The demand for durable smartphones is driven by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The Kyocera DuraForce Ultra, a veteran in the rugged space, faces off against the Doogee S96 Pro, a newer contender aiming to disrupt the market with a focus on value. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best blend of toughness, performance, and features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a more refined experience and 5G connectivity, the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a more efficient architecture, and the inclusion of Qi wireless charging adds convenience. However, the Doogee S96 Pro presents a compelling value proposition for those on a tighter budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 48, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 11 | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 74.9 x 16 mm (6.5 x 2.95 x 0.63 in) | 167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Nano SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 278 g (9.81 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire Shield | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~443 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~62.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 24 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 0.9µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/i/k/r/v, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired
Wireless (Qi) | 24W wired
10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 860 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Kyocera DuraForce Ultra
- 5G Connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Qi Wireless Charging for added convenience
- Charging speed is unspecified and likely slower than the S96 Pro
- Potentially higher price point
Doogee S96 Pro
- Faster 24W Wired Charging
- More affordable price point
- Solid performance for everyday tasks
- Less efficient MediaTek Helio G90 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus is clearly on durability, not visual fidelity. The absence of high refresh rates is expected in this segment. The key difference lies in charging; the DuraForce Ultra supports Qi wireless charging, a convenience the S96 Pro lacks. This is a benefit for users who prefer cable-free power-ups.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 765G typically offers superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities compared to the Helio G90. This means better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information regarding sensor size and lens apertures makes a definitive statement impossible, but the Snapdragon’s ISP gives the DuraForce Ultra an edge. The prevalence of low-resolution macro lenses on both devices suggests they are included for marketing purposes rather than practical use.
Performance
The Kyocera DuraForce Ultra’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) significantly outperforms the Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 (12nm) in terms of architectural efficiency. The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and lower power consumption, translating to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. While the G90’s Cortex-A76 cores offer respectable performance, they are less efficient than the Kryo 475 cores in the Snapdragon 765G. The Snapdragon’s integrated 5G modem is a major advantage, offering future-proof connectivity that the S96 Pro doesn’t provide. For users running demanding applications or multitasking, the DuraForce Ultra will provide a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired charging is significantly faster than the DuraForce Ultra’s unspecified wired charging, and the Ultra's wireless charging is limited to 10W. This means the S96 Pro will likely reach a full charge much quicker. While a larger battery capacity on the DuraForce Ultra could offset this, the more efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset may allow it to achieve comparable real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity. The S96 Pro’s faster charging is a boon for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Kyocera DuraForce Ultra if you need a proven, reliable device with 5G support, wireless charging, and a more established brand reputation for durability. It’s ideal for field workers, first responders, or anyone who frequently operates in harsh environments. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize affordability and don't require 5G, or wireless charging. It’s a solid option for casual outdoor users or those needing a backup phone for demanding situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the DuraForce Ultra get hot during prolonged use, like gaming or video recording?
The Snapdragon 765G is known for its relatively efficient thermal management. While it will generate heat under heavy load, the 7nm process node and Qualcomm’s thermal design features help to mitigate throttling. The DuraForce Ultra’s ruggedized design may also contribute to heat dissipation, but sustained performance will still be impacted by temperature.
❓ Is the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 chipset capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G90 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The chipset’s performance is adequate for these games, but it won’t deliver the same level of graphical fidelity or sustained performance as the Snapdragon 765G in the DuraForce Ultra.
❓ What kind of drop protection does each phone offer, and are they certified to any specific ruggedness standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810G)?
Specific drop test heights and MIL-STD-810G certifications are not provided in the context data. However, both phones are marketed as rugged devices, implying they can withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures. Further research into each device’s official specifications is recommended to determine their exact ruggedness ratings.
