Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro, released in January 2025, is a rugged smartphone with solid performance and durability. It is positioned as a device for those needing a phone that can withstand tough conditions. It comes packed with features that cater to outdoor adventurers and professionals in demanding environments. Here’s a breakdown of what this smartphone offers.
Table of contents
Design & Build Quality: 9/10
The Armor X31 Pro is designed to endure. Its dimensions (173.8 x 82 x 13.7 mm) and weight (306g) make it a chunky device, but that’s expected from a rugged phone. The body is reinforced to withstand drops up to 2 meters and is IP68/IP69K dust and water-resistant, ensuring it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. If you work or play in challenging conditions, this phone is built to last.
In addition to its durability, the Armor X31 Pro boasts MIL-STD-810H compliance, which means it meets military standards for toughness. The addition of a dedicated flashlight (120 lumens) is a nice touch for those who find themselves working in low-light conditions.
Display: 7/10
The 6.56-inch IPS LCD offers a 120Hz refresh rate, a welcome feature for smooth scrolling and gaming. However, it falls short of Full HD with a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels. At around 269 ppi, the display is adequate but not as sharp as some higher-end phones. The 800 nits (HBM) brightness ensures visibility in bright outdoor conditions, and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects against scratches and drops.
While not the most impressive display in terms of pixel density or resolution, it is perfectly functional for everyday use and is more than enough for the rugged user this phone is designed for.
Performance: 8/10
The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. This combination delivers solid overall performance for general tasks like browsing, media consumption, and light multitasking. The octa-core CPU (2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and Mali-G57 MC2 GPU ensure that the phone handles apps and games decently, although don’t expect it to compete with high-end flagship devices in terms of raw performance.
The 256GB of storage is ample, and the microSDXC slot offers a dedicated expansion option for those needing extra space. Running Android 14, the software experience is clean, with a few useful features that add to the phone’s overall appeal.
Camera: 7/10
The Armor X31 Pro comes equipped with a triple camera setup:
- 64 MP wide camera: This sensor performs well in well-lit environments, delivering sharp and detailed photos.
- 25 MP night vision camera: This camera is unique for a rugged phone. It utilizes infrared lights to capture images in low-light conditions. While not on par with high-end night-mode photography, it’s a solid feature for those in dark environments.
- 2 MP macro camera: Typical for budget and mid-range phones, this macro lens is fine for occasional close-up shots but is not a standout feature.
The 16 MP front-facing camera is decent for selfies, although it doesn’t offer the same clarity as more premium options.
The rear cameras’ video recording maxes out at 1440p at 30fps, while the front camera can record at 1080p. The video quality is serviceable, but this isn’t the phone for someone looking to shoot professional-level videos.
Battery Life: 9/10
The 6050 mAh battery is a standout feature, offering excellent endurance for a rugged phone. It supports 18W wired charging, which should recharge the battery fairly quickly, though it won’t compete with ultra-fast charging found in some high-end models. Still, the large battery means you can expect two full days of use under average conditions, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or long shifts.
Connectivity & Extras: 8/10
The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro is loaded with helpful connectivity options, including:
- 5G support: An excellent feature for future-proofing the device.
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac: Dual-band support ensures stable connections.
- Bluetooth 5.2: Reliable for connecting to a variety of peripherals.
- NFC and Infrared port: Additional features often absent in budget phones are included here.
- FM Radio: A nice throwback feature for those who still appreciate traditional radio.
The phone also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and various sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass—making it well-equipped for navigation and outdoor use.
Price: 8/10
At $219.99, the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro offers a good balance of durability, performance, and features for its price. While it doesn’t offer cutting-edge display quality or high-end performance, it excels in areas where most rugged phones fall short. The solid build, large battery, 5G connectivity, and practical extras make it a compelling choice for those needing a rugged yet affordable smartphone.
Verdict:
The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro is a challenging and reliable phone that delivers solid performance where it counts. Its rugged build, long-lasting battery, and unique night vision camera set it apart from other budget smartphones. While the display and camera quality may not be groundbreaking, the durability and practicality for outdoor enthusiasts or workers in challenging environments are undeniable. If you’re looking for a smartphone that can endure harsh conditions without breaking the bank, the Armor X31 Pro is worth considering.
