Communication is one of the keys to survival, first aid and having fun, safe and successful adventures. That’s why I was thrilled to test out the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Walkie Talkie rugged smartphone for bestoutdoors.co.uk
At Bestoutdoors.co.uk we love the outdoors, whether it’s a multi-day hike like the West Highland Way or Hadrian Wall, a kayak adventure to an island on Lock Tay, or simply a fun session out in the woods building and cooking our dinner on a fire or building a shelter. Venturing off the beaten path comes with its own set of challenges, and having the right gear, as you know can make all the difference.
Product: Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Walkie Talkie Smartphone
Price: £579
Verdict: 9/10
Short Description: The best rugged smartphone of 2024
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Long battery life
- Powerful processor
- Great camera
- Loud speaker
- Walkie-talkie function
- Infrared camera
Cons:
- Heavy
- Bulky
To Buy:
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3EgqxXd
Let’s Start With User Experience.
First impressions, this is a premium handset, build quality is exceptional, and everything comes in the box. 120W fast charger, cable, screen protector, two aerials. Once I set it up, standard Google Android setup, I updated it to the latest firmware (it prompted me to the update) and boom. OK, the fingerprint reader is fast and responsive and unlocks the phone 100% of the time, the screen is bright and responsive to touch and smooth haptic feedback from the screen is the best I have experienced. Call quality, the volume of call, clarity etc is first class, no problems or shortcuts here, after all, it is a mobile phone! OK, this phone is heavy, no ifs or buts, but once in use it, its shape and balance work well in the hand (however, I do have large hands). Opening apps, choosing apps, switching apps, multi-tasking etc is all super smooth, fast and what you would expect from a premium flagship rugged smartphone. Playing YouTube videos, music etc is excellent, the volume of the speaker was a shock at first, it is loud.
User experience 9 out of 10
Embracing the Wild with the Flagship Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra: A Game-Changer for Outdoor Enthusiasts
No matter the outdoor activity this phone has features that will appeal to you. First off the operating system, this Ulefone runs on the latest Android from Google, one of the most popular phone OS’s around. The Google Play App Store has thousands of apps to take advantage of the excellent hardware this phone offers from apps for maps, navigation, emergencies, fitness tracking and more. The internal hardware is flagship level with a top-spec processor and lots of RAM and storage, everything starts snappy and multi-tasking is buttery smooth.
https://www.ulefone.com/products/armor-26-ultra-walkie-talkie
Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Quick Overview
Rugged Smartphone Is More Than An iPhone
Here are some of the features of the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra that are useful for outdoor activities:
- IP68/IP69K water and dust resistant: This phone can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. It is also dustproof. Perfect for adventure, especially wet adventures, including watersports like kayaking and rafting.
- MIL-STD-810H drop resistant: It can withstand drops from up to 1.5 meters.
- Walkie-talkie function: This allows you to communicate with other people who have walkie-talkies without having to use your network signal. Perfect for events, businesses, teams and solo adventurers.
- Night vision camera: Take photos and videos in ultra low-light conditions, perfect for mountain rescue and nighttime adventures.
- 121dB loudspeaker: Listen to music and other audio clearly even in loud environments (driving wind and rain). As well as allows others to hear you, as a beacon or alarm. Again perfect for mountain rescue teams.
- 15600mah Battery: Battery that lasts days and even weeks depending on use.
- 120W fast charging: This allows you to charge the phone quickly so that you can get back to using it. BTW 120W is ridiculous for example an iPhone uses a 20W fast charger! 6 times the power. This gives you 9 days stand-by in just 5 minutes.
Rugged Smartphone Powerbank Battery
This phone isn’t just a phone – it’s a lifeline. The seemingly endless battery kept me connected and entertained for days on end, and if something was to go wrong on the hills, or on the water with the Ulefone Armour 26 there is no need for a power bank, as it is built in. 15600mah battery lasts for days of use, the only drawback is it adds weight and bulk, but we would rather carry one device with an extra battery than multiple devices/ gadgets on an adventure. Add to that buying a rugged power bank that is also waterproof and dustproof with fast charge capabilities is not going to be cheap, here it is included. And yes just like a traditional power bank you can use the Ulefone to charge other phones, earbuds, watches, torches (reverse charging) and other USB devices! Win-win.
Smartphone With A Built In Walkie Talkie
For outdoors, a built-in walkie-talkie truly is a game changer, allowing outdoor professionals and enthusiasts to reduce the amount of gadgets they need to take into the wilderness. The walkie-talkie function on this Ulefone handset becomes an extra layer of communication, connectivity and safety on any adventure. This extra layer of communication could be a lifesaver in areas with spotty/intermittent phone service. (Unfortunately, that is a lot of wilderness areas in the UK) and this, whilst retaining all of the features of a top-tier smartphone.
