Doogee S88 Plus vs Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user: those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Doogee S88 Plus and Nokia XR20 both aim to deliver this, but they take different approaches. The S88 Plus focuses on a feature-rich experience at a lower price point, while the XR20 emphasizes 5G connectivity and Nokia’s commitment to software updates. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which phone truly reigns supreme for demanding users.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and long-term software support, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, offers a smoother experience and future-proofs the device. However, the Doogee S88 Plus provides compelling value with its wireless charging capabilities and lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee S88 Plus Nokia XR20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 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, 40, 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 / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, January 262021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, FebruaryAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions171.6 x 85.5 x 18.7 mm (6.76 x 3.37 x 0.74 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
Weight372 g (13.12 oz)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
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~66.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, (telephoto) 8 MP, f/2.4, 130˚, (ultrawide)-
Video1080p1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 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
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging24W wired 10W wireless 5W Reverse wireless18W wired 15W wireless
Type10000 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Orange, GreenUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
PriceAbout 280 EURAbout 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Doogee S88 Plus

  • Lower price point offers excellent value.
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging are unique features.
  • Robust build quality for demanding environments.

  • Older, less efficient Helio P70 chipset.
  • Limited to 4G connectivity.
  • Software update support is likely limited.

Nokia XR20

  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
  • More efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset.
  • Guaranteed software updates from Nokia.

  • Higher price compared to the Doogee S88 Plus.
  • Slower wired charging speed (18W).
  • Lacks reverse wireless charging.

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on durability. Both will likely feature hardened glass, but the XR20’s Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior scratch and drop resistance compared to the S88 Plus’s unspecified glass. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is typical for this segment, prioritizing battery life over visual fluidity.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs beyond the main sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 480 generally provides superior image processing capabilities, leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance. The XR20 likely benefits from Qualcomm’s computational photography algorithms. The S88 Plus may rely on software enhancements to compensate for its older chipset, but it’s unlikely to match the XR20’s overall image quality. The presence of OIS on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage.

Performance

The chipset is where the most significant difference lies. The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm) demonstrably outperforms the Doogee S88 Plus’s MediaTek Helio P70 (12nm). The 8nm process translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling under sustained loads. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 480’s Kryo 460 cores offer a more modern architecture, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The S88 Plus’s Cortex-A73 cores are older and less efficient. The XR20’s 5G modem is a key advantage, while the S88 Plus is limited to 4G.

Battery Life

Both phones offer respectable battery life, but the charging speeds differ. The Doogee S88 Plus supports 24W wired charging, 10W wireless, and even 5W reverse wireless charging – a unique feature in this price range. The Nokia XR20 is limited to 18W wired and 15W wireless. While the XR20’s battery capacity is unspecified, the more efficient Snapdragon 480 chipset should translate to comparable or even better real-world battery endurance despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The S88 Plus’s faster wired charging and reverse wireless charging provide added convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee S88 Plus if you need a robust, feature-packed rugged phone on a tight budget and wireless charging is a must-have. It’s ideal for users who prioritize affordability and don’t heavily rely on 5G. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a phone with guaranteed software updates, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and a more modern, efficient chipset, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost. This is the better option for users who want a phone that will remain secure and functional for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20 get hot during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Snapdragon 480 is built on an 8nm process, which is more efficient than the 12nm Helio P70 in the Doogee S88 Plus. This means it generates less heat under load. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, the XR20 is less prone to thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, maintaining a more consistent frame rate.
❓ How long can I realistically expect software updates for the Nokia XR20?
Nokia is committed to providing a minimum of three years of security updates and two major OS upgrades for the XR20. This is a significant advantage over the Doogee S88 Plus, which typically receives limited software support. This extended support ensures your device remains secure and functional for a longer period.
❓ Is the reverse wireless charging on the Doogee S88 Plus useful for more than just emergencies?
While 5W reverse wireless charging isn't fast, it's surprisingly useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or smartwatches throughout the day. It's a convenient feature for users who rely on these devices and don't want to carry extra cables.