Doogee S51 vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Phone Showdown

The Doogee S51 and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro both target a niche often overlooked by mainstream manufacturers: the rugged smartphone. While both promise durability, they differ significantly in internal hardware and target user. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and the practical implications of each device's specifications.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing affordability and basic functionality, the Doogee S51 offers a compelling entry point into the rugged phone market. However, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, with its more powerful Exynos 9611 chipset and faster charging, is the superior choice for professionals needing sustained performance and quicker power-ups in the field.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee S51 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, 13, 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 / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 20, 29, 38, 40, 41, 66 - Canada
Launch
Announced2022, September2020, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2020, January
Body
Dimensions167.4 x 81.4 x 14.6 mm (6.59 x 3.20 x 0.57 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
Weight-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
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~68.2% 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-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G25 (12 nm)Exynos 9611 (10 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G72 MP3
OSAndroid 12Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesQuad-LED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
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
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
Type5180 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, OrangeBlack
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 S51

  • Significantly more affordable
  • Rugged design for basic protection
  • Lightweight and portable

  • Weak processor performance
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Likely limited software support

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • More powerful Exynos 9611 processor
  • Faster 15W charging
  • Samsung’s software and security updates

  • Higher price point
  • LCD display lacks vibrancy
  • Still not a flagship-level performer

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing for the Doogee S51, suggesting a basic LCD. The Samsung XCover Pro also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on visibility under direct sunlight rather than color accuracy. Both prioritize durability over visual fidelity, with reinforced glass protecting the screens. The lack of high refresh rates on either device reflects their focus on battery conservation.

Camera Comparison

Camera details beyond sensor existence are sparse for the Doogee S51, but its likely a basic setup focused on functionality rather than quality. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, while not a photography powerhouse, offers a more capable camera system. Details regarding sensor size and aperture are needed for a full assessment, but the Exynos 9611’s image signal processor (ISP) provides better image processing capabilities than the Helio G25’s. The inclusion of features like optical image stabilization (OIS) – if present – on the XCover Pro would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The 2MP macro camera on both devices is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s Exynos 9611, fabricated on a 10nm process, significantly outperforms the Doogee S51’s Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm). The Exynos utilizes Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, offering a substantial performance boost over the S51’s Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Samsung. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences are key; the A73 cores are demonstrably more efficient and powerful. The 12nm process of the Helio G25 also suggests potentially higher power consumption for similar tasks.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for the Doogee S51, but its 10W charging suggests a smaller battery to keep costs down. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro features 15W wired charging, a modest improvement but significant for users needing to quickly top up their device during breaks. The Exynos 9611’s greater efficiency also contributes to better battery life under sustained load. While a larger mAh rating is always preferable, the combination of a more efficient chipset and faster charging gives the XCover Pro an edge in real-world usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S51 if you need a highly affordable, basic rugged phone for occasional outdoor use or as a secondary device. It’s ideal for those who prioritize cost over raw power. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more refined experience with better performance for demanding tasks, faster charging, and the backing of Samsung’s software ecosystem – making it a better fit for professionals relying on their phone throughout a workday.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro tend to overheat during prolonged use, like extended navigation or video recording?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship-level chip, it's generally well-managed in the XCover Pro's chassis. The phone's rugged design provides ample surface area for heat dissipation. Reports suggest moderate warming during intensive tasks, but not to the point of significant throttling or discomfort. The 10nm process contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to the Doogee S51's 12nm Helio G25.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones typically lack the resolution and optics to produce truly detailed close-up images. They often result in soft, blurry photos. They are primarily included as a marketing feature to attract consumers, but should not be relied upon for serious macro photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps or higher)?
The Exynos 9611 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps+) will likely require lowering the graphics settings. The phone's GPU is capable, but it's not designed for sustained, high-end gaming. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate a flagship-level gaming experience. The Doogee S51 would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile.