The rugged smartphone market is booming, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. The Oukitel WP26 and Doogee S99 represent compelling options in this space, but they take different approaches to performance and features. This comparison breaks down the key differences between the Helio P90-powered WP26 and the Helio G96-equipped S99, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Doogee S99 emerges as the better choice. While both phones prioritize durability, the S99’s Helio G96 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the WP26’s Helio P90, coupled with the convenience of 33W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. This makes it ideal for users who demand responsiveness and quick power-ups.
| 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 | LTE | 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, June | 2022, December 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, December 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
20 MP, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
2 MP (macro) | 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 | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | 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 | Yes | 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 | - | 33W wired, 45% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 10000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Gold, Black |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Oukitel WP26
- Potentially lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Likely large battery capacity
- Older Helio P90 chipset
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
- No wireless charging
Doogee S99
- More powerful Helio G96 chipset
- 33W fast charging with 45% in 30min
- 15W wireless charging and reverse wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- Rugged design may add bulk
- Camera performance may not be flagship-level
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here will likely be on durability rather than display quality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to contribute to shock absorption. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a primary focus for either manufacturer.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a precise comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones often prioritize practicality over photographic excellence. We can assume both will feature a multi-camera setup, but image quality will likely depend more on software processing than cutting-edge sensors. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and apertures suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick, offering limited real-world value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S99’s MediaTek Helio G96, featuring 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents an architectural improvement over the Oukitel WP26’s Helio P90 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A76 cores in the G96 offer better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the G96’s newer architecture provides a performance edge. The WP26’s higher clock speed on the A75 cores doesn’t fully compensate for the architectural advantage of the G96. Users who play graphically intensive games or frequently switch between apps will see a tangible benefit from the S99.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries for extended use in the field. The Doogee S99 gains a significant advantage with its 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 45% charge in 30 minutes. This is a substantial improvement over the likely slower charging speeds of the WP26. The addition of 15W wireless charging and reverse wired charging on the S99 further enhances its convenience, allowing for flexible charging options and the ability to charge other devices on the go. While a larger battery capacity on the WP26 could offset the S99’s faster charging, the convenience of quick top-ups favors the Doogee.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP26 if you prioritize a lower price point and are comfortable with slightly less processing power for everyday tasks. It’s a solid option for basic communication and light usage. Buy the Doogee S99 if you need a more responsive experience for gaming, multitasking, or running demanding applications, and if fast and wireless charging are important to you. It’s the better choice for power users and those who rely on their phone throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S99’s Helio G96 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G96 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to make some compromises on graphics settings. While it’s not a flagship-level gaming chip, it offers a noticeable improvement over the Helio P90, allowing for playable frame rates at medium to high settings. Thermal management will be key; prolonged gaming sessions may lead to some throttling.
❓ How durable are these phones, and what kind of protection do they offer against drops and water?
Both the Oukitel WP26 and Doogee S99 are designed to be rugged, but specific certifications (IP68, MIL-STD-810G) aren’t provided. Expect them to withstand drops from reasonable heights and be resistant to dust and water immersion. However, the level of protection can vary, so it’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s specifications for detailed information.
❓ Does the Doogee S99’s 33W charging significantly reduce battery degradation over time compared to slower charging?
While faster charging can theoretically contribute to slightly increased battery degradation over the long term, the difference is often negligible with modern battery management systems. The convenience of quickly topping up the Doogee S99’s battery outweighs the minimal potential impact on battery lifespan.
