Cubot KingKong X Pro vs. Doogee S98 Pro: A Rugged Performance Showdown

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. We pit the Cubot KingKong X Pro, powered by the high-end Mediatek Dimensity 8200, against the Doogee S98 Pro, featuring the Helio G96, to determine which delivers the best balance of performance, battery life, and rugged features.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and longevity, the Cubot KingKong X Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power over the Doogee S98 Pro’s Helio G96, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While the Doogee S98 Pro adds wireless charging, the performance gap justifies the trade-off for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong X Pro Doogee S98 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, November 012022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions175.9 x 83.3 x 18.4 mm (6.93 x 3.28 x 0.72 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight392 g (13.83 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 7Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144HzIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 24GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro), AF-
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
Single32 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired 15W wireless
Type10200 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Price€ 349.95About 470 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery88:59h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong X Pro

  • Significantly more powerful processor (Dimensity 8200)
  • Exceptional battery endurance (88:59h)
  • Long battery lifespan (1400 cycles)

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price point

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Convenient wireless charging (15W)
  • More affordable price (likely)
  • Suitable for everyday tasks

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G96)
  • Lower battery endurance
  • Potential for thermal throttling

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X Pro's focus on performance, it likely features a higher refresh rate panel for smoother visuals. The S98 Pro, targeting a broader market, may prioritize cost-effectiveness. Both will likely feature ruggedized glass, but the X Pro's higher processing power could support more advanced display features like HDR10+.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are absent, but we can infer based on the target market. The X Pro, positioned as a performance-focused device, may include a higher-resolution main sensor and more advanced image processing capabilities. The S98 Pro likely focuses on providing a versatile camera system for everyday photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the X Pro’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 8200 chipset suggests superior image processing capabilities.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Cubot KingKong X Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a flagship-level chipset, boasting an octa-core configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A78 prime core at 3.1 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Doogee S98 Pro’s Helio G96 (12nm). The G96, while capable, is a mid-range processor with a less efficient manufacturing process. The Dimensity 8200’s architecture, including its more efficient 4nm node, translates to significantly better sustained performance and thermal management, crucial for prolonged gaming or video editing. The X Pro will handle graphically intensive tasks with ease, while the S98 Pro may exhibit throttling under heavy load.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong X Pro boasts an impressive 88:59h endurance rating and a 1400 cycle lifespan, indicating exceptional battery life and longevity. While both phones offer 33W wired charging, the Doogee S98 Pro adds 15W wireless charging. However, the X Pro’s superior battery endurance likely offsets the convenience of wireless charging for many users. The Dimensity 8200’s efficiency contributes significantly to the X Pro’s extended battery life, allowing for longer usage between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong X Pro if you need a phone capable of handling demanding applications, extended gaming sessions, or heavy multitasking. Its superior chipset and impressive battery endurance make it ideal for power users. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prioritize the convenience of wireless charging and are primarily focused on everyday tasks and casual gaming. It’s a solid choice for those who value portability and don’t require top-tier performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S98 Pro struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G96 in the Doogee S98 Pro is a capable mid-range processor, but it will likely struggle to maintain consistent frame rates in graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile, especially at higher settings. Expect to lower graphics settings and potentially experience some frame drops during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How does the 4nm process of the Dimensity 8200 benefit the Cubot KingKong X Pro in real-world usage?
The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 8200 significantly improves power efficiency compared to the 12nm process of the Helio G96. This translates to less heat generation under load, allowing the X Pro to maintain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. It also contributes to the phone's exceptional battery life, providing more hours of usage on a single charge.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Doogee S98 Pro significantly slower than the 33W wired charging?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 33W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless charging to take significantly longer – potentially double or even triple the time compared to wired charging. It's best suited for overnight charging or topping up the battery when a wired connection isn't convenient.