frequent charging. When it is time to recharge, the 18W wired charging capability ensures the device is quickly back in action.

Network and Connectivity

Ulefone Armor 9 supports a wide array of network bands allowing it to operate globally on GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE networks. This ensures reliable cellular connectivity in diverse locations. For local connectivity, it offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS for navigation. Additionally, NFC support enables mobile payments and data transfer, while an FM radio and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG cater to multimedia and accessory connections.

Additional Features

The Armor 9 is equipped with a variety of sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint reader, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, and a coulombmeter for battery state monitoring. These contribute to the enhanced functionality of the device. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is also notable, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio peripherals.

Price and Availability

Upon its release, the Ulefone Armor 9 was priced at approximately 550 EUR, making it a cost-effective solution for those seeking a rugged device with professional-grade features. It is available in a sleek black color, which complements its robust aesthetic.

Conclusion

The Ulefone Armor 9 combines durability with advanced features, setting it apart in the rugged smartphone market. Its integration of thermal imaging, substantial battery life, and comprehensive connectivity options cater to professionals who require a reliable device in challenging environments. With its solid performance, high-quality camera system, and expandable storage, the Armor 9 is a competent choice for both work and leisure in harsh conditions.

Key Features of Ulefone Armor 9

  • Durable Build: Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame.
  • Display: 6.3-inch IPS LCD with 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution and scratch-resistant glass.
  • Operating System: Android 10.
  • Processor: Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) with Octa-core CPU.
  • Memory: 128GB internal storage with 8GB RAM and microSDXC support.
  • Triple Main Camera: 64 MP wide, 2 MP depth, and FLIR thermal camera with features like thermal imaging and temp. spot meter.
  • Selfie Camera: 8 MP with 1080p video recording.
  • Battery: 6600 mAh with 18W wired charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, and USB Type-C.
  • Additional Features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, multiple sensors including accelerometer, gyro, compass, and baroceptor.
  • Extras: FM radio, accessory connector for endoscope.

Ulefone Armor 9 Disadvantages

  • Heavy weight at 320 g, which may be cumbersome for prolonged use.
  • Chunky dimensions at 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm make it less ergonomic for one-hand use.
  • The use of a hybrid SIM slot limits users to either dual SIM use or a single SIM with microSD expansion, but not both simultaneously.
  • Screen-to-body ratio is relatively low at ~70.6%, leading to larger bezels than some competitors.
  • Powered by a Mediatek Helio P90, which may lag behind newer chipsets in terms of performance and efficiency.
  • 1080p video recording at 30fps is modest compared to the 4K capabilities of some competitors.
  • Loudspeaker performance is below average at -30.1 LUFS according to tests.
  • Comes with Android 10, which might not receive updates to the latest Android versions in the future.
  • Priced at about 550 EUR, which might be expensive considering its specifications.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
Speed HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2020, June 29
Status Available. Released 2020, June 29
Body
Dimensions 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm (6.62 x 3.23 x 0.59 in)
Weight 320 g (11.29 oz)
Build Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
SIM Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Protection Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating
Platform
OS Android 10
Chipset Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU PowerVR GM9446
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Triple 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP, f/2.2, (depth) FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
Features Thermal imaging, heat palettes, temp. spot meter, quad-LED flash, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.2
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct
Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
NFC Yes
Radio FM radio, RDS, recording
USB USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector (endoscope)
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor, coulombmeter
Battery
Type Li-Po 6600 mAh, non-removable
Charging 18W wired
Misc
Colors Black
Price About 550 EUR
Tests
Performance AnTuTu: 197000 (v8) GeekBench: 1498 (v5.1) GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
Display Contrast ratio: 1541:1 (nominal)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker -30.1 LUFS (Below average)
Battery (old) Endurance rating 148h

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