Ulefone Armor 27T Plus Series: Rugged Smartphones with Enhanced Thermal Imaging Capabilities

Ulefone has launched the Armor 27T Plus and Armor 27T Pro Plus, reinforcing its position in the rugged smartphone market with significant upgrades to thermal imaging technology. Both models share identical rugged credentials—weighing 15.5 oz (440g) and certified to IP68/IP69K water/dust resistance standards and MIL-STD-810H military durability requirements. This includes surviving 6.6-foot drops onto concrete and operation in extreme temperatures (-22°F to 140°F).

The most notable advancement is the integration of FLIR Lepton 3.5 thermal sensors, replacing the older 2.5 version found in previous models like the Armor 27T Pro. This upgraded 80×60 resolution thermal camera detects temperature differences as minute as 0.05°C (50mK), a 25% improvement over its predecessor. However, Ulefone notes a ±3°C margin of error for absolute temperature measurements, reminding users that non-contact thermography has inherent limitations for precision tasks.

Beyond thermal imaging, both devices include:

• 50MP primary camera with f/1.8 aperture
• Dedicated night vision camera for low-light environments
• 6.78-inch FHD+ display (1080×2460) with Corning Gorilla Glass protection
• 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, expandable via hybrid microSD slot (supports dual SIM + storage concurrently)

Performance differs between models: The Pro Plus utilizes MediaTek's Dimensity 6300 (6nm, 2x Cortex-A76 @2.4GHz), while the standard Plus features a Helio G99 (6nm, 2x Cortex-A76 @2.2GHz). Benchmark comparisons show the Dimensity 6300 delivers approximately 15% faster CPU performance and 20% better energy efficiency than the Helio G99, making the Pro Plus better suited for prolonged field use.

Compared to competitors:

• Cat S75: Ulefone offers higher-resolution thermal imaging (Cat uses 160×120 but with FLIR 2.5 sensor)
• Blackview BV9800 Pro: Similar thermal specs but slower Helio P90 processor
• Previous Armor 27T Pro: New models add FLIR 3.5 and upgraded chipsets

These smartphones target professionals requiring thermal diagnostics—electricians identifying overheating circuits, building inspectors detecting heat leaks, or rescue teams locating people in smoke-filled environments. The night vision camera further supports low-light operations for security personnel or wildlife researchers.

Pricing remains unconfirmed, but expect premiums over the $539 Armor 27T Pro. Limited regional availability may prompt buyers to consider the older model, which remains a robust alternative. While thermal accuracy constraints exist, the FLIR 3.5 upgrade positions these devices as the most advanced thermal-imaging smartphones currently available for industrial applications.