Oukitel RT6 vs. Doogee S99: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is booming, offering devices built to withstand the elements and daily abuse. The Oukitel RT6 and Doogee S99 represent compelling options, but cater to slightly different priorities. The RT6 emphasizes exceptional battery life and longevity, while the S99 prioritizes processing power for gaming and demanding tasks. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing maximum uptime and long-term reliability, the Oukitel RT6 is the clear winner. Its impressive 499-hour endurance and 1000-cycle battery life outweigh the Doogee S99’s slightly faster processor. However, gamers and power users will find the Doogee S99’s Helio G96 chipset a more responsive experience.

PHONES
Phone Names	Oukitel RT6	Doogee S99

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2023, July	2022, December 05
Status	Available. Released 2023, July	Available. Released 2022, December 05

Body
Dimensions	249.1 x 167.8 x 17.3 mm (9.81 x 6.61 x 0.68 in)	172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	1030 g (2.27 lb)	-

Display
Protection	Mohs level 5	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)	1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size	10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio)	6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD, 350 nits	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Mediatek MT8788 (12 nm)	Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G72 MP3	Mali-G57 MC2
OS	Android 13	Android 12

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	256GB 8GB RAM	128GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF	-
Triple	-	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)
Video	1080p@30fps	1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)	32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
35mm jack	Unspecified	No
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	5.1, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG	USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass

Battery
Charging	33W wired Reverse wired	33W wired, 45% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wired
Type	Li-Po 20000 mAh	6000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, Orange	Gold, Black
Price	About 350 EUR	About 250 EUR

EU LABEL
Battery	499:59h endurance, 1000 cycles	-
Energy	Class B	-
Free fall	Class A (208 falls)	-
Repairability	Class C	-

Oukitel RT6

Unmatched battery life (499:59h endurance)
Exceptional battery longevity (1000 charge cycles)
Reverse wired charging for emergency power

Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
Limited performance for gaming

Doogee S99

Faster processor (Helio G96) for smoother performance
Wireless charging for added convenience
Faster charging speeds (45% in 30 minutes)

Significantly shorter battery life compared to RT6
Potentially reduced battery longevity

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the rugged focus, both likely utilize durable, scratch-resistant glass. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests a focus on practicality over premium features. Expect both to prioritize visibility in direct sunlight, a crucial feature for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature capable, but not flagship-level, camera systems. The absence of sensor size or aperture information implies a focus on versatility rather than exceptional low-light performance. Users should expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but may encounter noise and softness in challenging environments. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing feature with limited practical benefit.

Performance

The Doogee S99’s Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, featuring 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant performance leap over the Oukitel RT6’s Mediatek MT8788. The G96’s Cortex-A76 cores offer superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking. The RT6’s MT8788, with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with graphically intensive games or demanding applications. This difference translates to a more fluid user experience on the S99, particularly for gamers.

Battery Life

The Oukitel RT6’s standout feature is its exceptional battery endurance, rated at 499:59 hours. This is significantly higher than what’s typically seen in smartphones, and is further bolstered by a claimed 1000 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. The Doogee S99 offers 33W wired charging with a 45% charge in 30 minutes, and the added convenience of 15W wireless charging. While the S99’s charging speed is faster, the RT6’s sheer capacity and longevity provide a more compelling proposition for users who prioritize minimizing charging frequency. The RT6’s 33W wired charging and reverse wired charging offer similar convenience, but the focus remains on extending runtime rather than rapid replenishment.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oukitel RT6 if you need a phone that can last for days on a single charge, are frequently outdoors without access to power, or value long-term battery health. Buy the Doogee S99 if you prefer a smoother experience with more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, and appreciate the convenience of wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S99’s Helio G96 chipset experience significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?

While the Helio G96 is a capable chipset, its thermal performance in a ruggedized chassis is a concern. Without specific thermal testing data, it’s likely to experience some throttling during prolonged, demanding gaming. The RT6’s less powerful chipset will generate less heat, potentially offering more consistent performance over extended periods, albeit at a lower overall framerate.

❓ How does the 1000 charge cycle claim on the Oukitel RT6 translate to real-world battery health after two years of use?

A 1000 charge cycle rating means the battery is guaranteed to retain at least 80% of its original capacity after being fully charged and discharged 1000 times. This suggests the RT6’s battery will maintain significantly better health over the long term compared to phones with lower cycle ratings, offering a more reliable experience after two years of typical use.

❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Doogee S99 significantly slower than the 33W wired charging?

Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 33W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless to take several hours, while the wired connection can achieve a 45% charge in just 30 minutes. Wireless charging is primarily for convenience, not speed.