The smartphone market is teeming with sleek and delicate devices, but what if you need a smartphone that can withstand extreme conditions, has a battery that lasts for days, and offers unique features? Ulefone, a brand known for its rugged smartphones, has introduced the Armor 24, a device that claims to excel in durability and battery life. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Ulefone Armor 24, examining its design, performance, camera capabilities, and more. Let’s find out if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Protection
First impressions matter, and the Armor 24 makes a strong one. The device exudes a rugged charm, designed to thrive in harsh environments. Its hefty build and robust exterior give it a tank-like appearance, and it feels like it can handle just about anything you throw at it. However, with great durability comes added weight and bulk. The Armor 24 weighs in at a substantial 647 grams, making it noticeably heavier than most smartphones. If you’re looking for a featherlight device, this might not be the one for you.
Where the Armor 24 truly shines is in its durability features. It boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without suffering any damage. Additionally, it carries an IP69K rating, which ensures protection against high-pressure water and steam.
For those who demand the utmost ruggedness, the Armor 24 is also MIL-STD-810H certified. This military-grade certification means it can endure extreme temperatures, shocks, vibrations, and more. It’s a smartphone built to withstand the harshest of conditions, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals working in challenging environments.
Display
The Armor 24 sports a 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. This combination results in vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, providing an enjoyable visual experience. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, which offers an added layer of durability against scratches and minor drops.
One noteworthy aspect of the display is its fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. This feature keeps unsightly smudges and fingerprints at bay, ensuring that your screen remains clean and clear, even during extended use.
Performance
Under the hood, the Armor 24 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G96 processor, a capable chipset designed for efficient performance. With a robust CPU architecture that includes 2 x Arm Cortex-A55 and 6 x Arm Cortex-A76 cores, this smartphone can handle a variety of tasks with ease.
The 12GB of RAM provides ample memory for smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps and run resource-intensive applications without noticeable lag. Benchmark scores indicate that the Armor 24 performs admirably, making it a dependable choice for various applications.
Camera
Camera performance is often a critical factor for smartphone users. The Armor 24 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, with a 64MP wide-angle camera powered by the SONY IMX686 sensor and a 64MP night vision camera with an OV64B sensor. These cameras excel in capturing detailed and well-balanced photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The night vision camera, in particular, is a standout feature, allowing you to capture impressive shots in low-light environments.
The device offers a range of camera modes and features, including Normal mode, Night Vision Mode, Film Mode, 64MP Mode, Night Mode, Gif, Portrait, Pro Mode, Panorama, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Intelligent Scanning, HDR, Filters, AI scene detection, Location info, Brand watermark, Camera mute, Touch shooting, Self-timer, Grid line, Volume key feature, Anti-flicker, and Long Press.
Video recording capabilities include 2K recording at 30fps, 1080P recording at 30fps, 720P recording at 30fps, and 480P recording at 30fps. While it may not match the video recording prowess of flagship smartphones, the Armor 24’s camera system is more than capable of delivering impressive results.
On the front, you’ll find a 16MP selfie camera with features such as Normal mode, Film, Gif, Portrait, Location info, Brand watermark, Mirror, Camera mute, Touch shooting, Self-timer, Grid line, Volume key feature, and Anti-flicker. It offers 1080P recording at 30fps, 720P recording at 30fps, and 480P recording at 30fps for video.
One notable feature of the Armor 24’s camera system is its underwater photography support. This allows you to take photos and record videos underwater, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy aquatic adventures. Additionally, the device enables quick switching of shooting modes while submerged, ensuring you capture the perfect underwater shot.
Battery Life
Now, let’s talk about the standout feature of the Ulefone Armor 24: its massive 22,000mAh battery. This colossal battery capacity is a rarity in the smartphone world and sets the Armor 24 apart from the competition.
With typical usage scenarios, the Armor 24 delivers exceptional battery life, lasting for several days on a single charge. Whether you’re on an extended outdoor expedition or simply want a smartphone that doesn’t require constant recharging, the Armor 24 has you covered.
