Cubot Pocket 3 vs Doogee S98 Pro: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The Cubot Pocket 3 and Doogee S98 Pro represent distinct approaches to the budget and mid-range smartphone market. The Pocket 3 focuses on delivering a compact form factor with respectable gaming performance, while the S98 Pro aims for rugged durability alongside a more powerful chipset and added convenience features like wireless charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your priorities.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing gaming and value, the Doogee S98 Pro emerges as the stronger contender. Its Helio G96 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Pocket 3’s Helio G85, and the inclusion of 33W wired and 15W wireless charging provides a more versatile charging experience. However, the Pocket 3 remains a viable option for those seeking a smaller, more pocketable device.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Pocket 3 Doogee S98 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 401, 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
Announced20222022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022Available. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions133.2 x 58.5 x 12.3 mm (5.24 x 2.30 x 0.48 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight135 g (4.76 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~58.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFTIPS 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 MT6769CZ Helio G85 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, (wide)-
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
Single5 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackUnspecifiedUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB 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
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-33W wired 15W wireless
Type3000 mAh, removable6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Black, GreenBlack
Price-About 470 EUR

Cubot Pocket 3

  • Compact and pocketable design
  • Affordable price point
  • Decent performance for basic tasks

  • Less powerful processor compared to the S98 Pro
  • Likely slower charging speeds
  • No wireless charging

Doogee S98 Pro

  • More powerful Helio G96 chipset
  • 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Ruggedized design for enhanced durability

  • Potentially larger and heavier than the Pocket 3
  • May be slightly more expensive
  • Larger form factor may not appeal to all users

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a flagship-level display. Both utilize LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and refresh rate are absent from the provided data. However, the focus here is on performance, so display differences are less critical. The absence of high refresh rate panels on both devices suggests a prioritization of battery life and cost savings over visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely employ similar image signal processors (ISPs) within their respective chipsets. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS) makes it difficult to assess image quality. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will perform adequately in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance will likely be a weak point for both, relying heavily on software processing.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S98 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) represents a step up from the Cubot Pocket 3’s Helio G85 (12nm). The G96 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, compared to the G85’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. While both are octa-core designs, the A76 architecture in the G96 offers improved single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The G96’s slightly higher core clock speeds and architectural improvements will be particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games. The Pocket 3 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the S98 Pro provides headroom for more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Doogee S98 Pro gains a significant advantage with its 33W wired charging and 15W wireless charging capabilities. This allows for significantly faster top-ups compared to the Pocket 3, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. The inclusion of wireless charging on the S98 Pro adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging solutions. Even with a similar battery capacity, the S98 Pro’s faster charging will result in less downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Pocket 3 if you need a genuinely compact smartphone that’s easy to handle and carry, and your gaming needs are limited to casual titles. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prefer a more powerful processor for demanding games, value faster charging speeds (including wireless), and appreciate the added durability of a ruggedized design. The S98 Pro is the better choice for users who frequently spend time outdoors or in challenging environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S98 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G96 chipset is generally efficient, and the rugged design of the S98 Pro likely incorporates improved thermal management. While some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding gaming, it’s unlikely to be a significant issue. The larger chassis also provides more surface area for heat dissipation compared to the more compact Pocket 3.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio G85 and G96 noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the difference will be minimal. However, when launching apps, multitasking, or playing graphically intensive games, the Helio G96 in the S98 Pro will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience due to its superior CPU architecture and clock speeds.
❓ Does the Doogee S98 Pro's wireless charging significantly impact battery health over time?
Wireless charging generally generates more heat than wired charging, which *can* contribute to slightly faster battery degradation over the long term. However, the impact is usually minimal, and the convenience of wireless charging often outweighs this concern. The S98 Pro's charging circuitry likely includes safeguards to mitigate heat buildup.