Umidigi Bison X20: Rugged Durability Meets Affordable Power

Body: Built Like a Tank

At 172.1×83.8×12.9 mm and a solid 278 g, the Bison X20 feels like a phone that could survive just about anything. Umidigi has designed it to take some serious abuse, making it an ideal choice for hikers, field workers, and even clumsy folks prone to dropping their devices.

The Graphite Black finish adds to its tough aesthetic, though don't expect this phone to be lightweight or sleek - it's built for survival, not style.

Here are the relevant specs:

The Umidigi Bison X20 is a rugged beast, and its body reflects that with its dimensions and hefty weight. While these specs clearly show it's built for toughness, they do come with a few trade-offs when it comes to portability and long-term comfort.

At 278 grams, the Bison X20 is on the heavier side, especially when compared to most modern smartphones that usually hover around the 200 g mark. That extra weight may feel substantial during long sessions, especially if you're holding it for extended periods. For example, if you're using GPS for navigation or watching videos, you might experience some hand fatigue over time.

The phone's 83.8 mm width and 12.9 mm thickness also contribute to it feeling quite bulky in hand. Slipping it into a pocket? It's possible but expect to feel its presence, particularly in jeans or slim-fit trousers. If you're used to keeping your phone in a bag, it might feel more natural there, given its rugged build and size.

Now, if you're thinking about one-handed use, the size and weight make it quite tricky. A 6.53-inch display paired with the phone's width means that unless you have particularly large hands, you'll likely find it difficult to reach across the screen without some finger gymnastics.

Typing or accessing apps with one hand might be inconvenient, and the extra weight adds to that challenge. For most users, two-handed use will be much more comfortable and efficient, especially when performing tasks like texting, browsing, and gaming.

Overall, the 12.9 mm thickness ensures the phone has a sturdy, durable grip, and while it's chunkier than sleek consumer-focused smartphones, this is expected from a rugged device like the Bison X20. If you're often in situations that demand a tough phone, the ruggedness will likely outweigh any discomfort from its size. However, for regular use, you might notice the difference, especially when switching from slimmer, lighter phones.

IP Rating and MIL-STD Compliance

(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)

The IP68/IP69K rating ensures the Umidigi Bison X20 is both dustproof and water-resistant (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes), meaning rain, splashes, and even dunking in shallow water won't be an issue. Plus, it's also drop-resistant from up to 1.8 meters on concrete, and meets MIL-STD-810G military standards, giving it excellent shock resistance. If you've ever broken a phone screen after dropping it on concrete, you'll appreciate these protective features.

The IP68 and IP69K ratings of the Bison X20 are a testament to its durability. In the world of electronics, IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The first digit (6 in this case) refers to the device's protection against solid objects like dust. An IP rating of 6 means the Umidigi Bison X20 is dust-tight, ensuring no harmful particles can infiltrate its internals.

The second digit (8 in IP68) signifies its resistance to water. An IP68 rating indicates that the phone is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. So, whether it accidentally takes a plunge into a puddle or gets caught in a rainstorm, your Bison X20 will emerge unscathed, ready for action.

The digit 9 and the letter K in IP69K hold special significance. The combination 9K means the device has undergone high-pressure, high-temperature water spray tests. In the case of the Bison X20, it can withstand powerful, high-temperature water jets (up to 80 °C) aimed at it from different angles. This rating ensures that even in the most intense conditions, where water jets resembling a strong, focused steam of water are present, the phone remains resilient and functional.

The MIL-STD-810G compliance takes the Umidigi Bison X20's durability to the next level. This is a US military standard that outlines testing processes for evaluating the durability and environmental resilience of equipment.

To comply with MIL-STD-810G, the Bison X20 had to undergo a series of rigorous tests designed to simulate real-world environments it might encounter. Here are some key tests involved:

• Temperature Tests: These tests test the device in extremely hot (70 °C in this case) as well as extremely cold conditions (-40 °C here) to ensure it operates properly. They also include rapid temperature changes (e.g., from a freezing cold environment to a hot one) to test durability.
• Humidity: Tests resistance to high humidity levels to ensure internal components don't get damaged or malfunction.
• Vibration: Simulates transportation and operational vibrations, like in vehicles or during equipment use in rugged terrain.
• Shock and Drop: The Umidigi Bison X20 was dropped from various heights or subjected to impacts to test their resilience to physical shocks.
• Water Resistance: This includes exposure to rain, immersion in water, and water spray tests to ensure the device can withstand wet conditions.
• Dust and Sand: The Bison X20 was tested in dusty or sandy environments to see how well it resists particles that could affect its functionality.
• Altitude: Simulates high-altitude environments to ensure the device can function without being affected by lower air pressure.
• Solar Radiation: Tests long-term exposure to sunlight to ensure that UV rays don't damage or degrade the device.
• Fungus Resistance: Ensures the materials used in the Bison X20 won't degrade due to mold or fungi in humid environments.
• Explosive Atmosphere: Tests the ability of the device to operate safely in environments where explosive gases or substances are present.

