Rugged Phone, (2023) Armor X6 Pro Rugged Smartphone, Android 12, 4GB RAM 32GB ROM, 4G Dual SIM Mobile Phone Unlocked, IP68/69K Waterproof Phone, 13MP Camera, 5.0 inch Screen, NFC, GPS, Black

I was replacing the Ulefone Armor X7, so I knew what to expect. This previous phone stood up to being dropped on hard floors a lot of times and into water, so I had no hesitation in replacing with another. Only downside with my old phone was it shut down without warning, most likely the battery had gone faulty, which you cannot access and replace in this type of phone.

The phone arrived and initially looked good, nice solid built in case with covers for all ports and a decent looking screen protector, unfortunately upon opening the charge port cover I was greater by a usb micro slot, poor in 2023. The phone was for my 5 year old autistic daughter who likes to watch YouTube videos but can get a little excited and drop her phone from time to time so a rugged phone seemed a good solution. On powering on the phone the first thing I noticed was the very large bezel, over a centemeter at the top and bottom and about a centemeter on the sides and the screen had a washed out look, I do not expect miracles at this price point but still felt this was poor, but apart from this the phone ran a reasonably recent version of Android and seemed to function quite well and was quick to load apps and pages. The problems arrose after about 6 weeks when the phone suddenly would not charge above 1 percent, trying to explain this to a child with complex needs was difficult but I logged on to Amazon and got in touch with customer services. This was the first issue as rather than dealing with Amazon I was dealing with ulephone directly, I always hate this as one of the reasons I buy from Amazon is so I am dealing with Amazon not another company. Janice was very helpful initially but got the idea into her head for some reason that the problem had been caused by water ingress. Now the phone is rated at IP68 which Means I should be able to fully submerge the phone in water for a period of time with no I'll effects, it even has an underwater photography mode, but she said as a valued customer they would replace the phone so long as I left a good review. This annoyed me a little but I agreed to proceed, she then gave me the address to send the phone too, no pre paid postage, I was to cover the postage my self and then be reimbursed late, another of my pet peeves. At this point I had had enough and was in the middle of a house move so decided to cut my losses and not bother sending it, although I am sure had I sent it, it would have been replaced. I would not recommend the phone and will get another from a reputable supplier in a bricks and mortar shop as all I will have to do then it take the phone in myself.

This is my third Ulefone, and it will definitely be my last. I even bought one for my dad, and every single one has had major issues, both with hardware and software. The silicone on the sides has literally peeled away from the screws, the fingerprint sensor has stopped working entirely, and now, nothing seems to function properly. To make matters worse, support has been completely unresponsive. I’m beyond frustrated with this brand and won’t be wasting my money on another Ulefone. This experience has been a complete disappointment from start to finish.

Update: I was nicely surprised to be contacted by ULEFONE Team, to tell me that they will look in to the problem and try to resolve in their next patches. 1. When trying big buttons setting all the phone menu changed language in maybe Russian... I had to reset and hide that app.. The phone is used by an elderly person and he found it easy to use and pleased with the functions.

This is a great phone for someone who isn’t wanting the latest iPhone with all the techno gadgets but needs a heavy duty phone with lots of battery life. My OH is outdoors most of the time and regularly drops his phone onto concrete. He also spends hours talking on the phone every day. This is perfect for him and if he drops it in a lake or loses it then it won’t break the bank to buy a replacement.