Doogee V Max S vs. S98 Pro: 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 S and S98 Pro represent two distinct approaches within their lineup: the V Max S prioritizes extended battery life and newer processing power, while the S98 Pro offers wireless charging and a slightly older, but still capable, chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which model best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Doogee V Max S emerges as the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the S98 Pro’s 12nm Helio G96. Coupled with exceptional 146:58h battery endurance, the V Max S is the clear winner for power users and those prioritizing longevity.

PHONES
Phone Names Doogee V Max S Doogee S98 Pro
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
Announced2025, April2022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, MayAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
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
Weight536 g (1.18 lb)320 g (11.29 oz)
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, 500 nits (peak)
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)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal imaging camera
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0"16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoUnspecified
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, 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/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 5W reverse wired33W wired 15W wireless
Type22000 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsTarnish, TitaniumBlack
Price$ 269.99 / £ 659.23 / € 287.08About 470 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery146:58h endurance, 1300 cycles-
EnergyClass D-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Doogee V Max S

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

  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Potentially higher price point

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Convenient 15W wireless charging
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Solid performance for everyday tasks

  • Older, less efficient chipset (Helio G96)
  • Shorter battery life compared to V Max S

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S98 Pro's slightly older chipset, it's reasonable to assume the V Max S benefits from a more modern panel, potentially with higher peak brightness and improved color accuracy. The absence of LTPO technology on either device suggests standard refresh rates, impacting power consumption. Bezels are likely comparable given both phones target the rugged segment.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Dimensity 7050’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) allows for faster image processing, better noise reduction, and improved dynamic range. While both phones likely feature similar sensor configurations targeting the mid-range, the V Max S will likely produce superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. We can assume both phones include a standard macro lens, but its utility is limited.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee V Max S’s Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the S98 Pro’s Helio G96 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and improved sustained performance. The Dimensity 7050’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.6 GHz, outperform the S98 Pro’s 2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the V Max S. While both utilize a 6x Cortex-A55 cluster for efficiency, the Dimensity 7050’s overall architecture provides a clear advantage.

Battery Life

The Doogee V Max S boasts an impressive 146:58h endurance rating, a testament to the efficiency of the Dimensity 7050 and optimized software. While both phones support 33W wired charging, the V Max S’s superior battery life means you’ll need to charge it less frequently. The S98 Pro compensates with 15W wireless charging, a convenience feature the V Max S lacks. However, the V Max S’s 1300 charge cycles suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself, mitigating concerns about long-term degradation.

Buying Guide

Buy the Doogee V Max S if you need a phone that can last for days on a single charge, handle demanding applications, and benefit from a more modern processor. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from a power outlet. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prioritize the convenience of wireless charging and are less concerned with raw processing power or maximizing battery life. It’s a solid option for everyday use and media consumption, but will show its age more quickly in demanding scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 in the V Max S get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7050’s 6nm process is significantly more efficient than the Helio G96’s 12nm process. This translates to lower heat generation under load. While some heat is inevitable during extended gaming, the V Max S is less likely to experience significant thermal throttling compared to the S98 Pro, allowing for more consistent performance.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the S98 Pro significantly slower than the 33W wired charging on both phones?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 33W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless to take over twice as long as a wired charge. However, wireless charging offers convenience, allowing you to top up the battery without plugging in a cable.
❓ How does the 1300 charge cycle rating of the V Max S impact the long-term usability of the battery?
The 1300 charge cycle rating indicates the battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity after undergoing 1300 full charge-discharge cycles. This suggests the V Max S’s battery will degrade more slowly over time compared to a phone with a lower cycle rating, extending its overall lifespan.