Cubot X90 vs Doogee S96 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Budget Chipsets

The Cubot X90 and Doogee S96 Pro represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The X90 prioritizes modern chipset efficiency, while the S96 Pro leans into ruggedized design and the convenience of wireless charging. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device delivers the best value for different user needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Cubot X90 emerges as the stronger choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G99 chipset, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers superior performance and efficiency compared to the Doogee S96 Pro’s older 12nm Helio G90. While the S96 Pro adds wireless charging, the X90’s faster wired charging and more modern processor provide a better overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot X90 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 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, May2020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions162.2 x 74 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.37 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
Weight207 g (7.30 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1500 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-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)
Triple100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.8", PDAF 16 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single32 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, 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, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired24W wired 10W wireless
Type5100 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, BlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 290 EURAbout 280 EUR

Cubot X90

  • More efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Likely better sustained performance due to 6nm process

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • No ruggedization features

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Ruggedized design for durability
  • Convenience of 10W wireless charging
  • Potentially more durable build quality

  • Older and less efficient Helio G90 chipset
  • Slower 24W wired charging
  • Likely more thermal throttling under load

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X90’s focus on modern components, it’s reasonable to expect a more recent panel with potentially higher peak brightness and improved color accuracy. The S96 Pro, being a rugged device, may prioritize durability over display quality, potentially resulting in thicker bezels. Without specific data, it's difficult to determine which offers a superior viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is impossible. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio G99’s improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the X90 will likely result in better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range compared to the G90 in the S96 Pro. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures prevents a definitive judgment, but the X90’s more modern chipset gives it an edge in computational photography.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot X90’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently provides better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming. While both CPUs feature the same core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), the G99’s architecture benefits from improvements in CPU and GPU design, resulting in a noticeable performance boost. The G90’s larger process node will likely result in more thermal throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the charging speeds offer a clear distinction. The Cubot X90’s 33W wired charging is significantly faster than the Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired charging. The S96 Pro adds 10W wireless charging, a convenience feature the X90 lacks. The faster wired charging on the X90 will allow for quicker top-ups, mitigating any potential battery capacity disadvantage. The efficiency gains of the G99 chipset will also contribute to longer real-world battery life.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X90 if you prioritize raw performance for gaming and everyday tasks, and value a more efficient processor for longer battery life. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you require a rugged device capable of withstanding harsh conditions, and the convenience of wireless charging outweighs the performance deficit and slower wired charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G90 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 less efficient architecture mean it will heat up faster, potentially leading to performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Cubot X90’s Helio G99 will offer a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Cubot X90 compared to the 24W charging on the Doogee S96 Pro?
While exact charge times depend on battery capacity, 33W charging will significantly reduce the time to reach 100%. Expect the Cubot X90 to charge noticeably faster, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes compared to the Doogee S96 Pro. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the 10W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro practical for daily use?
10W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to wired charging. It’s best suited for overnight charging or occasional top-ups. Don’t expect it to rapidly replenish the battery. It’s a convenience feature, but not a performance booster.