Ulefone Armor 27T review
The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a rugged powerhouse that builds upon its predecessor's design cues from the Doogee V20 Pro. The phone's tank-like build makes it resistant to dust and water, with IP68/IP69K certification and MIL-STD-810G standards ensuring it can withstand rough handling. The 6.78-inch IPS LCD display has a 120Hz refresh rate but lacks AMOLED brightness. While decent for general use, 4K content is downscaled to 1080p. The phone's audio capabilities are limited to a single bottom speaker, which may not be sufficient for media or gaming enthusiasts. The camera setup consists of a 50MP main sensor, 64MP night vision camera, and 32MP front camera. While good for casual shots, low-light performance requires a steady hand. The night vision camera is particularly useful, allowing up to 20 meters visibility in complete darkness with infrared lighting. The thermal imaging feature, which uses a FLIR sensor, operates at a lower 9Hz refresh rate compared to the predecessor's 25Hz. While this results in more accurate temperature readings, it may not provide the smoothest video experience. The phone's battery is large, with a 10,600mAh capacity that can last 4-5 days of heavy use or weeks on light usage. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip provides decent performance for everyday tasks but feels dated for more demanding activities like gaming. With 12GB RAM and 256GB storage (expandable to 2TB via microSD), the phone's real-world performance is solid, although not ideal for heavy apps or games at max settings. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro excels in its thermal imaging accuracy, rugged durability, and long-lasting battery. Its price point of around $300 makes it a great value if you prioritize these features over top-tier gaming performance.
Build Quality and Design
The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a rugged smartphone that embodies the perfect blend of durability and style. Its tank-like design, weighing in at 440g and measuring 18.5mm in thickness, is both impressive and reassuring. The phone's build quality has seen significant improvements compared to its predecessor, with a refined look that's reminiscent of the Doogee V20 Pro. The rubberized back provides excellent resistance against fingerprints, while reinforced corners ensure shock absorption. This rugged construction is certified IP68/IP69K for dust and water resistance, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts or those who work in harsh environments. The MIL-STD-810G certification further solidifies the phone's ability to withstand rough handling, ensuring that it can take a beating without compromising its functionality. The design also features a fingerprint sensor, volume buttons, a headphone jack, and an infrared blaster on one side, while the USB-C port and speaker are located at the bottom. The inclusion of the uSmart connector is also noteworthy, allowing users to attach accessories like the Armor Pad 3 series for added functionality. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro's build quality and design make it a formidable device that can withstand even the toughest conditions. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply want a phone that can keep up with your active lifestyle, this rugged powerhouse is definitely worth considering.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro boasts an impressive 10,600mAh battery, making it a powerhouse in the rugged phone category. With this massive capacity, you can expect long-lasting battery life that will easily get you through your day and then some. In our testing, the Armor 27T Pro delivered 4-5 days of heavy use on a single charge, with airplane mode enabled to conserve power. This is an outstanding feat for a phone in its class, and it's clear that Ulefone has prioritized battery life as a key feature of this device. Charging is also swift, thanks to the inclusion of 33W wired and 30W wireless charging capabilities. With these speeds, you can get your phone back up and running in under 2 hours, which is perfect for those on-the-go situations. One notable mention is the availability of a 50W Ulefone wireless charger, although it does come with a caveat: the fan noise can be quite annoying. Nevertheless, this high-speed charging option is great to have, especially when you're in a pinch and need to top up your battery quickly. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro's massive battery life and efficient charging capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and long-lasting phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Display
The display on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a mixed bag. On one hand, it's a 6.78-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and decent visibility outdoors. The 1080 x 2460 resolution is also sufficient for general use, although it may not be ideal for watching videos or gaming. One notable omission on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is an AMOLED display, which would have provided better brightness and color accuracy outdoors. Instead, the LCD panel can struggle to maintain visibility in direct sunlight, and while it's still decent, it's not as punchy as some other phones in this price range. Additionally, the single bottom speaker on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro feels like a step backward, especially considering stereo speakers are now becoming standard at this price point. While the audio is fine for calls, media enthusiasts and gamers may find themselves wanting to use headphones or an external speaker. In terms of display-related features, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro supports a maximum video resolution of 1440p at 30fps, with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) to reduce shakiness. This is a decent upgrade over budget options like the Hotwav Cyber 15 or Cubot KingKong X. Overall, while the display on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is not outstanding, it gets the job done for casual use. However, for those who value high-quality visuals and audio, there may be better options available.
