Home Reviews ,,,,, The series of macitynet reviews of rugged phones continues, with proof of another big game in this area. This time it's up to U lefone Armor 3 which is robust and resistant, with some pleasant surprises, both in the packaging and in the hardware. Here's what we're talking about.
Unboxing
Before even getting to the aesthetics of the terminal, this time it is good to pay attention to the content of the package, which is particularly rich. Beyond the terminal, whose presence is obvious, the sales bundle offers, in order, a screwdriver, a USB-C – USB-A female cable for OTG function, a MicroUSB USB-C adapter, fast charging cable , an additional film (in addition to the one pre-installed at the factory), a strap and a support to position the smartphone on the bike.
In short, a rich dish offered by Ulefone. Unfortunately, the antenna for Walkie Talkie function is missing, which instead is found in the Armor 3T version; in any case, Armor 3 is ready for functionality, therefore you will have to buy the antenna separately, at a cost of very few euros. 
How it's done
We have learned that Rugged Phone means massive smartphone. Armor 3 is absolutely no exception, and indeed it presents itself as one of the most armored. On the front, in addition to the large screen, the two speakers stand out which, as we will say later, offer a really good sound. The front frame is surrounded by an orange plastic, which characterizes the terminal and gives it an original appearance. The same color then recurs in some inserts, as well as in a lid placed on the lower and upper part of the terminal. In terms of measurements, Armor 3 is contained in 16.48 x 7.92 x 1.19 cm, with a weight of about 350 grams. Yeah, not a featherweight.
In the hand it holds strangely well, with excellent grip, also due to the rear pattern and the knurled keys. The position of the Touch ID is also particular, not on the back, where there would have been enough space, but on the right side frame. The key responds well, it is certainly not the most accurate and fast, but it unlocks the device 8 times out of 10. The problem with the Touch ID is that it is located immediately below the on / standby button: sometimes, when you want to press the key standby, you end up partially placing your finger on the Touch ID.
This ensures that the terminal does not unlock, but that the touch with the fingerprint is not recognized and the system blocks it: this is necessary to re-enter the PIN to re-enable the Touch ID. On the lower part there is the micro USB-C input, while the headphone jack is absent.
In the package there is also the USB-C 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter, but honestly we do not understand the choice: on a smartphone so thick and heavy, why eliminate the comfortable headphone jack? It is true that the majestic 10300 mAh battery will help not to have to use the USB-C socket and the jack at the same time, but even the present this second connector would not have failed.
Many, many, proximity sensors, electronic compass, fingerprint sensor, gravity sensor, light sensor, gyroscope. Good signal coupling in navigation, thanks to the presence of GPS, A-GPS, Glonass, Beidou.
Walkei Talkie
Also in terms of connectivity, the phone is equipped with NFC, therefore enabled for contactless payments, while on the upper part there is the input for connecting an antenna to transform the terminal into a real offline Walkie Talkie. Without antenna it is still possible to take advantage of the numerous PPT apps on the Google Play Store: on the left frame there is the dedicated key, to be pressed to send the voice message, and to be released to listen to the incoming message.
Technical features
As for the technical characteristics, Ulefone Armor 3 offers a 5.7-inch screen, and is powered by the excellent Helio P23 (MT6763T), an Octa Core 2.5GHz processor, flanked by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of integrated ROM. The hardware system makes the phone always turn smoothly, it does not snap, even when subjected to more complex operations. We tested, for example, Asphalt 9, which runs particularly smoothly, however with numerous details. In daily use Armor 3 does not give any problems, typing on the keyboard is absolutely fluid, as well as switching from one application to another.
Camera
Multimedia department entrusted to a 21.0 MP compartment for the rear, plus a 13 sensor for the front. Photos, as always in phones of the category, look good enough in optimal lighting conditions, while they sin in low light conditions. While outdoors, with optimal lighting, the captured colors are vibrant, and the details well present it is enough already to enter indoors to lose some detail and get duller colors of the photos.
The focus is not very fast, and should often be helped with a few taps on the screen, but all in all even the macros are good. As always we leave you to a gallery taken with Armor 3, so that we can perceive its quality for yourself.
Autonomy
A 10300mAh battery is every user's dream. It certainly has a price, which the terminal pays in terms of high weight. We left the terminal on standby for several days, without suffering from abnormal draining battery. This means that by leaving it inactive, it will be possible to reach weeks of autonomy. With a particularly intense use you can think of surviving the weekend, which will surely pass smoothly with milder use. Moreover, an element not to be underestimated, is the reverse charge: Armor 3 is a power bank to recharge other smartphones.
Conclusions
Armor 3 is among the most armored terminals on the market today: it not only enjoys IP67 protection, but also IP69K certification, therefore with a maximum degree of protection against water and dust. It is a battleship, with a truly original Walkie Talkie function. Very well built, it gives a feeling of absolute solidity in the hand. Autonomy at the highest levels, thanks to the 10300 mAh battery you can even go through an entire weekend.
Armor 3 costs at the moment, in flash sale, 231 euros on GearBest. You can buy it directly from here.
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