Doogee S51 vs Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Doogee S51 and Nokia XR20 aim to deliver on that promise, but they approach it with different internal hardware and price points. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device provides the best blend of toughness, performance, and value for users who demand a phone that can withstand the elements.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset, coupled with 18W wired and 15W wireless charging, offers a noticeable performance and convenience advantage over the Doogee S51’s Mediatek Helio G25 and 10W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee S51 Nokia XR20
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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2022, September2021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions167.4 x 81.4 x 14.6 mm (6.59 x 3.20 x 0.57 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-248 g (8.75 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~68.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G25 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesQuad-LED flashZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type5180 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, OrangeUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
Price-About 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Doogee S51

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Basic functionality for essential tasks

  • Outdated Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Lacks 5G connectivity

Nokia XR20

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 for smoother performance
  • 18W wired and 15W wireless charging

  • Higher price compared to the Doogee S51
  • May still struggle with very demanding games
  • Rugged design adds bulk

Display Comparison

Neither Doogee nor Nokia provide display specs beyond basic resolution. However, the XR20’s chipset suggests a more capable display controller, potentially leading to better color accuracy and viewing angles. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is typical for this segment, focusing instead on visibility in direct sunlight. The XR20’s potential for a brighter panel, driven by the more powerful chipset, would be a significant advantage for outdoor usability.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the XR20’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 480 chipset will likely deliver superior image processing, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. While both phones likely feature a primary camera, the XR20’s chipset allows for more advanced features like computational photography and potentially better video stabilization. The S51’s camera is likely adequate for basic snapshots, but the XR20 will offer a more refined photographic experience.

Performance

The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) represents a significant leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Doogee S51’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm). The 8nm process node allows for greater transistor density and lower power consumption, translating to less heat generation and sustained performance. While both CPUs utilize an octa-core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 460 cores are architecturally superior to the Cortex-A53 cores found in the Helio G25, resulting in faster single-core and multi-core performance. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking, running demanding apps, or playing graphically intensive games.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Nokia XR20’s 18W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities provide a substantial advantage over the Doogee S51’s limited 10W wired charging. The faster charging speeds significantly reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. The inclusion of wireless charging on the XR20 adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need for cables. The Snapdragon 480’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, even with similar capacity to the S51.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S51 if you need an extremely budget-friendly rugged phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and occasional light app use, and aren't concerned with 5G or fast charging. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and the convenience of wireless charging, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S51 struggle with modern app updates and future software compatibility?
The Helio G25 chipset is an older platform, meaning the Doogee S51 may experience performance degradation with newer app updates and may not receive software updates for as long as the Nokia XR20. This could lead to compatibility issues and a shorter usable lifespan.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Nokia XR20 significantly faster than standard wireless charging?
While 15W isn't the fastest wireless charging available, it's considerably quicker than the 5W or 7.5W commonly found on budget devices. It offers a convenient way to top up the battery without needing to plug in a cable, and is noticeably faster than the Doogee S51's lack of wireless charging altogether.
❓ Can the Nokia XR20 handle mobile gaming beyond casual titles?
The Snapdragon 480 is capable of handling some mobile games, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. Expect to play most titles on medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Demanding games like Genshin Impact may require significant compromises in graphics settings.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Doogee S51 compare to the Nokia XR20 in terms of certifications?
While both phones are ruggedized, the Nokia XR20 boasts MIL-STD-810H certification, a more stringent standard than typically found on devices in the S51’s price range. This suggests the XR20 has undergone more rigorous testing for shock, drop, and extreme temperatures.