Doogee S98 vs. S86 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Doogee S98 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the S86 Pro’s Helio P60, and the inclusion of 33W wired and 15W wireless charging significantly improves convenience. While the S86 Pro remains a capable device, the S98 offers a more modern and responsive user experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Doogee S98 | Doogee S86 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 18 | 2021, June 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 28 | Available. Released 2021, June 15 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in) | 164.6 x 81.2 x 16.8 mm (6.48 x 3.20 x 0.66 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 320 g (11.29 oz) | 323 g (11.39 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~68.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1440p, 1080p | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, infrared thermometer (surface temperature) |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired 15W wireless | 24W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | 8500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Red | Black, Orange, Red |
| Price | About 350 EUR | About 230 EUR |
Doogee S98
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
- More modern chipset architecture
- Potentially higher price point
- No confirmed display improvements
Doogee S86 Pro
- Lower price point
- Rugged design and durability
- Solid battery life for basic usage
- Older, less powerful processor
- Slower 24W wired charging only
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Neither Doogee provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, the focus on ruggedness suggests both likely utilize IPS LCD panels for durability. The difference in processing power suggests the S98 may be capable of a slightly higher refresh rate, though this isn't confirmed. The S98’s newer chipset could also translate to better image processing for slightly improved color accuracy, but this is speculative without further data. Bezels are likely similar on both devices, prioritizing screen protection.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but the focus for both phones is likely on practicality rather than high-end photography. The S98’s newer processor may offer slightly improved image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. However, without knowing sensor sizes and lens apertures, it’s difficult to definitively say which phone captures superior images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S98’s Mediatek Helio G96, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This represents a significant architectural upgrade over the S86 Pro’s Helio P60, which uses 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 cores and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G96 offer substantially improved single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm, the G96’s newer architecture delivers a more efficient and powerful experience. This translates to faster app loading times and better performance in graphically intensive games for the S98.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize long battery life, a key requirement for rugged devices used in remote locations. The S98’s 33W wired charging is a substantial improvement over the S86 Pro’s 24W charging, allowing for significantly faster top-ups. The addition of 15W wireless charging on the S98 further enhances convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speeds on the S98 mitigate any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery, allowing users to quickly replenish power when access to an outlet is limited.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S98 if you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks like gaming or video editing while maintaining rugged durability. Its faster processor and charging capabilities cater to power users. Buy the Doogee S86 Pro if you prioritize a lower price point and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and light web browsing. It’s a solid option for those needing a reliable, tough phone without breaking the bank.