Doogee R08 vs Ulefone Armor 8 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. Both the Doogee R08 and Ulefone Armor 8 Pro aim to deliver this, but they take slightly different approaches. While both utilize Mediatek processors with identical CPU core configurations, key differences in charging speed and potentially software optimization create a compelling comparison for users prioritizing specific features.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a dependable rugged phone, the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro edges out the Doogee R08. The 15W charging, while not groundbreaking, offers a noticeably faster replenishment rate than the R08’s 10W, a crucial benefit for those frequently relying on their device in the field.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee R08 Ulefone Armor 8 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, March2021, April 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2021, April 28
Body
Build-Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame
Dimensions249.5 x 167.8 x 13.5 mm (9.82 x 6.61 x 0.53 in)166 x 81.8 x 15 mm (6.54 x 3.22 x 0.59 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight716 g (1.58 lb)282 g (9.95 oz)
 -IP68 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
Resolution800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 13Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, Panorama, HDR
Single13 MP8 MP, f/2.2
Triple-16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP8 MP, f/2.2
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired Reverse wired15W wired
Type7680 mAhLi-Po 5580 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Red
Price-About 190 EUR

Doogee R08

  • Includes reverse wired charging for powering other devices.
  • Potentially slightly newer chipset (MT8788) for marginal efficiency gains.
  • Rugged design for durability in harsh environments.

  • Slower 10W wired charging.
  • Limited information on display and camera specifications.
  • Performance may throttle under sustained load.

Ulefone Armor 8 Pro

  • Faster 15W wired charging for quicker replenishment.
  • Rugged design for durability in harsh environments.
  • Generally well-regarded Helio P60 chipset for reliable performance.

  • Lacks reverse wired charging functionality.
  • Limited information on display and camera specifications.
  • Performance may throttle under sustained load.

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point and rugged focus, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like resolution, brightness, or refresh rate suggests neither phone prioritizes a premium visual experience. Users should expect functional, durable displays rather than vibrant, high-resolution screens. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to enhance drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is impossible. However, rugged phones often prioritize durability over camera quality. It’s reasonable to assume both devices feature modest camera setups geared towards capturing functional images in outdoor conditions. The absence of information regarding OIS or lens apertures suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. Users should manage expectations and view the cameras as tools for documentation rather than artistic expression.

Performance

Both the Doogee R08 and Ulefone Armor 8 Pro are powered by octa-core processors featuring the same CPU core arrangement: 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. However, the chipsets differ – the R08 uses the Mediatek MT8788 (12nm) while the Armor 8 Pro employs the Helio P60 (also 12nm). While the CPU architecture is identical, the MT8788 is generally considered a slightly newer design, potentially offering minor improvements in efficiency. Real-world performance will likely be very similar for everyday tasks, but sustained workloads might reveal subtle differences in thermal throttling. Neither chipset is a powerhouse for demanding gaming, but both should handle basic Android applications and moderate multitasking without issue.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The Ulefone Armor 8 Pro supports 15W wired charging, while the Doogee R08 is limited to 10W. This 50% increase in charging wattage translates to a significantly faster 0-100% charge time for the Armor 8 Pro. This is particularly important for users who rely on their phones throughout the day and need to quickly replenish the battery during short breaks. The R08’s inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but this comes at the cost of slower overall charging speeds.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee R08 if you prioritize reverse wired charging for powering accessories or other devices on the go, and are less concerned with rapid battery replenishment. Buy the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro if you value faster charging speeds and are willing to forgo the reverse charging functionality, making it ideal for users who need to quickly get back up and running after heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio P60 in the Ulefone Armor 8 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
The Helio P60 is capable of running PUBG, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so don't expect a flagship gaming experience. The MT8788 in the Doogee R08 will offer similar gaming performance.
❓ How useful is the reverse wired charging on the Doogee R08 in real-world scenarios?
The reverse wired charging is most useful for topping up accessories like Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches when you're away from a power outlet. It's not a fast charging solution for other phones, but it can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Keep in mind it will drain the R08's battery significantly.
❓ Are these phones waterproof, and what IP rating do they have?
Both phones are marketed as 'rugged,' implying water and dust resistance. However, the specific IP rating isn't provided in the available data. Typically, rugged phones aim for at least IP68, meaning they are dust-tight and can withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Verify the exact IP rating before exposing the phone to water.