By passing the stringent MIL-STD-810G standard, the Umidigi Bison X20 ensures that it can handle extreme environmental conditions.

Display: Functional But Not Flamboyant

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The Umidigi Bison X20 comes equipped with a 6.53-inch IPS LCD panel, offering a 720×1600 resolution. While the 269 PPI density is on the lower end, it's serviceable for daily tasks like messaging, social media, and basic content viewing. However, the 71.4% screen-to-body ratio feels a little dated, with thick bezels that remind you this phone isn't trying to win any awards for its design.

Umidigi Bison X20 display. Image credit: Umidigi

Here are the relevant specs:

As a rugged phone aimed at durability and outdoor use, the Bison X20's display is one of its key components for providing visibility and usability in different environments. An IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCD display is known for offering consistent color reproduction and wider viewing angles compared to older TFT displays. This means that even when you're looking at the display from an angle (say, while it's lying on a table or when you're sharing something with someone), the colors won't distort as much, and the screen remains easy to view.

Among the other advantages of the IPS screens, these are known for good color reproduction, making them ideal for viewing photos, videos, and general browsing. Unlike some cheaper LCDs, the image won't fade or wash out if you're looking at it from the side.

IPS panels generally perform better in sunlight compared to OLED screens, especially on a device like the Bison X20. The phone's rugged nature suggests that the display is designed to handle outdoor use, though peak brightness could be a limitation in very bright sunlight.

The 720×1600 pixel resolution on a 6.53-inch display translates to a pixel density of about 269 PPI (pixels per inch). This is a 720p HD+ resolution, which is generally considered on the lower end for modern smartphones, particularly with larger displays. This resolution is adequate for everyday tasks like the following:

• General Usage: Browsing the web, checking emails, messaging, and using social media apps like Instagram and Twitter will all look decent on this display. Text remains readable, and basic app icons appear crisp enough for everyday tasks.
• Video Streaming (720p): If you're streaming content from YouTube, Netflix, or other platforms, you'll be limited to 720p playback. For videos at this resolution, the content looks fairly sharp, though not as sharp as Full HD (1080p) or higher resolutions.
• Casual Gaming: For lightweight or less graphically demanding games, this resolution will suffice.

However, this resolution falls short for certain types of content, such as:

• High-Definition Media: If you're used to watching 1080p or 4K video content, you'll notice that the 720p resolution lacks the fine detail you'd get from higher resolutions. HD and 4K content may look slightly less sharp or detailed, particularly in scenes with lots of fine texture.
• Graphically Demanding Games: Games with high-end graphics will not look as sharp on this screen compared to devices with a 1080p or higher display. While they're playable, you won't experience the same level of crispness in textures and effects.
• High-Resolution Photography: If you're taking a lot of high-resolution photos with the phone's 20 MP camera, viewing these images in full detail on a 720p display won't do them justice. You might find that zooming in on images reveals some lack of clarity on the screen itself, even though the photos may be high-quality.

In conclusion, for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video calls, the 720p resolution is perfectly adequate. The 20:9 aspect ratio also helps for watching videos in widescreen formats, providing a decent viewing experience for things like Netflix and YouTube, even if it's not the sharpest out there. For users who prioritize durability and ruggedness over visual sharpness, this display will get the job done without feeling inadequate for most daily tasks.

However, for media enthusiasts or those who frequently consume high-definition content, a higher-resolution screen (1080p or more) would be more fitting, offering much better clarity for streaming, gaming, and photo viewing.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

On the cellular connectivity front, the Umidigi Bison X20 supports GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G networks, offering seamless connectivity and faster data speeds.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by) support offers flexibility for users who need to balance work and personal life on a single device.

The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.

Chipset - Performance: A Sturdy but Modest Performer

Powered by the Mediatek Helio P60 (12 nm) chipset, the Umidigi Bison X20 delivers adequate performance for everyday use. The octa-core CPU (comprising two types of cores) and Mali-G72 MP3 GPU offer moderate multitasking ability and light gaming performance, but this is not a phone designed for power users or heavy gamers. Here are the relevant specs:

The Umidigi Bison X20 is equipped with a Mediatek Helio P60 chipset, an octa-core CPU, and the Mali-G72 MP3 GPU. This combination offers solid performance for daily tasks without the premium punch of high-end processors. The CPU in the Helio P60 consists of two types of cores:

• Four Cortex-A73 Cores, Clocked at 2.0 GHz: These are the performance cores, designed to handle more demanding tasks. They're optimized for power and are used when the phone is running resource-intensive apps like games, multitasking with many apps, or handling heavier tasks like photo editing and video rendering.
• Four Cortex-A53 Cores, Also Clocked at 2.0 GHz: These are the efficiency cores, used for less demanding tasks that don't require full processing power, such as browsing, texting, and background processes. They help save battery life by taking over when tasks don't need the full power of the performance cores.

