Doogee S61 vs. Doogee S98 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

Doogee caters to a niche market with its rugged smartphones, and the S61 and S98 Pro represent different points in their lineup. The S61 offers a more budget-friendly entry point, while the S98 Pro aims for a more premium experience with a faster processor and advanced charging capabilities. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Doogee S98 Pro is the superior choice. Its Helio G96 chipset delivers significantly improved performance over the S61’s Helio G35, and the inclusion of 33W wired and 15W wireless charging drastically reduces recharge times. While the S61 remains a viable option for basic tasks, the S98 Pro offers a more future-proof and enjoyable user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee S61 Doogee S98 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, June 232022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, JulyAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions167.4 x 81.4 x 14.6 mm (6.59 x 3.20 x 0.57 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight266 g (9.38 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass
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 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual20 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights-
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal imaging camera
Video1080p1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
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, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired 15W wireless
Type5180 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTransparent, Wood Grain, Carbon Fiber, AG FrostBlack
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 470 EUR

Doogee S61

  • Most affordable option
  • Rugged build quality
  • Long battery life (due to efficient processor)

  • Slow processor
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Limited performance for gaming

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Faster Helio G96 processor
  • 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Improved gaming performance
  • Better image processing

  • Higher price point
  • Potentially shorter battery life (due to more powerful processor)

Display Comparison

Neither Doogee provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. However, the S98 Pro’s higher processing power suggests it may be capable of driving a higher resolution or refresh rate panel, though this is unconfirmed. Both likely utilize IPS LCD technology common in this price bracket. The lack of information on peak brightness or color accuracy makes a definitive assessment impossible, but the S98 Pro’s more powerful chipset *could* support a more vibrant display.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the S98 Pro’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G96 chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely feature similar sensor configurations (a primary sensor and potentially auxiliary lenses), the S98 Pro’s processing capabilities will allow for more detailed and vibrant photos. The S61’s image processing will likely be more basic, resulting in softer images with less dynamic range.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S61’s MediaTek Helio G35, with its Cortex-A53 cores, is designed for efficiency and basic tasks. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz) is adequate for light use, but will struggle with demanding games or multitasking. The S98 Pro’s Helio G96, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, represents a substantial upgrade. The A76 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the G96’s improved GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks far more effectively. This translates to smoother gaming, faster app loading times, and a more fluid user experience on the S98 Pro.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature large batteries, typical of rugged devices, but the charging speeds are drastically different. The S61 is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The S98 Pro, with its 33W wired charging, significantly reduces this wait, offering a much faster top-up. The addition of 15W wireless charging on the S98 Pro provides even more convenience, allowing users to charge the phone without cables. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the S98 Pro mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery size.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S61 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic communication, navigation, and occasional photography in demanding environments. It’s ideal for users who prioritize durability above all else and aren’t concerned with demanding applications. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, appreciate the convenience of fast charging (both wired and wireless), and want a more responsive overall experience. This phone is geared towards users who need a rugged device that can also handle everyday tasks with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S98 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G96 in the S98 Pro is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to make some compromises on graphics settings. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level experience, it should provide a playable experience at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. The S61’s Helio G35 will struggle with these titles, even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Doogee S61 from 0% to 100%?
With its 10W charging, the Doogee S61 will take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is a significant drawback compared to the S98 Pro’s much faster charging capabilities.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio G35 and Helio G96 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The S98 Pro’s Helio G96 will provide a smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and opening apps. The S61’s Helio G35 may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these tasks, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Doogee S98 Pro support NFC for contactless payments?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Doogee often includes NFC in their Pro models. It's highly probable the S98 Pro supports NFC, but it's best to confirm with the retailer or Doogee's official website before purchasing if this is a critical feature for you.