The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Blackview Mega 1 and Doogee S96 Pro both aim to deliver on this promise, but they take different approaches to performance and features. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview Mega 1 emerges as the stronger choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, fabricated on a 6nm process, provides a performance and efficiency advantage over the Doogee S96 Pro’s older 12nm Helio G90, despite the slightly lower charging wattage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 268.7 x 169 x 7.6 mm (10.58 x 6.65 x 0.30 in) | 167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 528 g (1.16 lb) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~203 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.5 inches, 376.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13, DokeOS_P 4.0 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide)
20 MP, f/2.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers) | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (top-mounted), accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), gyro | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 24W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | 8800 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Grey, Sky Blue, Dreamy Purple | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | - | About 280 EUR |
Blackview Mega 1
- More efficient 6nm Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Faster 33W wired charging
- Potentially better sustained performance
- No wireless charging
- Display specifications unknown
Doogee S96 Pro
- Convenient 10W wireless charging
- Established rugged design
- Potentially lower price point
- Older, less efficient 12nm Helio G90 chipset
- Slower 24W wired charging
- Likely lower sustained performance
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests a focus on durability and cost-effectiveness rather than premium display features. Users should expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the rugged phone market often prioritizes durability over camera quality. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but image processing and sensor size will be key differentiators. The absence of information suggests neither phone will compete with flagship camera phones, but the G99's ISP (Image Signal Processor) may offer slightly improved image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Mega 1’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 (12nm). The 6nm process allows for a higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, meaning the G99 can deliver comparable or better performance while consuming less power. While both CPUs feature the same core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), the G99’s architecture benefits from optimizations and a more refined manufacturing process. This translates to better sustained performance during gaming and multitasking. The G99's GPU will also offer a noticeable advantage.
Battery Life
The Blackview Mega 1 features 33W wired charging, while the Doogee S96 Pro offers 24W wired and 10W wireless charging. While the Doogee S96 Pro’s wireless charging is a convenience feature, the Blackview Mega 1’s faster wired charging will likely result in quicker top-ups. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the G99’s improved power efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the Mega 1, leading to comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview Mega 1 if you prioritize sustained performance for gaming or demanding applications and want a more modern chipset. Its 6nm process translates to better thermal management and potentially longer battery life under load. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if wireless charging is a must-have feature and you’re less concerned with pushing the absolute limits of processing power. The S96 Pro caters to users who value convenience over raw speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview Mega 1’s Helio G99 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G99 is a capable chipset for mobile gaming. While it won't match flagship performance, it should handle PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The 6nm process will help mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, providing a more consistent experience.
❓ Is the 10W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro significantly slower than the 33W wired charging on the Blackview Mega 1?
Yes, 10W wireless charging is considerably slower than 33W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless charging to take several hours, while the Blackview Mega 1 should reach 100% in well under two hours with its wired charging capability. Wireless charging prioritizes convenience, not speed.
❓ Given both phones are rugged, what kind of protection certifications do they have (IP68, MIL-STD-810H)?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the ruggedization certifications for either device. However, both Blackview and Doogee typically adhere to industry standards like IP68 (water and dust resistance) and MIL-STD-810H (shock, vibration, and temperature resistance). Users should verify these certifications on the manufacturer's website before purchasing.
