Blackview Xplore 1 vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. The Blackview Xplore 1, powered by the newer Mediatek Dimensity 7050, enters the arena to challenge the established Doogee S96 Pro, which utilizes the Helio G90. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and charging capabilities to determine which phone delivers the best value for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and exceptional battery life, the Blackview Xplore 1 emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 7050 chipset and impressive 154:36h endurance significantly outperform the Doogee S96 Pro, despite the latter offering wireless charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview Xplore 1 Doogee S96 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 34, 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, August 312020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, SeptemberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions184 x 83 x 29.5 mm (7.24 x 3.27 x 1.16 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
Weight638 g (1.41 lb)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 7Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~71.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 700 nitsIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 15, DokeOS 4.2Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 1/2.8", 2 infrared night vision lights-
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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging55W wired 5W reverse wired24W wired 10W wireless
Type20000 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, OrangeBlack, Orange, Green
Price€ 369.99 / $ 276.61 / £ 369.99About 280 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery154:36h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (275 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Blackview Xplore 1

  • Significantly faster and more efficient processor (Dimensity 7050)
  • Exceptional battery life (154:36h endurance)
  • Faster wired charging (55W)

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Rugged design may be bulky

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Wireless charging support
  • Established rugged phone brand
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Older, less efficient processor (Helio G90)
  • Shorter battery life
  • Slower charging speeds

Display Comparison

While display specifications aren't provided, both phones likely feature ruggedized LCD panels. However, the chipset difference suggests the Xplore 1 could potentially drive a higher resolution or refresh rate display without significant performance impact. The S96 Pro, with its older chipset, may exhibit more strain when rendering complex visuals. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both due to the ruggedized design, prioritizing protection over sleek aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role. The Dimensity 7050’s ISP is more advanced, offering better noise reduction, dynamic range, and potentially faster image processing speeds. While both phones likely feature multiple cameras, the Xplore 1 is expected to deliver superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both will include standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially macro lenses, but the Xplore 1’s processing capabilities will likely elevate the final results.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Blackview Xplore 1’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture – Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz – compared to the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 (12nm) with its 2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 7050 translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, meaning less throttling during prolonged intensive tasks. The Xplore 1 will demonstrably outperform the S96 Pro in CPU-intensive applications and graphically demanding games. The Helio G90, while capable, is showing its age.

Battery Life

The Blackview Xplore 1’s battery endurance of 154:36h is a standout feature, dwarfing what’s typically expected from a rugged phone. This is a direct result of the Dimensity 7050’s power efficiency. The Doogee S96 Pro, while offering 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, will likely require more frequent charging due to its less efficient chipset. The Xplore 1’s 55W wired charging provides a faster top-up, mitigating the need for frequent charging despite not having wireless capabilities. The 800 charge cycles rating for the Xplore 1 also suggests a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview Xplore 1 if you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing on the go, and require all-day (and then some) battery life. Its superior chipset and endurance make it ideal for professionals and power users. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize wireless charging convenience and are primarily focused on everyday tasks and light gaming, accepting a trade-off in raw processing power and battery longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Blackview Xplore 1’s Dimensity 7050 handle demanding games like Genshin Impact at high settings?
Yes, the Dimensity 7050 is a capable chipset that should handle Genshin Impact and similar titles at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The 6nm process and improved CPU/GPU architecture provide the thermal headroom needed for sustained gaming performance, unlike the Helio G90 which may struggle with consistent frame rates.
❓ How much faster is the 55W charging on the Blackview Xplore 1 compared to the Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W charging?
The 55W charging on the Xplore 1 will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times aren't available, expect a considerably faster top-up compared to the S96 Pro’s 24W charging. This is particularly beneficial given the Xplore 1’s large battery capacity, allowing you to quickly replenish power and get back to using your phone.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro’s wireless charging make up for the performance difference?
For users who heavily rely on wireless charging convenience, it's a consideration. However, the performance gap between the Dimensity 7050 and Helio G90 is substantial. The S96 Pro will feel noticeably slower in most tasks, and the battery will drain faster, potentially negating the convenience of wireless charging.