Even though both core types are clocked at 2.0 GHz, they serve different purposes. The A73 cores are more complex and can handle heavier workloads, while the A53 cores are designed to be lighter and more power-efficient. This division of labor is known as big.LITTLE architecture, where the "big" cores (A73) handle the performance-heavy tasks and the "LITTLE" cores (A53) focus on efficiency.

The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU is responsible for rendering graphics and handling tasks related to visuals, such as gaming, user interface transitions, and video playback. It's a mid-tier graphics processor, offering decent performance for casual gaming and general media use. However, it's not designed to push the most demanding games at high settings.

With the Helio P60 chipset, the Bison X20 can handle a range of tasks quite well, including:

• Daily Activities: The CPU and GPU combination is more than enough for standard smartphone activities like browsing, social media, messaging, and video streaming.
• Casual Gaming: Games that don't require heavy graphics processing, like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, and PUBG Mobile on lower settings, will run smoothly on the device. The Mali-G72 MP3 GPU provides enough power for these types of games, though you might not get the most visually stunning experience.
• Multitasking: Thanks to the 6 GB of RAM and the octa-core CPU, you can expect smooth performance when switching between apps or running several apps in the background.

However, there are certain tasks that may require a more powerful configuration, such as:

• High-End Gaming: For graphically demanding games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile, the phone's GPU will struggle to deliver a seamless experience, especially at higher graphic settings. You may experience frame drops, slower loading times, or reduced graphics quality.
• Intensive Processing Tasks: If you plan on editing high-resolution photos or videos, the Helio P60 chipset may not be able to process these tasks efficiently, particularly compared to higher-end chipsets like the Snapdragon 700 / 800 series. It lacks the processing power for tasks that require sustained high performance, such as 4K video editing or playing demanding 3D games at full resolution.
• Future-Proofing: While the Helio P60 offers good performance for now, it may start to feel slower over time as app requirements increase, especially as more demanding software and games continue to be released.

In summary, the Helio P60's octa-core CPU and Mali-G72 MP3 GPU make the Umidigi Bison X20 a capable device for everyday use, casual gaming, and moderate multitasking. However, users looking for high-performance capabilities - such as those who game frequently at high settings or work with demanding media apps - may find the processing power lacking and should consider a more powerful configuration. For the phone's rugged nature and price point, this setup is efficient and well-suited for its target audience, but it's not designed to compete with flagship processors.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

With 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS 2.1 storage, you'll have enough space and speed to handle typical smartphone tasks like streaming, browsing, and using social media apps. The microSDXC card slot is handy, though it shares a slot with the second SIM, so you'll need to choose between more storage and dual SIM functionality.

Cameras: Just Enough for Casual Photography

The dual-camera setup on the Bison X20 isn't going to win any photography awards, but it gets the job done for casual snapshots. The main camera is a 20 MP wide lens, delivering decent images in well-lit conditions. The second 2 MP macro lens is mostly a novelty feature and won't produce particularly sharp close-up shots.

For selfies, you get an 8 MP wide lens with 720p video recording, which is again pretty basic but serviceable. If photography is a major priority for you, you might want to look elsewhere. The Bison X20's camera is built for quick snaps rather than creative photography.

Rear Camera

Umidigi Bison X20 main camera setup. Image credit: Umidigi

The Umidigi Bison X20 comes equipped with a dual main camera setup featuring a 20 MP wide lens and a 2 MP macro lens, supported by an LED flash. While not aiming to be a photography powerhouse, this setup is decent for everyday use and provides enough versatility to handle casual photography. Let's dive into the details of the camera system and discuss what kinds of photo and video needs it can handle. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	Umidigi Bison X20
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	20 MP (wide), 2 MP (macro)
Aperture	f/2.2, f/2.4
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	Dual-LED flash

The 20 MP wide lens is the primary camera on the Bison X20 and will handle most of the heavy lifting in your photography. This is your go-to lens for general photography, capable of capturing standard shots such as landscapes, group photos, and general cityscapes. A wide-angle lens means it can take in more of the scene, allowing for more expansive photos.

With 20 megapixels, this camera captures a decent level of detail. It's not going to rival flagship phones with 48 MP or higher sensors, but it can deliver sharp, clear images, particularly in well-lit conditions.

The f/2.2 aperture is suitable for daylight photography but may struggle in low-light situations. With a smaller aperture, it doesn't let in as much light as cameras with larger apertures (such as f/1.8), which can result in grainier photos or less detail when taking shots in darker environments.

