Doogee CS1 vs. S98 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Phone Choices

Doogee caters to distinct niches with the CS1 and S98 Pro. The CS1, leveraging a minimalist nRF52832 chipset, positions itself as a companion device focused on basic connectivity and potentially health tracking. Conversely, the S98 Pro, powered by the Mediatek Helio G96, aims for a full smartphone experience with gaming and multimedia capabilities, representing a significant leap in processing power.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a capable smartphone experience, the Doogee S98 Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset delivers substantially higher performance, enabling smoother multitasking, gaming, and app usage. The CS1 is best suited for niche applications where its limited functionality is sufficient.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee CS1 Doogee S98 Pro
Network
2G bandsN/AGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsN/AHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsN/A1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
EDGENo-
GPRSNo-
Speed-HSPA, LTE
TechnologyNo cellular connectivityGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2021, February2022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
Body
BuildPlastic frame, plastic back-
Dimensions41.5 x 35.9 x 8.9 mm (1.63 x 1.41 x 0.35 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNoNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight45 g (1.59 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution240 x 240 pixels (~242 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size1.4 inches6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetnRF52832Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU-Mali-G57 MC2
OSProprietaryAndroid 12
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal-256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Features-Dual-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
Video-1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single-16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video-1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoUnspecified
Loudspeaker NoYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningNoGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoFM radio
USBNoUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, heart rateFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-33W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 200 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGraphite Black, Space GrayBlack
PriceAbout 30 EURAbout 470 EUR

Doogee CS1

  • Extremely long battery life due to low-power chipset
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Potentially ideal for niche applications (remote monitoring)

  • Severely limited functionality
  • Unable to run modern Android apps
  • Poor user experience for general smartphone use

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Powerful Mediatek Helio G96 processor
  • Fast 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Full Android smartphone experience

  • Shorter battery life compared to CS1
  • Potentially higher price point
  • Larger and heavier design

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided for the CS1, suggesting a very basic screen likely optimized for low power consumption. The S98 Pro, while details are missing, benefits from the processing power of the Helio G96 to drive a higher resolution and refresh rate display. The absence of LTPO technology on the S98 Pro, given the chipset, suggests a standard 60Hz or 90Hz panel, but the G96's GPU will handle graphics rendering effectively. The CS1's display is likely monochrome or a very low-resolution color screen.

Camera Comparison

Camera details for the CS1 are unavailable, but given its target use case, it likely lacks a dedicated camera. The S98 Pro, while lacking specific sensor details, benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G96, enabling features like HDR and image stabilization. Without knowing the sensor sizes and apertures, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the S98 Pro will undoubtedly offer a far superior photography experience due to its processing capabilities. Any 2MP macro lens on the S98 Pro should be considered a marketing feature rather than a significant photographic asset.

Performance

The performance disparity is stark. The Doogee CS1’s nRF52832 is a low-power microcontroller primarily designed for Bluetooth Low Energy and simple sensor applications. It’s wholly inadequate for running a full Android OS or demanding applications. The Doogee S98 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) is an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a significant performance boost for gaming and multitasking. The 12nm process node, while not the most advanced, offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency. The S98 Pro will handle modern games and apps with relative ease, while the CS1 will struggle with even basic tasks.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for the CS1, but its low-power chipset suggests exceptional battery life, potentially lasting weeks on a single charge. The S98 Pro offers 33W wired and 15W wireless charging, indicating a focus on convenience and faster replenishment. While the S98 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, the Helio G96’s power draw will result in significantly shorter battery life compared to the CS1. The S98 Pro’s charging capabilities allow for quick top-ups, mitigating the impact of its higher power consumption.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee CS1 if you need a simple, ultra-long-lasting device primarily for basic communication, potentially as a companion to a main smartphone, or for specialized applications like remote monitoring where minimal processing power is required. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prefer a full-featured Android smartphone with gaming capabilities, faster performance, and the convenience of wireless charging, even within a ruggedized form factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Doogee S98 Pro’s Helio G96 chipset capable of handling demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Helio G96 is a capable mid-range chipset. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can run Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios. Thermal management will be key to sustained performance.
❓ Can the Doogee CS1 be used as a standalone smartwatch replacement?
While the CS1 offers basic connectivity, its limited functionality and lack of a dedicated app ecosystem make it a poor smartwatch replacement. It lacks features like a high-resolution display, advanced health tracking, and app notifications. It's better suited as a simple communication device or companion to a smartphone.
❓ What type of SIM card does the Doogee S98 Pro support?
Based on typical Doogee S-series phone specifications, the S98 Pro likely supports dual Nano-SIM cards, allowing for separate work and personal lines or utilizing a local SIM while traveling.
❓ Is the Doogee CS1 waterproof or dustproof?
The context data does not specify the CS1's IP rating. However, given its minimalist design and focus on basic functionality, it likely offers limited or no ingress protection against water or dust. The S98 Pro, being part of Doogee's rugged line, will have a much higher IP rating.