When I first got my hands on the Ulefone Armor 27T, I had high expectations. It’s part of the famous Armor series known for rugged smartphones, and with features like FLIR thermal imaging, MIL-STD-810H certification, and a massive 10,600 mAh battery, it seemed perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. However, my experience with this phone wasn’t as flawless as I hoped. Here’s my honest take, highlighting both its strengths and shortcomings.
Design and Build Quality: Rugged, but Bulky
The Ulefone Armor 27T’s design screams durability. It’s certified with MIL-STD-810H, IP68, and IP69K, meaning it can survive water, dust, and even extreme drops. I tested its water resistance by submerging it, and it worked perfectly.
The Problem
The downside? It’s extremely bulky and heavy. While the ruggedness is great for outdoor professionals, carrying a phone this size in my pocket felt uncomfortable. The thick bezels and utilitarian look also lack aesthetic appeal. For a phone marketed as rugged, I expected a balance between durability and usability, which it misses.
Display: Functional but Underwhelming
The 6.78-inch IPS LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth scrolling and decent brightness. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus adds durability, and the screen performed well outdoors.
The Problem
The display quality is mediocre at best. Colors appear washed out, and the viewing angles are disappointing. For a phone priced at $297, I expected an AMOLED display or at least better color accuracy. Media playback doesn’t feel immersive, and it’s not something I’d recommend for streaming enthusiasts.
Performance: Reliable but Not Exceptional
Under the hood, the Armor 27T is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset paired with 12 GB of RAM (expandable via Virtual RAM) and 256 GB of internal storage. It handles multitasking well, and I didn’t face major lags while switching between apps.
The Problem
The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU struggles with gaming. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile run, but with noticeable frame drops at higher settings. Benchmark results are mediocre compared to similarly priced phones. If gaming is your priority, this phone isn’t for you.
Cameras: Feature-Rich but Inconsistent
One of the Armor 27T’s standout features is its triple camera setup, which includes a 50 MP primary lens, a 64 MP night vision camera, and a thermal imaging camera. The FLIR thermal camera is genuinely useful for professionals like electricians and plumbers, and the night vision captures impressive low-light shots.
The Problem
The main camera is disappointing in daylight conditions. Images lack sharpness and dynamic range, and the absence of features like optical zoom and 4K video recording is a letdown. While the thermal and night vision cameras are niche and functional, the overall photography experience feels subpar.
Battery Life: Impressive but Slow Charging
The 10,600 mAh battery is a beast, lasting me nearly two days with moderate usage. For professionals in the field, this long battery life is a lifesaver. It also supports reverse charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
The Problem
Charging this massive battery is a painfully slow experience, even with the 33W wired charging. It takes nearly 3 hours to fully charge, which isn’t ideal. The 30W wireless charging is slightly slower, and the phone heats up during the process.
Connectivity: Robust but Not Perfect
The Armor 27T supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring reliable wireless performance. The dual SIM setup is handy for those managing multiple numbers.
The Problem
The USB Type-C port is only USB 2.0, limiting data transfer speeds. Additionally, the phone lacks modern software updates, which could hinder its long-term reliability. For a rugged phone marketed for professionals, these oversights are glaring.
Rugged Features: Great on Paper, Mixed in Practice
I tested the Armor 27T’s MIL-STD-810H compliance by dropping it and exposing it to extreme temperatures. It survived, proving its durability claims.
The Problem
While the phone is tough, the rubberized edges attract dust and dirt, making it look worn out quickly. It’s also cumbersome to clean. These issues may seem minor, but they detract from the overall user experience.
Software and User Experience: Needs Improvement
Running on Android 14, the Armor 27T provides a stock-like experience. The My FLIR app integrates seamlessly with the thermal camera, making it easy to use.
The Problem
The software feels unpolished, with occasional glitches and stutters. It lacks custom UI features that could have enhanced usability for professionals. For example, better integration with work-focused apps or a rugged-mode UI would have been ideal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Rugged build with MIL-STD-810H, IP68/IP69K certifications.
- Long-lasting 10,600 mAh battery.
- Functional FLIR thermal imaging camera.
- Reliable 5G connectivity.
- Impressive night vision camera.
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy, making it inconvenient to carry.
- Mediocre display quality with poor color reproduction.
- Average camera performance, especially in daylight.
- Slow charging speeds, even with fast charging.
- Limited gaming performance and outdated USB 2.0 port.
FAQs
Is the Ulefone Armor 27T good for gaming?
While it can handle casual gaming, the performance is limited due to its Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, resulting in frame drops during intense gameplay.
How durable is the Armor 27T?
It’s highly durable, with MIL-STD-810H, IP68, and IP69K certifications. However, the rubberized edges attract dirt, requiring frequent cleaning.
Does the phone support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 33W wired and 30W wireless charging, but the charging speeds are slow considering the massive battery size.
What makes the thermal camera unique?
The FLIR thermal imaging camera is perfect for professionals, offering features like temperature markers and heat signature detection for inspections.
Can the Armor 27T be used as a daily driver?
It depends on your needs. While it excels in durability and battery life, the bulkiness and subpar display make it less ideal for everyday use.
Final Verdict
The Ulefone Armor 27T delivers on its promise of being a rugged phone packed with professional features like a thermal imaging camera and night vision capabilities. However, its bulky design, underwhelming display, and average camera performance leave much to be desired. If you’re a professional who needs a durable phone for specific tasks, this could be a good fit. For regular users, there are better options in this price range.
Would I recommend it? Only if you prioritize ruggedness over convenience. Otherwise, you might want to explore alternatives in the market.
