Energizer Hardcase H621S 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. Both the Energizer Hardcase H621S and the Doogee S96 Pro aim to deliver this, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset and charging capabilities impact real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G90 chipset offers a substantial upgrade over the H621S’s Helio P22, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. While the H621S offers a more budget-friendly entry point, the S96 Pro’s added power justifies the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer Hardcase H621S 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, 2, 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
Announced2021, June. Released 2021, June2020, 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
Weight241 g (8.50 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~75.3% 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 11Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
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
35mm jackNoYes
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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging15W wired24W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 280 EUR

Energizer Hardcase H621S

  • More affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Significantly weaker processor
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Limited gaming capabilities

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Powerful Helio G90 processor
  • Faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
  • Improved gaming performance

  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially larger size and weight
  • May require more frequent charging if used heavily

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the S96 Pro’s positioning as a more premium device, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel. The H621S, targeting a lower price point, likely utilizes a standard 60Hz display. Both will likely prioritize durability with reinforced glass, but the S96 Pro may offer better color accuracy due to its likely higher-quality panel.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the S96 Pro’s higher overall positioning suggests a more capable camera system. The Helio G90’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is also more advanced, enabling better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. While both phones likely include multiple lenses, the S96 Pro is more likely to feature a larger main sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. The H621S likely relies on software processing to compensate for a less capable sensor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 utilizes a combination of Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores, offering significantly improved CPU performance compared to the Energizer H621S’s Helio P22, which relies solely on Cortex-A53 cores. The G90’s architecture is more modern and efficient, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The G90 also boasts a more powerful Mali GPU, making it far superior for gaming. The 12nm process node is shared, but the architectural improvements of the G90 outweigh this similarity. Users who play graphically intensive games or frequently use demanding applications will see a dramatic performance increase with the S96 Pro.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging capabilities reveal a key difference. The Doogee S96 Pro supports 24W wired charging and 10W wireless charging, allowing for significantly faster charging times than the Energizer H621S’s 15W wired charging. This means the S96 Pro can get back up to full charge much quicker, reducing downtime. Wireless charging is a convenience feature absent on the H621S. While a larger battery capacity on the H621S could offset the slower charging, the S96 Pro’s faster charging is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer Hardcase H621S if you need a highly affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity and don’t require demanding app performance. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a more capable device for gaming, photography, and multitasking, and value faster charging speeds and wireless charging convenience. This phone is for users who need a rugged phone that can also handle modern smartphone workloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
Yes, the Helio G90 is specifically designed for gaming. It should comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings with playable frame rates. The improved GPU and CPU architecture provide a significant boost over the Helio P22 in the H621S, making it a much better choice for mobile gamers.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Doogee S96 Pro with the 24W charger?
While a precise time requires testing, the Doogee S96 Pro should charge from 0-100% in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours with the included 24W charger. This is considerably faster than the Energizer H621S, which will likely take over 3 hours with its 15W charger.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro useful for everyday use, or is it just a novelty feature?
The 10W wireless charging on the S96 Pro is genuinely useful for convenient top-ups. While not as fast as wired charging, it allows you to charge the phone simply by placing it on a wireless charging pad, eliminating the need to fumble with cables. It's particularly handy at your desk or bedside.