Camera
The camera system on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is an improvement over its predecessor, but still lags behind flagship models. The primary sensor delivers decent photos with good color and detail, although low-light shots require a steady hand. Zoom is usable up to 3x, but it's not great beyond that. The 64MP night vision camera is a unique feature that lets you see up to 20 meters in complete darkness using infrared lighting. While it's no substitute for professional night vision gear, it's handy for daily tasks like checking on equipment in the dark. Video maxes out at 1440p at 30fps with EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) to reduce shakiness. The 32MP front camera is decent for selfies or video calls but lacks stabilization, which can cause some shakiness when you're moving. The camera software itself feels a bit basic and doesn't offer the same level of customization as other smartphones. One of the standout features of the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro's camera system is the thermal imaging capabilities. The phone comes equipped with a 160 x 120 FLIR sensor, which provides accurate temperature readings. In testing with a 135°C heating element, the 27T Pro consistently read the correct temperature, while the previous model fluctuated between 120-140°C. Overall, the camera system on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is good for casual use but not great for enthusiasts or professionals who demand more. While it's a solid choice for those who need thermal imaging and rugged durability, photographers may want to look elsewhere. With some improvements in low-light performance and video stabilization, this phone could be a top contender. The camera system on the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is an improvement over its predecessor but still lags behind flagship models. While it's good for casual use, photographers may want to look elsewhere. With some improvements in low-light performance and video stabilization, this phone could be a top contender. If you're looking for a rugged smartphone with thermal imaging capabilities, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a solid choice. However, if you're an avid photographer or gamer, you may want to consider other options that offer more advanced camera systems and smoother performance.
Price and Value
The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is an excellent value for professionals who need thermal imaging capabilities in their rugged phone. Priced around $300 on AliExpress, this device offers a unique feature set that sets it apart from its competitors. The inclusion of a 160 x 120 FLIR sensor provides accurate temperature readings, making it a solid choice for professionals who require precise measurements. The accuracy in thermal readings is a standout feature, and the customizable thermal apps add to the phone's practicality. However, the 9Hz refresh rate for thermal video is a slight drawback compared to the 25T Pro, which has a higher refresh rate of 25Hz. Nevertheless, the improved thermal imaging capabilities make up for this limitation. In terms of value, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro offers an excellent combination of features at a reasonable price. The 10,600mAh battery provides long-lasting power, and the rugged design holds up well to daily wear and tear. While the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chip may feel underpowered for demanding tasks, it still delivers decent performance for everyday use. The phone's IP68/IP69K rating ensures dust and water resistance, and the MIL-STD-810G certification confirms its ability to withstand rough handling. The inclusion of NFC, 5G support, and compatibility with US/UK carriers adds to the device's value proposition. Overall, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro is a solid choice for professionals who need thermal imaging capabilities in their rugged phone. While it may not excel in gaming or media performance, its accuracy in thermal readings and long-lasting battery make up for this limitation. As such, we give the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro a rating of 7.5/10, making it an excellent value for professionals who need reliable thermal accuracy and rugged durability.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 27T Pro boasts a solid MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, which provides decent performance for everyday use. However, it starts to show its age when dealing with more intensive tasks. With 12GB RAM and 256GB of storage, expandable up to 2TB via microSD cards, the phone delivers acceptable speeds in general use. The phone runs Android 14, offering a mostly stock experience with minimal bloatware. This results in a clean and straightforward interface. NFC for contactless payments and 5G support are also included, making it compatible with US/UK carriers. Real-world performance is satisfactory, with Geekbench scores of 755 single-core and 1961 multi-core. While the phone can handle casual gaming, such as Asphalt 9 on high settings at 60fps, demanding apps and games may not run smoothly. Call of Duty Mobile on medium settings was playable but had its limitations. The phone's performance is sufficient for general use, but it may struggle with more resource-intensive tasks. If you're looking for a powerhouse in the rugged smartphone category, this might not be the best choice. Instead, consider options like the Poco F6 for top-tier performance. In terms of overall score, I'd rate the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro a solid 7.5/10. Its accuracy in thermal readings and long battery life are major advantages. However, the Dimensity 6300 chip's dated nature hinders more demanding applications. The phone's camera capabilities are decent for casual shots but don't expect flagship-level quality. Video maxes out at 1440p at 30fps with EIS to reduce shakiness. The front camera is decent for selfies or video calls but lacks stabilization, resulting in some shakiness when moving. Ultimately, the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro excels in providing reliable thermal accuracy, rugged durability, and a long-lasting battery. If you prioritize these features, it's a great value at around $300 on AliExpress.