The rugged smartphone market is booming, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Doogee S59 and Blackview BL8800 Pro represent compelling options at different price points, but cater to similar needs. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device delivers the best balance of performance, battery life, and ruggedness.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview BL8800 Pro is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Doogee S59’s Helio A25, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the S59 offers a lower entry price, the BL8800 Pro’s faster charging and more capable processor justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 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, 30, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, Q2. Released 2020, Q2 | 2022, May 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, May 09 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161 x 80.2 x 18.3 mm (6.34 x 3.16 x 0.72 in) | 176.2 x 83.5 x 17.7 mm (6.94 x 3.29 x 0.70 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 340 g (11.99 oz) | 367 g (12.95 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m
MIL-STD-810H compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~63.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio A25 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, Doke-OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Thermal imaging, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Penta | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, thermal assisted camera
FLIR thermal camera (Lepton module)
2x Auxiliary lens |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (macro), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 24W wired | 33W wired, 31% in 30 min, 100% in 90 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 10050 mAh | 8380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 300 EUR |
Doogee S59
- Most affordable option
- Rugged build quality
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak processor performance
- Slow charging speed
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Blackview BL8800 Pro
- Significantly faster processor
- Faster 33W charging
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Higher price point
- May be slightly larger and heavier
- Software experience may vary
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here is on durability, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely substantial on both, prioritizing screen protection. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for the segment, suitable for everyday use but not professional color work.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is limited. However, the chipset difference suggests the BL8800 Pro will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic; image quality will be limited. The larger sensor size (if any) on the BL8800 Pro’s main camera will likely yield better results. OIS is unlikely on either device at this price point.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Blackview BL8800 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Doogee S59’s 12nm Mediatek Helio A25. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) offer significantly higher single-core performance than the A53 cores (4x1.8 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) in the S59. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother animations, and a more responsive overall experience. The Dimensity 700 also benefits from a more modern GPU, providing a better gaming experience. The S59 will struggle with graphically intensive games and multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones cater to the rugged lifestyle, implying a focus on battery endurance. While specific mAh capacities are missing, the Blackview BL8800 Pro’s 33W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Doogee S59’s 24W charging. Blackview claims 31% charge in 30 minutes and 100% in 90 minutes, a significant time saving. The more efficient Dimensity 700 chipset in the BL8800 Pro will also contribute to better battery life, even with similar capacity batteries. The BL8800 Pro also offers reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S59 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage. It’s a good option for those who need a durable device on a very tight budget. Buy the Blackview BL8800 Pro if you demand a more responsive and versatile smartphone experience, especially if you plan on using demanding apps, playing mobile games, or frequently multitasking. The faster charging and more powerful processor make it a worthwhile investment for power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Blackview BL8800 Pro’s Dimensity 700 chipset capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is a capable chipset for mobile gaming. While it won’t deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. The improved GPU compared to the Doogee S59’s Helio A25 makes a significant difference in gaming performance.
❓ How durable are these phones, and what kind of protection do they offer against drops and water?
Both the Doogee S59 and Blackview BL8800 Pro are designed to be rugged. They likely feature reinforced corners, a durable chassis, and IP68 or IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance. However, specific drop test heights and certifications vary. Check the manufacturer's specifications for detailed durability information.
❓ Does the Blackview BL8800 Pro’s reverse wired charging feature work with all devices?
The Blackview BL8800 Pro’s reverse wired charging is compatible with most devices that charge via USB-C. However, charging speeds will vary depending on the receiving device’s power requirements. It’s ideal for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches.
❓ What kind of software experience can I expect on the Doogee S59 and Blackview BL8800 Pro?
Both phones likely run a customized version of Android. Expect some pre-installed apps (bloatware) and a slightly different user interface compared to stock Android. Software update support may be limited, which is common in this price segment. The Blackview BL8800 Pro, with its more powerful processor, will likely offer a smoother software experience.
