Both the Cubot KingKong 5 and Doogee S96 Pro target the growing market for rugged smartphones, promising durability and reliability in challenging environments. However, a significant gap exists in their internal hardware, particularly in processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus pure affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a durable phone, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G90 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the KingKong 5’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. While the KingKong 5 offers a lower entry price, the S96 Pro’s improved performance justifies the cost.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 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 | 2022 | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 78.6 x 15 mm (6.31 x 3.09 x 0.59 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 | - | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~286 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.01 inches, 88.7 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB 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) |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | - | About 280 EUR |
Cubot KingKong 5
- Significantly lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Weak processor performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Doogee S96 Pro
- Much faster processor (Helio G90)
- 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- Higher price compared to the KingKong 5
- Rugged design may add bulk
- Battery life may not be significantly better than KingKong 5
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S96 Pro’s positioning as a more premium device, it likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially higher brightness. The KingKong 5, aiming for a lower price point, likely utilizes a more basic LCD panel. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of rugged designs prioritizing drop protection.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the S96 Pro’s higher overall performance suggests a more advanced image signal processor (ISP), potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. Both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, but the S96 Pro is more likely to include features like optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main sensor, resulting in sharper photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to provide significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong 5 utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, a 12nm processor with an octa-core configuration split between 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is an entry-level chipset designed for basic tasks. Conversely, the Doogee S96 Pro boasts the Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90, also 12nm, but with a significantly more powerful CPU configuration: two 2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and six 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A76 cores represent a substantial architectural improvement over the A53, offering significantly better single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the S96 Pro. The G90 also features a more capable GPU, further widening the performance gap.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Doogee S96 Pro offers a clear advantage with its 24W wired charging and 10W wireless charging capabilities. The KingKong 5 likely supports slower charging speeds. While a larger battery capacity on the KingKong 5 could offset the slower charging, the S96 Pro’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The G90’s improved efficiency may also contribute to comparable real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong 5 if you need an extremely budget-friendly rugged phone for basic communication, light social media use, and occasional photography. It’s ideal for users who prioritize affordability above all else. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a more responsive and capable device that can handle gaming, video streaming, and more intensive tasks without significant lag. It’s the better choice for users who demand performance from their rugged phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G90 chipset in the Doogee S96 Pro is specifically designed for gaming. It should be capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, so extended gaming sessions might require some settings adjustments.
❓ Is the Cubot KingKong 5 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and basic web browsing?
Yes, the Cubot KingKong 5 is perfectly adequate for basic communication and light web browsing. Its Helio P22 chipset is sufficient for these tasks, and its rugged design provides peace of mind for users who work or spend time in harsh environments. However, expect slower app loading times and limited multitasking capabilities.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro support fast wireless charging, and how long does a full charge take?
The Doogee S96 Pro supports 10W wireless charging. While not the fastest wireless charging available, it offers convenience. A full wireless charge will likely take around 3-4 hours, depending on the charger used. Wired charging at 24W is significantly faster, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours for a full charge.
