The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. Both the Doogee S35T and Ulefone Armor 11T 5G aim to deliver this, but they take drastically different approaches to performance and features. The S35T focuses on affordability, while the Armor 11T 5G prioritizes 5G connectivity and a more powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Doogee S35T’s Unisoc UMS312, justifying the price difference for those needing more than basic functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 19 | 2021, May 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December | Available. Released 2021, June 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.4 x 82.9 x 15.7 mm (6.04 x 3.26 x 0.62 in) | 163.8 x 81.6 x 14.2 mm (6.45 x 3.21 x 0.56 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 260 g (9.17 oz) | 293 g (10.34 oz) |
| | - | 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~54.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~68.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc UMS312 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 800 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G57 MP4 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Penta | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
5 MP
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | 4350 mAh | Li-Po 5200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Red | Black |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 590 EUR |
Doogee S35T
- Highly affordable price point
- Extremely durable build quality
- Simple and reliable operation
- Slow processor for modern apps
- Limited charging options (10W wired only)
- Poor performance for gaming or multitasking
Ulefone Armor 11T 5G
- Powerful Mediatek Dimensity 800 chipset
- Fast 18W wired and 10W wireless charging
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Higher price compared to the Doogee S35T
- May be slightly bulkier due to larger components
- Rugged design may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing, but the focus is clearly on durability, not visual fidelity. However, the performance gap begins here: the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G’s chipset will handle higher refresh rates (if supported by the panel, which is unknown) with ease, while the Doogee S35T will struggle. The lack of detailed display specs suggests both prioritize robustness over visual quality.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensor, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference impacts image processing capabilities. The Dimensity 800’s integrated ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G will deliver superior image quality, faster processing, and better low-light performance compared to the Unisoc UMS312 in the Doogee S35T. The presence of a more powerful processor allows for more complex computational photography algorithms.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Armor 11T 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 800, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Doogee S35T’s 12nm Unisoc UMS312. The Dimensity 800’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power and efficiency compared to the S35T’s quad-core 2.0 GHz CPU. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and the ability to handle graphically intensive tasks. The 7nm process also means better thermal management, reducing throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature large batteries, typical of rugged devices. However, the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G’s 18W wired charging and 10W wireless charging offer a significant advantage over the Doogee S35T’s 10W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, faster charging reduces downtime, crucial for users relying on their phones throughout the day. The wireless charging capability on the Ulefone is a convenience the Doogee lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S35T if you need a highly affordable, extremely durable phone for essential communication and light tasks – think construction workers needing a reliable call device. Buy the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling demanding applications, streaming 5G content, and offering a smoother overall user experience, making it ideal for field technicians or outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G overheat during prolonged use of 5G or gaming?
The Mediatek Dimensity 800’s 7nm process is designed for efficiency and thermal management. While some heat generation is inevitable, it’s less prone to throttling than the Doogee S35T’s Unisoc UMS312, especially during sustained tasks like 5G downloads or gaming. The Armor 11T 5G’s larger chassis also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the Doogee S35T sufficient for basic work tasks like phone calls, messaging, and email?
Yes, the Doogee S35T is perfectly adequate for essential communication. Its Unisoc UMS312 chipset can handle these tasks without issue. However, expect slower app loading times and potential lag when switching between applications. It’s best suited for users who prioritize durability and reliability over speed.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
While not explicitly stated, phones with 5G capabilities like the Ulefone Armor 11T 5G generally support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) for enhanced call quality and network coverage. However, compatibility depends on your carrier, so it’s best to verify with your provider.
