Is Ulefone Armor X31 Pro Worth It? Full Review and Analysis

As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, finding a durable and reliable smartphone is a top priority for me. When I first came across the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro, its rugged design, impressive specifications, and affordable price point caught my attention. However, after spending some time with the device, I’ve come to realize that while it does have some strong points, there are also noticeable shortcomings. Here’s my in-depth review, covering everything you need to know about the Ulefone Armor X31 Pro.

Key Features and Specifications

Let’s start with the specifications that initially impressed me:

• Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6300
• Camera: 64MP Sony IMX682, 25MP night vision, 16MP selfie
• Battery: 6050 mAh with 18W fast charging
• Certifications: IP68/IP69K, MIL-STD-810H
• OS: Android 14

While these specs sound fantastic on paper, the real-world performance tells a slightly different story.

Build Quality and Design: Rugged but Bulky

The Armor X31 Pro is built like a tank, which is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Its IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications mean it can handle drops, shocks, and water submersion. I tested it by dropping it from waist height and submerging it in water, and it survived without a scratch.

However, the bulky design makes it uncomfortable for everyday use. Carrying it in my pocket felt cumbersome, and the weight is noticeable during long calls. The slim design claim feels misleading because the rugged features add significant heft.

Display: High Refresh Rate but Mediocre Quality

The 6.56-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate should, in theory, deliver a smooth experience. While scrolling and gaming felt fluid, the display’s color accuracy and brightness left me disappointed.

• Outdoor visibility is poor, which is ironic for a phone designed for outdoor use.
• The screen’s resolution doesn’t do justice to its size, making images and videos look less sharp.

Despite the Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the screen feels prone to smudges and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.

Performance: Decent but Not Exceptional

The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, paired with 8GB RAM, handles everyday tasks like browsing and social media without lag. Gaming performance, however, wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped.

• Titles like Call of Duty and PUBG struggled on higher settings.
• The phone heats up quickly during prolonged gaming sessions, which is concerning for a device marketed as rugged.

Even the AnTuTu and Geekbench scores were average, showing that the Armor X31 Pro isn’t built for performance-intensive tasks.

Camera System: Great on Paper, Mixed in Reality

Cameras are one of the main selling points of the Armor X31 Pro, with its 64MP primary camera, 25MP night vision camera, and 16MP selfie shooter. While these sound impressive, my experience was hit-or-miss.

• The primary camera struggles with low-light photography, producing grainy images.
• The night vision camera works well in complete darkness but lacks clarity compared to competitors.
• The selfie camera over-processes skin tones, which some might find unappealing.

Underwater photography was a fun feature, but the quality of images was subpar, with colors looking dull and washed out.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting but Slow to Charge

One of the better aspects of this phone is its 6050 mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day with moderate use. However, the 18W fast charging feels outdated in 2025, especially when most phones in this price range offer faster charging options.

• Charging the battery from 0 to 100% took me over two hours.
• The large battery also adds to the phone’s weight, making it less portable.

Outdoor Features: Useful but Not Perfect

The Armor X31 Pro includes outdoor tools like a flashlight, compass, and barometer, which I found handy during hiking trips. However, some features felt underwhelming.

• The GPS is accurate but takes a while to lock onto satellites, which can be frustrating during navigation.
• The IR blaster is a nice addition but has limited compatibility with newer devices.

I appreciated the inclusion of an FM radio, but the reception wasn’t always clear, especially in remote areas.

Software Experience: Clean but Lacking Updates

Running Android 14, the software experience is clean and user-friendly. However, I noticed occasional stutters, especially when multitasking.

• The lack of guaranteed software updates raises concerns about long-term usability.
• Pre-installed apps, while minimal, feel unnecessary and take up valuable storage space.

Price and Value for Money

At $399.99 (often discounted to $199.99), the Armor X31 Pro offers great value for a rugged smartphone. However, some corners have been cut to keep the price low.

• The mid-range chipset limits its performance.
• The bulky design and average cameras might not justify the price for everyone.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Durable design with IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications
• Long-lasting battery life
• Night vision camera for low-light environments
• Affordable pricing, especially with discounts

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy, making it less comfortable for daily use
• Average display quality with poor outdoor visibility
• Limited gaming performance and heating issues
• Slow charging speed
• Inconsistent camera results

FAQs

Conclusion

The Ulefone Armor X31 Pro is a rugged smartphone that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. While its durability and battery life are commendable, the bulky design, average cameras, and lackluster performance might be deal-breakers for some. If you’re looking for an affordable rugged phone for basic tasks and outdoor use, this could be a good option. However, if performance and camera quality are priorities, you might want to explore alternatives.

Let me know if you have any questions or want me to test something specific about this phone!