Specs for the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra walkie-talkie:
Digital-analog Intercom:
This means that the walkie-talkie can communicate with other walkie-talkies that use either digital or analogue signals. This gives you more flexibility in terms of which walkie-talkies you can use it with.
- Supports DMR: DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) is a digital communication standard that offers a number of advantages over analogue communication, such as better audio quality, longer range, and increased security.
- Transmitted Power: Max. 4W: This refers to the maximum power that the walkie-talkie can transmit. Higher power means that the walkie-talkie can reach a longer range.
- Intercom Channel：251: This is the number of channels that the walkie-talkie can use for intercom communication.
UHF Band:
This is the frequency band that the walkie-talkie uses for UHF (Ultra High Frequency) communication. UHF signals have a shorter range than VHF signals, but they are better at penetrating obstacles.
- Frequency Range: 400MHz-480MHz: This is the range of frequencies that the walkie-talkie can use in the UHF band.
- Operating Range: 0-22KM: This is the maximum range that the walkie-talkie can reach in the UHF band, under ideal conditions.
- Advantages： Better penetration, more clear talk: UHF signals have better penetration than VHF signals, which means that they can travel through obstacles more easily. This makes them a good choice for use in urban areas or other areas with a lot of buildings or other obstacles. UHF signals also tend to be clearer than VHF signals, which means that they are less likely to be affected by static or other interference.
VHF Band:
This is the frequency band that the walkie-talkie uses for VHF (Very High Frequency) communication. VHF signals have a longer range than UHF signals, but they are less effective at penetrating obstacles.
- Frequency Range: 136MHz-174MHz: This is the range of frequencies that the walkie-talkie can use in the VHF band.
- Operating Range: 0-30KM: This is the maximum range that the walkie-talkie can reach in the VHF band, under ideal conditions.
- Advantages：Farther coverage，less signal attenuation: VHF signals have a longer range than UHF signals, which means that they can travel further. This makes them a good choice for use in rural areas or other areas with few obstacles. VHF signals are also less attenuated by obstacles than UHF signals, which means that they are less likely to be weakened by buildings or other objects.
There are many use cases for walkie-talkies in the outdoors they are incredibly versatile communication tools for various outdoor activities. In addition to these specific activities, walkie talkies can be useful in any outdoor situation where reliable communication is important, such as search and rescue operations, wildlife observation, commercial activities and training or scientific expeditions. Here are some use cases with examples:
1. Hiking, Backpacking, Bikepacking, Swimpacking:
Group Communication: Keep in touch with members of your hiking group, especially if they split up or explore different routes.
Emergency Communication: Quickly call for help if someone gets injured or lost in areas without phone coverage.
Example: A group of hikers could use walkie-talkies to coordinate their pace, communicate with the group leader, keep communication open in bad weather and share interesting discoveries along the trail.
The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is a great phone for hiking because it is durable, and waterproof (weatherproof for the UK’s intermittent and fast-changing forecasts). The speedy processor and plenty of RAM will load up OS Maps, and any other navigation, and tracking app with ease. It can also be used to track your hike, take photos, and listen to music along the way.
2. Group Camping:
Campsite Coordination: Communicate with campers in different tents or areas of the campsite.
Example: An adventure camping holiday organiser could use walkie talkies to coordinate leaders to facilitate gathering everyone for meals, activities and campfire stories.
3. Water Sports (Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting):
Group Paddling: Stay connected with fellow paddlers, especially in larger groups or on winding rivers.
Safety Alerts: Quickly communicate if someone capsizes, obstacles due to flooding, or if a boat encounters difficulties like medical emergencies.
Example: A commercial rafting company uses walkie-talkies to keep track of each other’s positions and communicate as the groups navigate the various rapids. Walkie-talkies can also be used to communicate with the safety kayakers when boats flip or clients fall overboard. This is extremely relevant on the river as many deep gorge river rapids have limited lines of site for visual communication with hand signals.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding:
Group Coordination: Keep track of group and individual members on the slopes, especially if they/you split up to explore different runs.
Avalanche Safety: Communicate quickly in case of an avalanche or other emergency.
Example: A group of skiers uses walkie talkies to find each other for lunch at the lodge and discuss which runs to try next. Or to communicate when the run is safe for the next participant to begin.
5. Mountain Biking:
Trail Communication: Stay in touch with riders ahead or behind you, especially on technical or challenging trails.
