Doogee V Max Plus vs. Doogee S99: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

Doogee has carved a niche in the rugged smartphone market, offering durable devices at competitive prices. The V Max Plus and S99 represent two distinct approaches: the V Max Plus prioritizes processing power with a newer chipset, while the S99 aims for a balance of features and affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for your adventures.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and extended battery life, the Doogee V Max Plus is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7050 chipset delivers a significant performance uplift over the S99’s Helio G96, and its exceptional 146:58h endurance makes it ideal for prolonged off-grid use. However, the S99 offers wireless charging as a convenience feature.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee V Max Plus Doogee S99
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 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
5G bands1, 3, 7, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, August2022, December 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AugustAvailable. Released 2022, December 05
Body
Dimensions178.5 x 83.1 x 26.3 mm (7.03 x 3.27 x 1.04 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight--
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal512GB 16GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple200 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights 8 MP, f/2.2, 125˚ (ultrawide)108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights 16 MP, f/1.8, 130˚ (ultrawide)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1440p, 1080p1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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
Charging33W wired Reverse wired33W wired, 45% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wired
Type22000 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsObsidian Black, Pewter GrayGold, Black
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 250 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery146:58h endurance, 1300 cycles-
EnergyClass D-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Doogee V Max Plus

  • Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 7050)
  • Exceptional battery endurance (146:58h)
  • Longer battery lifespan (1300 cycles)

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price

Doogee S99

  • More affordable price point
  • Convenient 15W wireless charging
  • Faster initial charging (45% in 30 min)

  • Less powerful processor (Helio G96)
  • Shorter battery life

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the V Max Plus's focus on overall performance, it's reasonable to expect a slightly higher quality panel, potentially with a higher refresh rate. The S99, targeting a more budget-conscious segment, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz panel. Bezels are likely similar given both phones' rugged design constraints, prioritizing protection over minimal aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the V Max Plus will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), leading to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. The S99's Helio G96 is a capable chipset, but the Dimensity 7050 offers a more modern ISP. It's likely both phones will feature similar primary sensors, but the V Max Plus will benefit from faster processing and potentially more advanced features.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee V Max Plus boasts the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm), featuring an octa-core configuration with 2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Doogee S99’s Mediatek Helio G96 (12nm) with its 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 7050 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the 12nm Helio G96. This means the V Max Plus will sustain peak performance for longer periods, crucial for gaming or demanding applications. The Dimensity 7050's Cortex-A78 cores also offer a performance advantage over the G96's A76 cores.

Battery Life

The Doogee V Max Plus shines in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 146:58h rating and a 1300 cycle lifespan. While both phones offer 33W wired charging, the V Max Plus’s superior battery capacity and efficiency mean it will likely achieve a longer overall usage time. The S99 adds 15W wireless charging, a convenience feature absent on the V Max Plus, and claims 45% charge in 30 minutes with wired charging. However, the V Max Plus’s significantly longer endurance likely outweighs the convenience of wireless charging for many users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee V Max Plus if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive apps, and if maximizing battery life is paramount. Buy the Doogee S99 if you prioritize a lower price point, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like communication, navigation, and casual photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee V Max Plus handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 7050 chipset in the V Max Plus is significantly more capable than the Helio G96 in the S99. It should handle most mobile games at high settings with playable frame rates, though sustained performance will depend on thermal management. The S99 may struggle with these titles at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Doogee S99 compared to the V Max Plus, considering the 45% in 30 minutes claim?
While the S99 claims 45% charge in 30 minutes, both phones share the same 33W wired charging standard. The difference likely lies in battery management and optimization. However, the V Max Plus’s larger battery capacity means even with a slightly slower initial charge rate, it will likely provide significantly longer overall usage time.
❓ Is the 1300 charge cycle claim for the Doogee V Max Plus realistic, and what does it mean for long-term battery health?
1300 charge cycles represent a significant improvement in battery longevity. It means the battery is rated to retain a substantial portion of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1300 times. This translates to several years of reliable use, even with daily charging, and minimizes battery degradation over time.