Energizer Hardcase H620S vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. The Energizer Hardcase H620S and Doogee S96 Pro both aim to deliver this, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and gaming, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G90 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the H620S’s Helio P22. However, if absolute budget is the primary concern and basic functionality is sufficient, the H620S remains a viable, albeit slower, option.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Hardcase H620S Doogee S96 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, December. Released 2021, February 092020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 in)167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight250 g (8.82 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
 IP69 dust/water resistant (up to 1.2m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~260 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 99.2 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 10Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flashQuad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide) 20 MP, f/2.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights 2 MP (macro)
Single48 MP, PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-24W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 300 EURAbout 280 EUR

Energizer Hardcase H620S

  • Highly affordable price point
  • Robust and durable construction
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Limited multitasking capabilities
  • Likely lower-quality display

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Much faster and more responsive performance
  • Faster charging with wired and wireless options
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Higher price compared to the H620S
  • May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load (depending on capacity)
  • Rugged design may add bulk

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the H620S’s positioning, it likely features a lower-resolution panel and potentially lower peak brightness compared to the S96 Pro. The S96 Pro, targeting a slightly higher segment, likely benefits from a more vibrant and sharper display, potentially with Gorilla Glass protection for added durability. The absence of refresh rate data suggests both likely operate at the standard 60Hz.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the S96 Pro’s higher overall performance suggests a more sophisticated image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G90, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. It’s reasonable to assume the S96 Pro will offer a more refined camera experience, even if the sensor sizes are similar. The H620S will likely deliver acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but will fall behind in low-light scenarios.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 is a significant upgrade over the Energizer H620S’s Helio P22. The G90 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores alongside A55 cores – compared to the H620S’s all-Cortex-A53 setup. This translates to a substantial performance increase in CPU-intensive tasks and a much more capable GPU for gaming. The G90’s architecture allows for better sustained performance, minimizing throttling under load. The H620S, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Doogee S96 Pro’s inclusion of 24W wired and 10W wireless charging is a major advantage. This allows for significantly faster charging times compared to the H620S, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. Even with a similar battery capacity, the S96 Pro’s more efficient chipset could translate to longer real-world battery life, especially during demanding tasks. The wireless charging capability of the S96 Pro adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Hardcase H620S if you need a highly affordable, extremely durable phone for essential communication and light tasks like calls, texts, and basic navigation. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity and don’t require demanding app performance. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling modern apps, moderate gaming, and faster multitasking. Its superior chipset and faster charging make it suitable for users who need a more versatile and responsive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro handle graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G90 chipset in the S96 Pro is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a playable experience, especially with optimized in-game settings. The H620S’s Helio P22 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Doogee S96 Pro compare to the Energizer Hardcase H620S?
Both phones are designed for durability, but the specific certifications (IP68, MIL-STD-810G) aren’t provided. However, given the S96 Pro’s slightly higher price point, it likely incorporates more robust materials and construction techniques for enhanced protection against drops, dust, and water. Both should withstand typical outdoor use, but the S96 Pro likely offers a higher degree of resilience.
❓ Is the 24W charging on the Doogee S96 Pro a significant improvement over standard charging?
Yes, 24W charging is considerably faster than the typical 10-15W charging found on many budget rugged phones. This translates to a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability. The inclusion of 10W wireless charging adds further convenience.