Cubot KingKong X vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for demanding lifestyles. The Cubot KingKong X and Doogee S96 Pro both aim to deliver resilience, but diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone provides the best balance of power, endurance, and value for users needing a robust device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Cubot KingKong X emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Doogee S96 Pro’s older 12nm Helio G90, coupled with superior battery endurance.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong X Doogee S96 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, June 282020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, July 23Discontinued
Body
Dimensions170.9 x 82.2 x 18.7 mm (6.73 x 3.24 x 0.74 in)167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight388 g (13.69 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~74.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDRQuad-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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single32 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.0, 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/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 wired, PD24W wired 10W wireless
Type10200 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 280 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery15:41h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong X

  • Significantly faster processor with the Dimensity 7050
  • Superior battery endurance (15:41h)
  • Faster 33W wired charging with PD

  • No wireless charging
  • Rugged design may be bulky

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Wireless charging support
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability

  • Older and less efficient Helio G90 chipset
  • Slower 24W wired charging

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market segment, both likely feature LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. The Doogee S96 Pro's inclusion of 10W wireless charging suggests a potentially more refined feature set, hinting at a slightly better display quality, though this is speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to contribute to the ruggedized design.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Dimensity 7050’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) will likely result in better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. The absence of OIS information suggests neither phone prioritizes advanced camera features. The focus is likely on durability rather than photographic excellence. Any 2MP macro lenses on either device should be considered marketing filler.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong X’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) is a significant leap forward from the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 (12nm). The Dimensity 7050 utilizes newer Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, compared to the G90’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in demanding applications. The 6nm process also provides better thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained loads. While both utilize a 6x Cortex-A55 cluster for efficiency, the Dimensity 7050’s overall architecture is more modern and capable. Gamers and power users will see a noticeable difference.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong X boasts a 15:41h endurance rating, suggesting excellent battery life. While the Doogee S96 Pro’s endurance isn’t specified, the combination of a less efficient chipset and slower 24W charging suggests it will require more frequent charging. The KingKong X’s 33W wired charging with PD (Power Delivery) is also faster than the S96 Pro’s 24W wired charging. The addition of 10W wireless charging on the S96 Pro is a convenience feature, but doesn’t offset the charging speed disadvantage. The KingKong X’s reported 1400 charge cycles also indicate a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong X if you need a phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value long-term performance and battery life. Its newer chipset and faster charging will keep you going. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize wireless charging and are on a tighter budget, accepting a performance trade-off for a lower price point. It's a suitable option for basic smartphone use and less intensive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G90 in the Doogee S96 Pro is capable of running these games, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and older architecture will result in more noticeable throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the Cubot KingKong X.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Cubot KingKong X compared to the Doogee S96 Pro?
The Cubot KingKong X’s 33W charging is significantly faster than the Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired charging. While exact 0-100% times aren’t provided, expect the KingKong X to charge considerably quicker, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes for a full charge.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro a practical feature for everyday use?
The 10W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro is convenient for topping up the battery, but it’s considerably slower than wired charging. It’s best suited for overnight charging or occasional boosts, rather than quickly replenishing the battery.