The rugged smartphone market offers a compelling alternative for users prioritizing durability and reliability. Both the Cubot KingKong 6 and Doogee S96 Pro cater to this niche, but diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Unisoc Tiger T310-powered KingKong 6 and the MediaTek Helio G90-equipped S96 Pro, focusing on performance, battery, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a dependable, affordable rugged phone, the Doogee S96 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G90 chipset delivers substantially better CPU and GPU performance than the KingKong 6’s Unisoc T310, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive gaming experience. While the KingKong 6 offers a competitive price, the S96 Pro’s performance advantage justifies the price difference.
| 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 | 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 | 165.2 x 79 x 13.8 mm (6.50 x 3.11 x 0.54 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 | 261 g (9.21 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~70.0% 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 (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| 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 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | 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 | 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/Orange | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | - | About 280 EUR |
Cubot KingKong 6
- Potentially lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less responsive user experience
Doogee S96 Pro
- Superior processor performance (Helio G90)
- Faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
- Potentially better camera system
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- Higher price compared to Cubot KingKong 6
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The S96 Pro, being a slightly higher-tier device, may benefit from a higher peak brightness and potentially better color calibration. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution makes a definitive statement impossible, but the S96 Pro’s overall hardware suggests a potentially more visually pleasing display.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is challenging. However, the S96 Pro’s higher price point suggests a potentially more sophisticated camera system. The focus should be on the main sensor resolution and aperture. Larger sensors and wider apertures capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance. Image processing algorithms also play a crucial role, and MediaTek’s ISP in the G90 is likely more advanced than Unisoc’s in the T310. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the S96 Pro, if equipped, would further enhance image quality, particularly in video recording.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 is a significant upgrade over the Cubot KingKong 6’s Unisoc Tiger T310. The G90’s octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides a substantial advantage in multi-core performance compared to the KingKong 6’s quad-core setup (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A76 cores in the G90 are architecturally superior to the A75 cores in the T310, resulting in faster single-core performance as well. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience. The G90 also boasts a more capable Mali-G76 MC4 GPU, offering a considerable boost in graphics performance for gaming. The 12nm process node is shared by both, but the G90’s more efficient architecture likely results in better sustained performance under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Doogee S96 Pro offers a clear advantage with its 24W wired charging and 10W wireless charging capabilities. The KingKong 6 lacks wireless charging and likely has slower wired charging speeds. Faster charging significantly reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery when needed. Even with a similar battery capacity, the S96 Pro’s faster charging will provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong 6 if you prioritize extreme affordability and basic functionality for tasks like communication and light productivity. It’s ideal for users who need a durable phone for work in harsh environments but don’t demand high performance. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you value a smoother, more responsive user experience, particularly for gaming or running demanding applications. The S96 Pro is better suited for users who want a rugged phone that can also handle everyday tasks with ease and benefit from faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G90 is a capable mid-range chipset that should handle PUBG Mobile at high settings with reasonably stable frame rates. However, sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling, especially during extended gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates, but not necessarily a consistently smooth experience at the absolute highest settings.
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Cubot KingKong 6 sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and messaging. However, expect some lag and slowdown when multitasking or running more demanding applications. It’s not designed for intensive use or gaming.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro support fast charging protocols beyond its 24W standard?
While the S96 Pro supports 24W charging, it's important to verify compatibility with Power Delivery (PD) or Quick Charge (QC) protocols. Using a compatible charger may result in faster charging speeds than a standard 24W adapter, but this depends on the phone's implementation.
