Doogee R08 vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The Doogee R08 and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro both target a niche: users needing a phone that can withstand harsh conditions. However, they approach this goal with different philosophies. The Doogee R08 prioritizes affordability, while the Samsung XCover Pro aims for a more balanced package with a stronger brand reputation and potentially better software support. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which delivers the best value for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing long-term software support and a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, offers a modest performance edge and potentially better thermal management. However, the Doogee R08 presents a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers who need basic rugged functionality.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee R08 Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada
Launch
Announced2024, March2020, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2020, January
Body
Dimensions249.5 x 167.8 x 13.5 mm (9.82 x 6.61 x 0.53 in)159.9 x 76.7 x 10 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.39 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight716 g (1.58 lb)218 g (7.69 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Exynos 9611 (10 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 13Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single13 MP-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/k/v/r, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging10W wired Reverse wired15W wired
Type7680 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Models-SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1
Price-About 120 EUR
SAR EU-0.47 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)

Doogee R08

  • Significantly more affordable
  • Reverse wired charging capability
  • Rugged design for demanding environments

  • Less powerful processor
  • Slower charging speed
  • Potentially limited software support

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • More powerful and efficient processor
  • Faster charging speed
  • Samsung Knox security platform
  • Likely better software support

  • Higher price point
  • May still exhibit throttling under sustained load
  • Rugged design may not be as robust as specialized devices

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing for the Doogee R08, suggesting a focus on cost savings. The Samsung XCover Pro's display specifications are also not provided, but Samsung typically utilizes durable panels in this line. The lack of high refresh rates on either device indicates a prioritization of battery life over visual fluidity. Bezels are likely substantial on both, given the rugged design constraints.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of a 2MP macro lens on the Doogee R08 (which is generally of limited utility), a direct comparison is difficult. The Samsung XCover Pro likely features a more capable main sensor and image processing pipeline, benefiting from Samsung’s established camera expertise. The absence of OIS information for both devices suggests a reliance on software stabilization, which may not be as effective in challenging conditions. Users prioritizing photography should lean towards the XCover Pro, assuming it has a larger sensor and better image processing.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611 (10nm) holds a clear architectural advantage over the Doogee R08’s Mediatek MT8788 (12nm). The smaller fabrication process generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While both CPUs feature the same Cortex-A73/A53 core configuration, the XCover Pro’s A73 cores are clocked higher at 2.3 GHz versus 2.0 GHz on the R08. This difference, combined with the more efficient process node, suggests the XCover Pro will handle multitasking and demanding applications with greater ease. The R08 will likely suffice for basic tasks, but may exhibit more noticeable slowdowns under heavy load.

Battery Life

Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the charging speeds offer a point of comparison. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro supports 15W wired charging, while the Doogee R08 is limited to 10W. This means the XCover Pro will recharge significantly faster, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. The R08 also offers reverse wired charging, a niche feature that could be useful for topping up accessories, but the slow charging speed limits its practicality.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee R08 if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic tasks like communication and data logging, and aren't heavily reliant on demanding apps or long-term software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, benefit from Samsung's Knox security platform, and require a phone with a higher likelihood of receiving software updates and consistent performance under sustained loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro tend to overheat during prolonged use, like gaming or video recording?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship-level chip, its 10nm process and Samsung's thermal management solutions generally prevent significant overheating. However, extended gaming sessions or 4K video recording may still lead to some throttling to maintain safe operating temperatures. The Doogee R08's MT8788, with its 12nm process, is more likely to experience throttling under similar conditions.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Doogee R08 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization result in soft, noisy images with limited detail. It's usable for casual snapshots, but don't expect professional-level macro photography. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro's camera system, if equipped with a higher resolution sensor, will likely deliver superior macro performance.
❓ How does the software update policy differ between Doogee and Samsung for these models?
Samsung is known for providing more consistent and longer-term software support compared to Doogee. The Galaxy XCover Pro is likely to receive at least a few major Android updates and several years of security patches. Doogee's update policy is less predictable, and the R08 may receive limited updates, if any, after its initial release. This is a significant consideration for users who prioritize security and access to the latest features.