Blackview Shark 9 vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. The Blackview Shark 9 and Doogee S96 Pro represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The Shark 9 emphasizes exceptional battery endurance, while the S96 Pro aims for a balance of performance and faster charging.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing all-day (and multi-day) battery life, the Blackview Shark 9 is the clear winner, boasting a remarkable 49:06h endurance. However, the Doogee S96 Pro, with its Helio G90 chipset, offers a more responsive experience for gaming and demanding tasks, albeit at the cost of battery longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview Shark 9 Doogee S96 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, October2020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions164.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.34 in)167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 7Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1604 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.2 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 700 nitsIPS LCD
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T820Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPU-Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 14, Doke OS 4.0Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-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)
Triple50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired24W wired 10W wireless
Type5000 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Rock Black, Azure Wave BlueBlack, Orange, Green
Price-About 280 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery49:06h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass B-
Free fallClass C (138 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Blackview Shark 9

  • Exceptional battery life (49:06h endurance)
  • Efficient Unisoc T820 chipset
  • 800 charge cycles suggest long-term battery health

  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less powerful chipset for demanding tasks

Doogee S96 Pro

  • More powerful MediaTek Helio G90 chipset
  • Faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
  • Potentially better gaming performance

  • Shorter battery life compared to Shark 9
  • Less efficient 12nm process node

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both devices likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The S96 Pro's focus on multimedia suggests a potentially higher refresh rate, though this is speculative. The absence of LTPO technology on either device indicates standard refresh rate control, impacting power consumption.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially macro/depth sensors. The S96 Pro’s processing power may allow for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture provides a noticeable performance boost over the Blackview Shark 9’s Unisoc T820. The G90’s GPU is also more capable, making it better suited for gaming. While the Unisoc T820 is efficient, it’s positioned as a mid-range processor, prioritizing power efficiency over raw speed. The 12nm process node of the G90 is less efficient than modern 6nm or 4nm nodes, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.

Battery Life

The Blackview Shark 9’s 49:06h endurance is a standout feature, indicating exceptional battery optimization. This is likely achieved through a combination of a large battery capacity (not specified) and the power-efficient Unisoc T820 chipset. The Doogee S96 Pro offers 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, providing faster replenishment. While the Shark 9’s 18W charging is slower, its superior endurance minimizes the need for frequent top-ups. The wireless charging capability of the S96 Pro adds convenience, but at a lower wattage, it will take significantly longer to fully charge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview Shark 9 if you need a phone that can reliably last for days on a single charge, making it ideal for extended trips or work in remote locations. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize smoother performance for gaming and multimedia, and appreciate the convenience of 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, even if it means charging more frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio G90 in the Doogee S96 Pro tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The MediaTek Helio G90 is known to generate heat under sustained load due to its 12nm process. While Doogee likely implemented thermal management solutions, users should expect some throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Blackview Shark 9’s Unisoc T820, being more power-efficient, will likely maintain cooler temperatures.
❓ How does the 800 charge cycle rating of the Blackview Shark 9 impact long-term battery health?
The 800 charge cycle rating indicates that the battery is designed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 800 full charge/discharge cycles. This is a significant advantage, suggesting the Shark 9’s battery will maintain its performance for a longer period compared to phones with lower cycle ratings.
❓ Is the 10W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro practical for daily use?
10W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to wired charging. While convenient for overnight charging or occasional top-ups, it’s not ideal for quickly replenishing the battery. Expect significantly longer charging times compared to the 24W wired charging option.