Doogee S61 vs. Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The Doogee S61 and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro occupy a niche market: rugged smartphones built to withstand the rigors of demanding jobs and outdoor adventures. While both prioritize durability, they diverge significantly in internal hardware and price. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best blend of performance, features, and value for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing a balance of affordability and acceptable performance, the Doogee S61 presents a compelling option. However, the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, with its more powerful Exynos 9611 chipset and faster charging, is the superior choice for those needing sustained performance and quicker power-ups, justifying its higher price point.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee S61 Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, June 232020, January
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, JulyAvailable. 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
Weight266 g (9.38 oz)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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (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 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual20 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights25 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-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
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
Type5180 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsTransparent, Wood Grain, Carbon Fiber, AG FrostBlack
Models-SM-G715FN/DS, SM-G715FN, SM-G715F, SM-G715W, SM-G715U, SM-G715U1
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 120 EUR
SAR EU-0.47 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)

Doogee S61

  • More affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Acceptable performance for basic tasks

  • Slower processor and less efficient architecture
  • Slower 10W charging
  • Likely lower quality camera system

Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro

  • More powerful Exynos 9611 processor
  • Faster 15W charging
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Higher price tag
  • Still a relatively basic display
  • May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details are missing, but both likely utilize IPS LCD panels given their market segment. The focus is on practicality and visibility in bright sunlight, rather than color accuracy. The absence of high refresh rates is expected. The real difference will be in peak brightness and outdoor legibility, which requires testing. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely a secondary consideration for both phones. Details are limited, but the emphasis is on functionality rather than photographic excellence. The Doogee S61’s camera specs are unknown, while the XCover Pro likely features a standard setup for its class. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. The larger sensor size (if any) and wider aperture on the main sensor will be the key determinants of image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Image processing algorithms will also play a role, and Samsung typically offers more refined software in this area.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, features four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3GHz, significantly outperforming the Doogee S61’s Mediatek Helio G35. The G35 relies on four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz, which are less efficient and offer lower single-core performance. While both are octa-core, the architectural difference translates to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Samsung. The 10nm process of the Exynos also suggests better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling under sustained load. This benefits users running mapping apps, data collection software, or other processor-intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the exact mAh capacity of both devices is not provided, the charging speeds offer a clear distinction. The Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro’s 15W wired charging is 50% faster than the Doogee S61’s 10W charging. This means significantly less time tethered to a power outlet, a crucial benefit for users in the field. A larger battery capacity on the Doogee S61 could offset the slower charging, but the Exynos 9611’s greater efficiency may allow the XCover Pro to achieve comparable or even better real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S61 if you need a highly affordable, genuinely rugged phone for basic tasks like communication, navigation, and occasional photography, and aren't concerned with demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro if you prefer a more refined user experience, faster processing speeds for multitasking and productivity apps, and the added convenience of 15W fast charging, even if it comes at a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro tend to overheat during prolonged use of GPS and data-intensive apps?
The Exynos 9611 is a mid-range chip, and while it's more powerful than the Helio G35, it can experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. However, the 10nm process node and Samsung's thermal management design should mitigate overheating to a reasonable extent for typical field work applications. Expect some performance reduction after extended use, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns.
❓ Is the ruggedness of the Doogee S61 comparable to the Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro, considering the price difference?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water, but the specific certifications and build materials may differ. The XCover Pro benefits from Samsung's quality control and potentially more robust construction. While the Doogee S61 offers a similar level of protection on paper, the Samsung is likely to be more durable in the long run due to higher build quality and stricter testing standards.
❓ Can either of these phones be used with wet gloves, and how responsive are the touchscreens in those conditions?
Both the Doogee S61 and Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro are advertised as being usable with wet gloves, but the level of responsiveness varies. Samsung typically implements glove mode software enhancements to improve touchscreen sensitivity. The Doogee S61's performance in this area is less certain and may require thicker gloves to be removed for accurate input.