Cubot KingKong Ace 2 vs Doogee S98 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Cubot KingKong Ace 2 and Doogee S98 Pro both aim to deliver resilience, but diverge in their approach to performance and charging. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-lasting battery life and a proven chipset, the Cubot KingKong Ace 2 emerges as the winner. While the Doogee S98 Pro boasts faster charging and a slightly more powerful processor, the Ace 2’s exceptional 43:59h endurance and 900 charge cycles provide a more reliable experience for extended use.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong Ace 2 Doogee S98 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced20242022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2024Available. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions173.9 x 81.8 x 12.7 mm (6.85 x 3.22 x 0.5 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight283 g (9.98 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G85 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal imaging camera
VideoYes1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single16 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackUnspecifiedUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired 15W wireless
Type5100 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack/Orange, Black/GreenBlack
Price-About 470 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery43:59h endurance, 900 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong Ace 2

  • Exceptional battery endurance (43:59h)
  • High battery cycle count (900 cycles)
  • Proven and efficient Helio G85 chipset

  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Potentially less responsive for demanding tasks

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Faster charging (33W wired, 15W wireless)
  • More powerful Helio G96 chipset
  • Slightly improved CPU architecture

  • Lower battery endurance (unspecified)
  • Potentially shorter battery lifespan

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here will be on durability, with both likely featuring Gorilla Glass or similar protection. The absence of high refresh rate or LTPO technology suggests neither prioritizes a premium visual experience, focusing instead on robustness and power efficiency.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially macro/depth sensors. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes it difficult to assess image quality. It’s likely both phones will rely heavily on software processing to enhance images, and the quality will depend on the sophistication of their algorithms. We can assume neither will compete with flagship camera performance.

Performance

The Doogee S98 Pro holds a slight edge in raw processing power, utilizing the Mediatek Helio G96 chipset with a CPU configuration of 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Cubot KingKong Ace 2’s Helio G85, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G96 represent an architectural improvement over the A75 cores in the G85, translating to better single-core performance and improved efficiency. However, the real-world difference will be noticeable primarily in graphically intensive tasks and multitasking, not necessarily in everyday usage. The G85 is a well-established and efficient chipset, providing a solid experience for most users.

Battery Life

This is where the Cubot KingKong Ace 2 truly shines. Its reported 43:59h endurance is exceptional for a rugged phone, indicating a highly optimized power management system. The 900 charge cycles suggest a battery designed for longevity. The Doogee S98 Pro, while offering faster 33W wired and 15W wireless charging, doesn’t disclose endurance figures. The faster charging is beneficial for quick top-ups, but the Ace 2’s extended battery life minimizes the need for frequent charging. The wireless charging capability of the S98 Pro is a convenience feature the Ace 2 lacks.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong Ace 2 if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and value proven reliability over bleeding-edge processing power. This is ideal for travelers, field workers, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from power outlets. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prioritize faster charging speeds – including wireless – and want a slightly more responsive experience for demanding applications, accepting that battery life will be comparatively shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio G96 in the Doogee S98 Pro get noticeably hotter during prolonged gaming sessions compared to the Helio G85 in the Cubot KingKong Ace 2?
While the Helio G96 is more powerful, it also generates more heat. Without thermal testing data, it's difficult to say definitively, but the G96 is more likely to throttle performance under sustained load. The Ace 2’s G85, being more efficient, should maintain consistent performance for longer periods, albeit at a lower overall framerate.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Doogee S98 Pro compared to the 18W charging on the Cubot KingKong Ace 2 in real-world usage?
The 33W charging on the S98 Pro will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a 0-100% charge to take approximately 1.5-2 hours, compared to potentially 2.5-3 hours on the Ace 2. However, remember the Ace 2’s exceptional battery life means you’ll likely need to charge it less frequently.
❓ Given the rugged nature of these phones, are the batteries easily replaceable by the user, or do they require professional repair?
Neither manufacturer explicitly states user-replaceable batteries. Rugged phones are typically sealed for water and dust resistance, making battery replacement a complex process best left to qualified technicians. Attempting a DIY replacement could void the warranty and compromise the phone’s ruggedization.