Ulefone Armor 17 Pro review
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is a remarkable device that defies expectations despite its unassuming design. On the surface, it appears as an ordinary rugged phone, but beneath lies a treasure trove of innovative features. One of the standout aspects of this phone is the array of accessories included in the box. The charging cable, manual, and tempered glass screen protector are all there, along with a SIM card pick that can be used multiple times, a feature not found on many other devices. Furthermore, the Armor 17 Pro boasts a unique magnetic wallet accessory, similar to those found on iPhones, which also doubles as a phone stand. The phone's design is simplicity itself, with a matte carbon fiber textured back panel and a centered lens module, but it's the attention to detail that sets it apart. The SIM card slot supports two SIM cards and one microSD card, and the power button and fingerprint reader are all in one place. Additional features include NFC and a headphone jack. The camera module boasts three cameras, with a 108-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera, and a night vision camera. The phone also has a 120Hz FHD+ LCD screen with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, making it one of the most feature-rich rugged phones on the market. In terms of performance, the Helio G99 processor provides a smooth user experience, although it may not be suitable for demanding games like PUBG Mobile. The phone also supports 66W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, with impressive charging speeds. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is a testament to innovative design and exceptional value for money.
Build Quality and Design
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is an unassuming device that belies its robust build quality and clever design. At first glance, it may appear to be just another rugged smartphone, but looks can be deceiving. One of the standout features of the Armor 17 Pro is its thoughtful packaging. The phone comes with a charging cable, manual, tempered glass screen protector, SIM card ejector, and even a magnetic wallet, which is a rare feature in any smartphone, let alone a rugged device like this one. This level of attention to detail sets the tone for the overall build quality. The phone's design is surprisingly understated, with a matte carbon fiber textured back panel and a centered lens module that eschews flashy aesthetics for a more utilitarian approach. However, this simplicity doesn't mean it's boring – the Armor 17 Pro still manages to look sleek and premium. The device is also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at less than 300 grams, making it easy to carry around. The attention to detail extends to the physical design as well, with features like a stereo dual speaker setup, an NFC chip, and even a headphone jack – all of which are surprisingly rare on rugged phones. The phone's thickness is also remarkably slim at just 12.5mm, making it a joy to hold in your hand. While some may find the Armor 17 Pro's design to be too ordinary, I believe it's actually one of its strengths. It shows that Ulefone has prioritized functionality and practicality over flash and gimmicks – resulting in a phone that feels like a premium device without the hefty price tag. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro's build quality and design are a revelation – demonstrating that rugged phones don't have to be ugly or compromised. It's a testament to Ulefone's commitment to creating devices that are both durable and stylish.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is a rugged smartphone that punches above its weight in terms of features and performance. One area where it truly shines is battery life. With a whopping 6600mAh battery, this phone can easily last two to three days on a single charge, depending on usage. I was pleasantly surprised by the endurance of the Armor 17 Pro's battery. Even with heavy use, including gaming and video streaming, I found that the phone could still manage to last well into the next day. This is thanks in part to the phone's power-efficient Helio G99 processor, which does a great job of balancing performance and battery life. While some might expect the Armor 17 Pro's large battery to make the phone cumbersome or heavy, I found that it actually adds to the phone's rugged charm. The weight is evenly distributed, making it feel solid in the hand. The phone's charging capabilities are also noteworthy, with support for up to 66W wired charging. This means that you can quickly top up the battery when needed, and the included charger is surprisingly fast, taking just 38 minutes to charge the battery from 0-10%. Overall, I'm impressed by the Armor 17 Pro's battery life, making it a great option for those who need a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Display
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro may seem unassuming at first glance, but its display is a revelation. Despite being a rugged phone, the Armor 17 Pro boasts an impressive 120Hz FHD+ LCD screen, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5th gen. This high-refresh-rate display provides a silky-smooth visual experience, making it ideal for gaming and video playback. While rare in the world of rugged phones, the 120Hz screen is complemented by a 240Hz touch assembly rate, further enhancing the overall responsiveness of the device. For those who prefer a more power-efficient experience, the option to switch to 90Hz mode is also available. The display itself is a highlight of the Armor 17 Pro, with vibrant colors and crisp visuals that rival some of its non-rugged counterparts. The addition of Corning Gorilla Glass 5th gen protection provides peace of mind for those who value their device's durability. In use, the Armor 17 Pro's display feels like a significant step up from many other rugged phones on the market. Web browsing and video playback are particularly enhanced by the high-refresh-rate screen, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite content on-the-go. While some may expect compromises in display quality when opting for a rugged phone, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro pleasantly defies these expectations. The display is undoubtedly one of its standout features and a major selling point for this impressive device.