Charging the device is a breeze thanks to its 66W fast charging support. You can quickly replenish the battery and get back to using your smartphone in no time. Additionally, the Armor 24 supports reverse charging at 10W, allowing you to charge other devices using your smartphone as a power source. It’s a handy feature for emergencies or when you need to top up a friend’s device.
LED Projector
One of the distinctive features of the Ulefone Armor 24 is its built-in LED projector. This unique addition transforms your smartphone into a portable projector, allowing you to display content on various surfaces. Whether you’re giving a presentation, sharing media with friends and family, or enjoying outdoor movie nights, the LED projector adds versatility to the Armor 24’s repertoire.
What’s in the Box
When you purchase the Ulefone Armor 24, you’ll find a comprehensive package that includes everything you need to get started. The box contains:
- AC Power Charger
- Data Cable
- Protective Film (Pre-installed)
- Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- Lanyard
- SIM Needle
- Multi-language User Manual
- Multi-Function Instruction Card
- Warranty Card
- Charging Instruction Card
- Safety Prompt Card
- Accessories Ecosystem Brochure
This comprehensive package ensures that you have all the essentials and accessories to make the most of your Ulefone Armor 24 experience.
Target Audience
The Ulefone Armor 24 is tailored for a specific audience, and it excels at serving their needs:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: If you’re an adventurer who frequently explores rugged terrains, camps in the wilderness, or engages in water sports, the Armor 24’s durability and underwater photography capabilities make it an ideal choice.
- Professionals in Challenging Environments: For individuals working in industries such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing, where durability and longevity are crucial, the Armor 24’s ruggedness and extended battery life are invaluable.
- Travelers and Explorers: Whether you’re backpacking through remote locations or embarking on a road trip, the Armor 24’s robust build and long-lasting battery ensure you stay connected even in the most remote areas.
- Users Who Prioritize Durability: If you’ve had a history of dropping and damaging your smartphones, the Armor 24’s MIL-STD-810H certification and water resistance provide peace of mind.
While the Armor 24 may not be the lightest or slimmest smartphone on the market, it caters to a niche audience who prioritize durability, battery life, and unique features over sleek design and ultra-portability.
Pros
Let’s summarize the strengths of the Ulefone Armor 24:
- Rugged Design: Built to withstand water, dust, shocks, and extreme temperatures, the Armor 24 is a true rugged warrior.
- Exceptional Battery Life: The 22,000mAh battery ensures that you won’t run out of power, even during extended adventures.
- Impressive Camera Capabilities: The dual 64MP rear cameras, night vision capabilities, and underwater photography support make for a versatile camera system.
- Unique LED Projector: The built-in LED projector adds a new dimension to your smartphone’s capabilities.
- Ample RAM and Storage: With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Armor 24 handles multitasking and storage needs with ease.
Cons
It’s essential to consider the limitations of the Ulefone Armor 24:
- Heavier and Bulkier: Due to its rugged build and massive battery, the Armor 24 is notably heavier and bulkier than typical smartphones.
- IPS LCD Display: While the display is of good quality, it’s an IPS LCD, not an AMOLED panel.
- Camera Performance: Camera Performance: Although the camera system is remarkable, it might not be on par with the photography capabilities of top-tier smartphones.
Conclusion
The Ulefone Armor 24 is a rugged powerhouse that lives up to its promises of durability, outstanding battery life, and unique features. Its massive 22,000mAh battery sets it apart, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, and travelers who demand a robust device with extended battery life.
While it may not be the lightest or most compact smartphone, its rugged features, camera capabilities, and smooth performance make it a compelling option in its category. If you prioritize durability and battery life and can accept a slightly bulkier device, the Ulefone Armor 24 is an excellent choice.
Price and Availability
The Ulefone Armor 24 is priced at USD 329.99 and is available in Black. It can be purchased through the official Ulefone website and select retailers.