Mechanical Issues: Quickly call for help if someone has a bike malfunction.
Example: A group of mountain bikers uses walkie talkies to warn each other about obstacles on the trail, and fallen trees and regroup at trail intersections.
6. Outdoor Events and Festivals:
Staff Communication: Coordinate logistics, security, and medical response at outdoor events.
Crowd Management: Direct participants or spectators, especially in large or spread-out venues.
Example: Event staff uses walkie talkies to manage parking, direct traffic, and communicate with stage crews during an outdoor music festival.
7. Climbing and Mountaineering:
Safety Checks: Regularly check in with climbers and walkers at different points on the mountain.
Route Planning: Discuss route options and potential hazards in real-time.
Example: A team of climbers uses walkie talkies to coordinate belaying and discuss the best path up a challenging rock face. These climbers could also liaise with a film crew via walkie talkie to attain the best shots, explain what route they are taking etc. Talking about shots, let’s look at the camera on this smartphone.
Some Great Videos online about Amature Radio, ham Radio and getting the best of the Walkie Talkie.
A rugged phone with a good camera, yes you read that right!
There are many rugged smartphones on the market but almost universally the cameras are mediocre at best when compared to the current crop of feature-rich flagship phones from Samsung or Apple. This is not the case with this one, its rugged and its cameras are ace!!
A breakdown of the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra’s camera specs
Main Camera System:
- 200MP Primary Sensor (f/1.8): This is the star of the show. It captures incredibly detailed photos, perfect for landscapes, wildlife, or action shots. The wide aperture (f/1.8) lets in more light, making it great for low-light conditions like sunsets, campfires, or even stargazing.
- Real-World Example: You can zoom in on your photos to see intricate details you wouldn’t normally notice, like the texture of a rock face or the individual leaves on a tree.
- 8MP Telephoto Lens (3.2x optical zoom): This lens lets you get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality. Ideal for capturing wildlife from a distance or getting a close-up of that mountain peak. This camera is on par with anything we have seen from Apple or Samsung. The zoom capabilities are real! This is optical zoom, it can then zoom further with the digital up to and beyond 10x. The 3.2X optical is no gimmick, look at the examples.
- Real-World Example: Spot a deer across a field and zoom in to capture its details without disturbing it.
- 50MP Ultrawide Lens (f/2.2, 117˚): This lens captures a wider field of view, perfect for sweeping landscapes, group photos at the summit, or capturing the vastness of a canyon or gorge.
- Real-World Example: Fit the whole mountain range into your shot, along with the wildflowers in the foreground.
- 64MP Night Vision Lens (f/1.8): This specialized lens and sensor, combined with two infrared lights, allows you to take clear photos and videos even in complete darkness.
- Real-World Example: Capture nocturnal animals on a night hike, or film your friends around after the campfire dies out without any extra lighting.
Additional Camera Features:
- Quad-LED Flash: Provides extra light for night shots or when facing the sun.
- HDR: Balances the light and dark areas of your photos for more natural-looking results.
- Panorama: Create wide, immersive shots of expansive landscapes.
Video Capabilities:
- 4K at 30fps: Record ultra-high-definition videos for stunning clarity and detail.
- 1080p at 30fps: A great option for smoother videos or when you need to save storage space, not that you need it this beast has 512GB of space as standard!
Selfie Camera:
- 50MP (f/2.3): Capture detailed selfies with friends, or use it for vlogging your adventures.
- 1080p Video: Record clear videos of yourself to share your experiences.
Why These Camera Specs Matter to Outdoor Enthusiasts:
- Durability: Ulefone’s Armor series is known for its ruggedness, so the camera can withstand dust, drops, and water no matter the adventure.
- Versatility: The combination of lenses and features makes this phone ideal for capturing all types of outdoor experiences, from mountain biking to kayaking to camping.
- Low-Light Performance: The large sensors and night vision capabilities mean you can keep shooting even when the sun goes down. Or even in caves where the sun doesn’t shine!
The camera? Phenomenal. Crystal-clear images captured every detail, and the infrared night vision opened up a whole new world of nighttime exploration.
Location – Ultra Precise Anywhere in the World!
The precise GPS location technology gave me peace of mind knowing help could find me if needed.
Let’s break down these navigation and positioning stats in simple terms:
This device supports multiple positioning systems: This means the device can use signals from different satellite systems to figure out its location. It’s like having multiple maps to help you find your way, making it more accurate and reliable.
GPS (L1+L5 Dual Band): GPS is the most well-known system. L1 and L5 are different signals it uses. Having both (dual-band) is like having a high-definition map, providing more precise location information. Perfect for the UK.
