Blackview Xplore 2 vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged phone market is heating up, with manufacturers vying for dominance with increasingly powerful hardware. We pit the Blackview Xplore 2, featuring the cutting-edge Mediatek Dimensity 8300, against the Doogee S96 Pro, powered by the older Helio G90, to determine which device delivers the best blend of durability, performance, and value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Blackview Xplore 2 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8300 chipset offers a substantial upgrade over the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90. However, the Doogee S96 Pro remains a viable option for budget-conscious gamers who don't need the absolute latest processing power.

PHONES
Phone Names Blackview Xplore 2 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, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, September 252020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, OctoberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions186 x 87.8 x 29 mm (7.32 x 3.46 x 1.14 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
Weight670 g (1.48 lb)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~521 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.73 inches, 109.4 cm2 (~67.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, HDR, 500 nits (typ), 1300 nits (HBM), 2600 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8300 (4 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali G615-MC6Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, DokeOS 4.2Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.57", PDAF, OIS 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@30/60fps, HDR10+1080p
Selfie camera
Single50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.76"16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video4K@30/60fps, HDR10+1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, 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/6e, tri-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging120W wired 10W reverse wired24W wired 10W wireless
Type20000 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
Price€ 569.99 / $ 348.93 / £ 424.99About 280 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery188:00h endurance, 800 cycles-
EnergyClass F-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Blackview Xplore 2

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 8300)
  • Ultra-fast 120W wired charging
  • Long battery life and 800 charge cycles

  • Likely higher price point
  • Potentially larger size/weight due to larger battery and cooling system

Doogee S96 Pro

  • More affordable price
  • Wireless charging support
  • Compact and lightweight design (likely)

  • Outdated Helio G90 chipset
  • Slow charging speeds (24W wired)
  • Lower overall performance

Display Comparison

While display specs aren't provided, the Xplore 2's higher processing power suggests it's likely paired with a higher resolution and refresh rate panel. The Doogee S96 Pro, given its chipset, likely features a standard 60Hz display. The Xplore 2's chipset could also support more advanced display features like LTPO for variable refresh rates, improving battery efficiency. Rugged phones prioritize durability, so expect both to have reinforced glass, but the Xplore 2 likely has a more vibrant and responsive visual experience.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are absent, but the Xplore 2’s superior processing power suggests a more capable image signal processor (ISP). This allows for faster image processing, better noise reduction, and more advanced computational photography features. While both phones likely feature multiple cameras, the Xplore 2 is more likely to offer features like 4K video recording at higher frame rates and improved low-light performance. The Doogee S96 Pro will likely focus on providing adequate image quality for social media sharing, but won't compete with the Xplore 2 in demanding scenarios.

Performance

The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Blackview Xplore 2’s Mediatek Dimensity 8300 (4nm) is a flagship-level chipset with a complex core configuration – 1x3.35 GHz Cortex-A715, 3x3.20 GHz Cortex-A715, and 4x2.20 GHz Cortex-A510 – designed for peak performance and efficiency. In contrast, the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 (12nm) utilizes a 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration, representing an older generation of mobile processing. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 8300 translates to significantly better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. This means the Xplore 2 will maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods, delivering a smoother and more consistent experience.

Battery Life

The Blackview Xplore 2 boasts an impressive 188-hour endurance rating and 800 charge cycles, indicating a focus on long-term battery health and usability. Its 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. The Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired and 10W wireless charging are considerably slower. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the Xplore 2’s endurance suggests a well-optimized power management system coupled with a large battery. The 800 charge cycles also suggest a battery designed to last for years, even with frequent fast charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Blackview Xplore 2 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing, high-end gaming, and multitasking without compromise. Its 120W charging and 800 charge cycles also provide long-term convenience. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a more affordable rugged phone primarily for basic gaming, everyday tasks, and appreciate wireless charging, accepting a trade-off in processing power and charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Blackview Xplore 2's Dimensity 8300 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8300's 4nm process node is designed for improved thermal efficiency. While some heat generation is inevitable during intense gaming, the Xplore 2 is likely to manage temperatures better than the Doogee S96 Pro, minimizing throttling and maintaining consistent performance. Rugged phones often have larger chassis to aid in heat dissipation, further mitigating this risk.
❓ Is the 24W charging on the Doogee S96 Pro sufficient for daily use?
24W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. While it will charge the device overnight, it will take significantly longer to reach a full charge compared to the Blackview Xplore 2’s 120W charging. Users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly will find the Doogee S96 Pro’s charging speed limiting.
❓ Can the Doogee S96 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G90 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights. The Blackview Xplore 2, with its Dimensity 8300, will comfortably handle PUBG Mobile at maximum settings with a smoother and more consistent experience.
❓ How does the 800 charge cycle rating on the Blackview Xplore 2 impact long-term battery health?
The 800 charge cycle rating indicates that the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity even after being fully charged and discharged 800 times. This suggests a higher quality battery and a longer lifespan compared to phones with lower charge cycle ratings, offering peace of mind for long-term users.