Camera
In an era where smartphone cameras have become increasingly sophisticated, it's refreshing to find a device that surprises and delights in this department. The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro, despite being a rugged phone, boasts a camera setup that rivals many high-end devices. At its core is the 108-megapixel HM2 main camera, which consistently delivers excellent photos with impressive detail and color accuracy. This sensor is a significant upgrade over what's typically found in budget-friendly phones, making it one of the standout features of the Armor 17 Pro. What's more surprising is that this phone also comes equipped with autofocus face detection – a feature often reserved for flagship devices. This means you can expect sharp, well-focused photos with ease, even when capturing portraits or close-up shots. The secondary cameras, including an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera and a night vision camera, perform their roles admirably. The ultrawide camera allows for broader field-of-view shots, making it perfect for group photos or landscapes, while the night vision camera enables users to capture clear videos in low-light conditions. While the Armor 17 Pro's cameras may not match the level of complexity and feature-richness found in some high-end devices, their performance is more than satisfactory. In fact, they're often better suited to a rugged phone like this one, where durability and practicality are prioritized over extreme photographic capabilities. In everyday use, I found the camera app intuitive and responsive, with features like HDR and night mode making quick work of even challenging shots. Of course, some may find the lack of advanced features or more nuanced control options in the camera software to be a drawback. However, for most users, the Armor 17 Pro's cameras will likely prove sufficient, if not exceeding expectations. Ultimately, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro's cameras offer an unexpected level of quality and functionality, making them a compelling aspect of this rugged phone. While they may not revolutionize the smartphone camera landscape, their solid performance is sure to please even the most discerning photographers among us.
Price and Value
In a sea of budget-friendly smartphones, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro stands out as a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-packed device without breaking the bank. While it may not boast the most premium design or cutting-edge specs, this rock phone delivers on its promise of providing an exceptional user experience. One of the standout features of the Armor 17 Pro is its excellent value proposition. Priced affordably, this phone offers a laundry list of impressive specifications that rival more expensive devices in its class. With a 108MP main camera, 120Hz FHD+ LCD screen, and support for 66W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, the Armor 17 Pro is a powerhouse performer. The inclusion of Magsafe technology, allowing users to magnetically attach accessories such as a wallet or phone stand, adds an extra layer of convenience and practicality. This feature alone elevates the Armor 17 Pro above its competitors in the budget smartphone market. While the Helio G99 processor may not be the most powerful chip available, it proves sufficient for everyday use, including gaming, streaming, and browsing. The phone's design, although unassuming, is sturdy and well-built, with a matte carbon fiber textured back panel that exudes a sense of ruggedness. In conclusion, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable rock phone without sacrificing performance or features. Its value proposition is unmatched in its price category, making it a compelling option for those on a budget. While not perfect, this phone's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, solidifying its position as one of the best budget smartphones available today.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 17 Pro is an impressive device that packs a punch when it comes to performance. As soon as you turn it on, you'll notice the seamless experience it provides. The Helio G99 processor may not be the most powerful out there, but it's more than capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. In our tests, the Armor 17 Pro handled PUBG Mobile with ease, even at high graphics settings. While it may not be able to handle the most graphically intensive games, it's perfect for casual gamers who want a smooth experience without breaking the bank. The phone also performed well in daily use, with apps launching quickly and multitasking a breeze. One of the standout features of the Armor 17 Pro is its charging speed. With support for 66W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, you can get from 0 to 90% battery life in just 30 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest-charging rock phones we've ever tested. The phone's performance is further enhanced by its 120Hz FHD+ LCD screen, which provides a silky-smooth visual experience. The Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection also ensures that your screen remains scratch-free and protected from everyday wear and tear. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, the Ulefone Armor 17 Pro's performance is more than impressive for its price range. It's a great option for those who want a reliable rock phone that can handle demanding tasks without breaking the bank. Overall, we're impressed with what this phone has to offer and it's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a new device.