Doogee offers two distinct approaches to the rugged smartphone market with the CS2 and S96 Pro. The CS2 aims for affordability with a basic chipset, while the S96 Pro targets a more demanding user with the MediaTek Helio G90. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, the Doogee CS2 is a sensible choice. However, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner for gamers and power users, thanks to its significantly more capable MediaTek Helio G90 chipset and faster 24W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 43.8 x 36.9 x 10.5 mm (1.72 x 1.45 x 0.41 in) | 167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~201 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.69 inches | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Realtek 8762C | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Proprietary | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Quad-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) |
| Video | - | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 300 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Rose Gold, Silver | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Doogee CS2
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Durable build quality (typical of Doogee)
- Significantly lower performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Likely inferior camera quality
Doogee S96 Pro
- Superior performance with Helio G90
- Faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
- Potentially better camera quality
- Higher price tag
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions
Display Comparison
Details regarding the displays of both devices are missing. However, given the CS2's positioning, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The S96 Pro, being a more premium offering, may incorporate a higher-quality panel with improved color accuracy and viewing angles. Without specific nit ratings or panel technology details, it's difficult to definitively assess display quality, but the S96 Pro likely offers a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications beyond the presence of cameras are unavailable. However, the S96 Pro's higher price point suggests a more sophisticated camera system. While both phones may include standard features like HDR, the Helio G90's image signal processor (ISP) will likely offer faster processing speeds and improved image quality. The CS2 will likely rely on software processing to compensate for a less powerful ISP. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult, but the S96 Pro is expected to deliver superior photo and video quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee CS2 utilizes the Realtek 8762C, a low-power chipset designed for basic smartphone functions. Conversely, the Doogee S96 Pro boasts the MediaTek Helio G90 (12nm), an octa-core processor featuring a dual-cluster configuration with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance advantage for the S96 Pro, particularly in gaming and multitasking. The 12nm process node of the Helio G90 also suggests better power efficiency under load compared to potentially older nodes used in the Realtek chipset, though thermal management will still be crucial. The S96 Pro will handle graphically intensive games and applications with significantly less lag and stuttering.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the S96 Pro's 24W wired and 10W wireless charging capabilities provide a significant advantage over the CS2, which likely supports slower charging speeds. Faster charging translates to less downtime and quicker top-ups. While a larger battery capacity in the CS2 could offset the slower charging, the S96 Pro's charging speed will be more convenient for users who frequently need to recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee CS2 if you need a durable, reliable phone for everyday tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and prioritize a lower price point. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer mobile gaming, demanding applications, and faster charging speeds, and are willing to invest more for a noticeable performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90 in the S96 Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G90 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While Doogee likely incorporates thermal management solutions, extended gaming sessions may lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The extent of throttling will depend on the device's cooling system and ambient temperature.
❓ Is the Realtek 8762C in the CS2 capable of running popular social media apps smoothly?
Yes, the Realtek 8762C is sufficient for running most social media applications, web browsing, and basic communication tasks. However, expect some lag or slowdown when multitasking or running demanding apps alongside social media.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro support fast charging protocols beyond its 24W capability?
Information on specific fast charging protocol support (e.g., Power Delivery, Quick Charge) is unavailable. However, given the 24W charging, it's likely to support at least some form of fast charging standard, though compatibility with specific chargers may vary.
❓ How does the lack of detailed camera specs impact the real-world photo quality of the CS2?
Without knowing sensor size, aperture, or image processing capabilities, it's difficult to assess the CS2's camera performance precisely. Expect photos to be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but image quality will likely degrade significantly in low light. The S96 Pro will almost certainly deliver superior image quality due to its more powerful chipset and potentially better camera hardware.