GLONASS: This is Russia’s version of GPS. It’s like having another map from a different source, further improving accuracy.
Galileo: This is Europe’s satellite navigation system. It’s like adding another layer of detail to your map collection.
BEIDOU: This is China’s navigation system. It’s another tool in the toolkit, contributing to more reliable location finding.
QZSS: This is Japan’s regional system, primarily used in Asia and Oceania. It’s like having a local map expert for those specific areas.
Digital Compass: This is like a traditional compass but digital. It helps the device understand which direction it’s facing, aiding in navigation and mapping.
In Summary: No matter where you hike, anywhere in the world the Armor 26 Ultra is a high-definition compass and navigation aid, download the relevant apps from the Google Play Store and you’re ready to navigate with precision no matter where your adventures take you. All of this helps it determine your location with incredible accuracy, making sure you never get lost.
Ultra Loud Speaker
Let’s not forget the speaker, this is louder than the stereo I had as a teenager. It’s like a portable speaker and yes it is ultra-loud. Knowing that this could be used for signalling rescuers if things went south was strangely comforting. And as mentioned earlier, for mountain rescue teams, this ultra-loud speaker would be excellent for being able to communicate clearly on the hills in the driving rain and wind.
This phone isn’t just rugged; it’s a testament to the power of technology and how it can be used for adventure. Hats off to Ulefone.
Basic Tech Specs
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 8020 5G
- RAM: 24GB (12GB Ram + 12GB Virtual Ram)
- Storage: 512GB
- Display: 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz
- Battery: 15600mAh
- Camera: 200MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 5MP depth
Outdoor Specific Features
- IP68/IP69K water and dust resistant
- MIL-STD-810H drop resistant
- Walkie-talkie function
- Night vision camera
- 121dB loudspeaker
- 120W fast charging
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Long battery life
- Powerful processor
- Great camera
- Loud speaker
- Walkie-talkie function
- Infrared camera
Cons
- Heavy
- Bulky
What’s in the box
- Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra
- Aerials
- 120W charger
- USB-C cable
- Glass screen protector
- Quick Start Guide
- Safety Information Booklet
Price
£579 UK
Overall
The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is a great phone for outdoor activities. It is extremely durable, has a long battery life, and is packed with features that are actually useful for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it is also heavier and bulkier than a traditional phone but we believe that is a fair trade for the sheer amount of useful outdoor-specific tech jammed into this phone.
Here are some of the things to consider when buying the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra:
- Price: The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is a premium phone, so it is more expensive than some other rugged phones.
- Size and weight: The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is a large and heavy phone, so it may not be comfortable for everyone to use.
- Features: The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is packed with features, but you may not need all of them.
If you are looking for a durable, long-lasting phone for outdoor activities, the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is a great option. And a complete upgrade from a standard smartphone.
If you’re an adventurer, a thrill-seeker, a professional, or simply someone who loves spending time outdoors, the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra deserves a spot on your gear list. It’s more than a phone; it is more than an iPhone or Samsung/Android handset, it’s a companion, a tool, and a guardian. Don’t let your next adventure be limited by technology that can’t keep up. Elevate your outdoor experience with the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Full Ulefone armor 26 ultra walkie talkie Tech Specs
NETWORK
Technology – GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
LAUNCHED
2024, April
BODY
DIMENSIONS – 179 x 83 x 25.5 mm (7.05 x 3.27 x 1.00 in)
WEIGHT – 609 grams
SIM – Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810H compliant
Accessory connector (Ulefone endoscope, microscope)
DISPLAY
TYPE – IPS LCD, 120Hz
Size – 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution – 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)
Protection – Corning Gorilla Glass 5
PLATFORM
OS – Android 13
Chipset – Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)
CPU – Octa-core (4×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU – Mali-G77 MC9
MEMORY
Card slot – microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal – 512GB 12GB RAM, UFS 3.1
MAIN CAMERAS
200 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.4″, 0.56µm, PDAF
8 MP, (telephoto), 3.2x optical zoom
50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide)
64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights
Features – Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video – 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
SELFIE CAMERA
Single – 50 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1.0µm
Video – 1080p@30fps
SOUND
Loudspeaker – Yes
3.5mm jack – Yes
COMMS
WLAN – Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Bluetooth – 5.2, A2DP, LE
Positioning – GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
NFC – Yes
Infrared port – Yes
Radio – Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording
USB – USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
FEATURES
Sensors – Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro, barometer
BATTERY
Type – Li-Po 15600 mAh, non-removable
Charging – 120W wired
33W wireless (via docking station with pins)
Reverse wired
Buy Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3EgqxXd
