The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but performance varies greatly. We pit the entry-level Doogee CS2, powered by a Realtek chipset, against the more ambitious Ulefone Armor 9E, featuring a Mediatek Helio P90, to determine which offers the best balance of toughness and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Ulefone Armor 9E is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset delivers a significantly more powerful experience than the Doogee CS2’s Realtek 8762C. While the CS2 may offer a lower price point, the performance gap is substantial.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 43.8 x 36.9 x 10.5 mm (1.72 x 1.45 x 0.41 in) | 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm (6.62 x 3.23 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 324 g (11.43 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~201 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.69 inches | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Realtek 8762C | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GM9446 |
| OS | Proprietary | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | - | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter |
| | - | Endoscope mount (camera sold separately) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 300 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Rose Gold, Silver | Black |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Doogee CS2
- Likely the most affordable option
- Excellent standby time due to low-power chipset
- Rugged design for durability
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Inferior camera performance
Ulefone Armor 9E
- Much faster processor for smooth performance
- 18W fast charging
- Better camera image processing
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy use
- May run warmer under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the CS2’s positioning, it likely utilizes a lower-cost LCD panel. The Armor 9E, being a more premium offering, may feature a brighter panel and potentially better color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be larger on the CS2 to reduce manufacturing costs. Without specific data, it’s reasonable to assume the Armor 9E offers a visually superior experience.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Armor 9E’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The CS2 will likely rely on simpler image processing, resulting in less detailed and dynamic range. The presence of a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P90 is a key advantage. We can assume both phones will have a primary camera, but the Armor 9E will likely have a higher resolution and larger sensor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee CS2’s Realtek 8762C is a low-power chipset typically found in wearables and basic feature phones. It’s designed for efficiency, not performance. Conversely, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s Mediatek Helio P90 (12nm) is a significantly more capable processor. Its octa-core configuration – with two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz – provides a substantial boost in CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Armor 9E. The 12nm process node of the Helio P90 also suggests better thermal management compared to the likely larger node process of the Realtek chip.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s 18W wired charging is a notable advantage. The Realtek 8762C is extremely power efficient, meaning the CS2 will likely have longer standby time. However, the Helio P90’s power draw during active use will be higher. The 18W charging on the Armor 9E will significantly reduce charging times compared to a likely slower charging rate on the CS2. The Armor 9E’s more efficient processor architecture will help mitigate the higher power draw.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee CS2 if you need a basic, extremely affordable rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks like calls and messaging. It’s ideal for users who prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Ulefone Armor 9E if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling demanding applications, moderate gaming, and smoother multitasking. This is the better choice for users who need a more versatile and responsive device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P90 in the Ulefone Armor 9E overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio P90 is a capable processor, it's not a flagship-level chip. The Armor 9E's rugged design likely incorporates heat dissipation features, but sustained gaming at maximum settings may lead to some thermal throttling. However, it will still provide a significantly better gaming experience than the Doogee CS2.
❓ Is the Realtek 8762C in the Doogee CS2 sufficient for running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Realtek 8762C is adequate for running lightweight applications like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect slower loading times and potential lag when switching between apps. It's best suited for users with minimal app usage.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 9E support software updates and security patches?
Ulefone generally provides software updates for their Armor series, but the frequency and duration of support can vary. It's advisable to check Ulefone's official website or forums for the latest update information and expected support lifecycle.
❓ What type of charging port does the Doogee CS2 use?
Without specific information, it's likely the Doogee CS2 uses a Micro-USB port, given its budget-friendly nature. The Ulefone Armor 9E utilizes USB-C, offering faster data transfer and more universal compatibility.
