The BLU Tank Xtreme and Doogee S96 Pro both target users needing a durable, reliable smartphone for demanding environments. However, they approach this goal with vastly different internal hardware. The Tank Xtreme represents a budget-focused approach, while the S96 Pro aims for a more performance-driven experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G90 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power over the BLU Tank Xtreme’s quad-core Cortex-A53, making it suitable for gaming and demanding applications. While the Tank Xtreme offers basic functionality, the S96 Pro delivers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153.6 x 71.8 x 10.2 mm (6.05 x 2.83 x 0.40 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 | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4200 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 280 EUR |
BLU Tank Xtreme
- Extremely affordable price point
- Ruggedized design for durability
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Outdated processor limits performance
- Likely slow charging speeds
- Basic camera capabilities
Doogee S96 Pro
- Powerful Mediatek Helio G90 chipset
- Fast 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
- More capable camera system
- Higher price compared to the BLU Tank Xtreme
- May be slightly bulkier due to larger battery and components
- Software updates may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S96 Pro’s higher overall positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel. The Tank Xtreme, being a budget device, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz LCD. The S96 Pro’s more powerful chipset could also support more advanced display features like HDR10, enhancing content viewing. Bezels are likely to be larger on the Tank Xtreme to minimize production costs.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, analysis is limited. However, the S96 Pro’s positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The Helio G90 chipset includes an ISP (Image Signal Processor) designed to handle higher resolution sensors and more complex image processing algorithms. The Tank Xtreme likely features a basic camera setup focused on functionality rather than image quality. The S96 Pro is more likely to include features like HDR mode and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on budget phones suggests the Tank Xtreme may include one, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The BLU Tank Xtreme’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU is an older architecture designed for basic smartphone tasks. In contrast, the Doogee S96 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G90 chipset features an octa-core configuration with a combination of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A76 cores represent a significant architectural improvement, offering substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio G90 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to older, larger node processes likely used in the Tank Xtreme. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and the ability to run more demanding games on the S96 Pro.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the Tank Xtreme, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Doogee S96 Pro offers both 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, providing flexibility in charging options. The Tank Xtreme likely relies solely on slower wired charging. While a larger battery capacity on the Tank Xtreme could offset the S96 Pro’s faster charging, the Helio G90’s power efficiency means the S96 Pro will likely deliver comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The 24W charging will significantly reduce the time to reach a full charge compared to the Tank Xtreme.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Tank Xtreme if you need an extremely affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks. It’s ideal for users who prioritize minimal cost and maximum durability over performance. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling demanding applications, gaming, and faster charging, offering a more modern smartphone experience despite the ruggedized build.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G90 in the Doogee S96 Pro capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G90 is specifically designed for gaming. Its Cortex-A76 cores and Mali-G76 MC4 GPU provide sufficient power to run PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match flagship-level performance, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the BLU Tank Xtreme.
❓ How durable is the BLU Tank Xtreme compared to other rugged phones, given its lower price point?
The BLU Tank Xtreme offers a basic level of ruggedization, likely including a reinforced chassis and potentially some level of water and dust resistance. However, it likely doesn't meet the same stringent MIL-STD-810G or IP68 certifications as more expensive rugged phones like the Doogee S96 Pro. While it can withstand everyday bumps and drops, it may be more susceptible to damage from severe impacts or prolonged exposure to water.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro support NFC for contactless payments?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Doogee typically includes NFC in their mid-range and higher-end models like the S96 Pro. This allows for contactless payments via Google Pay or other NFC-enabled services, a feature likely absent in the more budget-oriented BLU Tank Xtreme.