The secondary 2 MP lens is a macro lens, which is designed for close-up photography. It is meant for capturing small objects or details up close - think flowers, insects, textures, or intricate patterns. Macro lenses allow you to focus on objects at a short distance, bringing out details that would be impossible to see with a standard lens.

While the 2 MP resolution might seem low, macro lenses don't typically require high megapixel counts since their purpose is to focus on fine details at very close distances. However, the relatively low resolution of this lens means that your macro shots may not be as sharp or detailed as those taken with a higher-resolution macro or telephoto lens. It's fun to experiment with, but the quality might not hold up to scrutiny when compared to phones with more advanced macro systems.

The Bison X20 features dual-LED flash, which serve as a helpful tool in low-light conditions. This feature helps to illuminate subjects when natural or ambient light is insufficient, although it won't turn night into day. Flash photography can sometimes result in overexposed or washed-out images, but for casual use, this is a handy feature to have.

The flash can also assist when shooting videos in dim conditions, though it's better suited for close-up shots rather than illuminating distant objects.

The camera can record video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). This is standard for most budget and mid-range phones, offering a smooth video experience for casual use. However, it lacks the option for higher frame rates (60 fps) or higher resolutions like 4K, which more advanced phones offer.

Given these features, the main camera setup on the Umidigi Bison X20 is adequate for general imaging needs, including:

• Everyday Photography: The 20 MP wide lens is more than enough for casual photography, such as family gatherings, outdoor scenes, and food shots. In good lighting, you'll get crisp, detailed images that look good on social media and when shared with friends.
• Close-Up Photography: The 2 MP macro lens offers a fun way to experiment with close-up shots. If you enjoy taking pictures of small objects or textures, this lens will give you the tools to explore the world of macro photography, though it's not the sharpest option out there.
• Social Media Sharing: The camera system is well-suited for capturing photos to be shared on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For these purposes, you won't need extremely high resolution or pro-level quality.
• Basic Videography: For recording family moments, casual vlogs, or quick video snippets, the 1080p video recording is fine. Most users won't need anything beyond this unless they're getting into more serious videography.

However, for more advanced photography and videography needs, the Bison X20's camera setup might fall short in some areas, such as:

• Low-Light Photography: With an aperture of f/2.2, the main camera will struggle in dim or low-light conditions. You might notice graininess or loss of detail in darker scenes, even with the help of the LED flash.
• High-Resolution Photography Enthusiasts: For users who prioritize photography and expect very high-quality images with lots of detail and texture, the 20 MP sensor might not be enough. Phones with larger sensors (e.g., 48 MP, 64 MP, or higher) will offer more sharpness, especially when zooming in or cropping photos.
• Professional Videography: The lack of 4K recording and higher frame rates like 60 fps means the Bison X20 isn't suited for professional video work or those who demand more from their video captures. For enthusiasts who enjoy editing videos or creating content at a professional level, this camera setup won't meet those needs.

In conclusion, the Umidigi Bison X20 offers a basic but versatile dual-camera setup that's well-suited for everyday use. The 20 MP wide lens is solid for capturing typical shots in good lighting, while the 2 MP macro lens is a nice touch for those interested in close-up photography.

It won't blow anyone away with cutting-edge camera technology, but for its price point and rugged nature, it gets the job done for most casual users. If you're a photography enthusiast or someone who expects pro-level video recording, however, you might find this setup underwhelming.

Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

One of the major highlights of the Umidigi Bison X20 is its massive 6000 mAh battery. This will easily last you a full day or even two, depending on usage. Given its rugged nature, the phone's battery life makes it perfect for long hikes, camping trips, and working in the field where charging might not be readily available.

However, the 10 W wired charging is quite slow for such a large battery. If you're used to fast charging, you might find yourself waiting longer than usual to top up the battery. But once charged, you won't need to plug it in again anytime soon.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Connectivity

The Umidigi Bison X20 ticks all the connectivity boxes. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The Bison X20 features Bluetooth 4.2, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. It supports A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming.

With support for GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, you can navigate seamlessly in any environment.

The Umidigi Bison X20 features NFC, which is a huge plus, enabling contactless payments - a feature not always available in budget phones. This technology also allows you to share files and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

The inclusion of wireless FM radio adds a touch of nostalgia for those who love the classic radio experience and like to keep it old school. Traditionally, the FM radio usually requires wired headphones to act as an antenna, and you're limited by the reach of the station signals. You need to be in proximity to a broadcast tower to enjoy clear reception. Now, imagine cutting the cord. Wireless FM radio means you can enjoy your favorite radio stations without being tethered to wired headphones. The phone itself serves as the antenna, providing a convenient and cable-free radio experience. It's all about freedom of movement and added convenience.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology.

Sensors

The Umidigi Bison X20 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the Bison X20.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is Umidigi Bison X20 release date?

  The Umidigi Bison X20 has been announced and released in 2024.