The rugged smartphone market offers a compelling alternative for users prioritizing durability and reliability. Both the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 and the Doogee S86 Pro cater to this need, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a responsive and future-proof rugged phone, the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset, built on the same 12nm process but with newer CPU cores, delivers a noticeable performance advantage over the Doogee S86 Pro’s older Helio P60, making it more suitable for demanding tasks and sustained use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 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, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, June 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, June 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 58.1 x 13.4 mm (5.16 x 2.29 x 0.53 in) | 164.6 x 81.2 x 16.8 mm (6.48 x 3.20 x 0.66 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 oz) | 323 g (11.39 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~68.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769CZ Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 20 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, infrared thermometer (surface temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired |
| Type | 3000 mAh | 8500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Red | Black, Orange, Red |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Cubot KingKong Mini 3
- More powerful and efficient Helio G85 chipset
- Likely more responsive user experience
- Potentially more compact form factor
- Battery capacity likely smaller than the S86 Pro
- Charging speed likely slower than the S86 Pro
Doogee S86 Pro
- Faster 24W wired charging
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- Established rugged design
- Older and less powerful Helio P60 chipset
- Slower application loading and multitasking
- Less future-proof
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Mini 3's appeal may lie in its 'Mini' designation, suggesting a more compact form factor, which is a key differentiator for users preferring one-handed operation. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be typical for this segment – adequate but not professional-grade.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones in this price range often prioritize durability over camera quality. It’s reasonable to assume both devices feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, potentially an ultrawide, and a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities will likely be similar, focusing on basic scene optimization. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes it impossible to determine which device captures better images in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro lenses present on either device are likely to offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3’s Mediatek Helio G85 features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a significant upgrade over the Doogee S86 Pro’s Helio P60, which uses 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A75 cores in the G85 offer a substantial IPC (Instructions Per Clock) improvement over the A73 cores, translating to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the G85 provide a clear performance edge. The Doogee S86 Pro's P60, while capable, is showing its age.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the Cubot KingKong Mini 3, but given its 'Mini' designation, it's likely smaller than the Doogee S86 Pro's. However, the Helio G85’s improved efficiency could partially offset this difference. The Doogee S86 Pro boasts 24W wired charging, a significant advantage over any potential slower charging on the Mini 3. This means the S86 Pro will achieve a 0-100% charge considerably faster, a crucial benefit for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 if you need a rugged phone that can handle everyday tasks *and* occasional gaming or demanding applications without significant slowdown. Its newer chipset provides a smoother experience. Buy the Doogee S86 Pro if you prioritize fast charging (24W) and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, and light social media use, and are willing to accept a performance trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S86 Pro struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio P60 in the Doogee S86 Pro is likely to experience noticeable frame drops and lag when running demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty, even on lower graphics settings. The chipset's age and limited processing power make it less suited for graphically intensive applications.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the Helio G85 and Helio P60?
You'll notice a significant difference in everyday tasks like app loading, multitasking, and web browsing. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3 with the Helio G85 will feel snappier and more responsive, especially when switching between applications. The G85's newer CPU cores provide a substantial improvement in IPC, leading to a smoother user experience.
❓ Is the 24W charging on the Doogee S86 Pro a game-changer?
For users who frequently need to recharge their phone quickly, the 24W charging is a definite advantage. It will significantly reduce the time it takes to go from 0% to 100% compared to slower charging options, making it ideal for those with active lifestyles.
❓ Given the rugged nature of these phones, are the displays particularly scratch-resistant?
While both phones are built to withstand drops and impacts, the display's scratch resistance isn't explicitly stated. It's likely they utilize a form of hardened glass, but it's still advisable to use a screen protector to prevent scratches from abrasive surfaces.
