The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. We pit the Oukitel WP28, a value-focused option, against the Doogee S96 GT, which boasts a more powerful chipset and faster charging, to determine which delivers the best blend of durability and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Doogee S96 GT is the clear winner. Its Helio G95 chipset and 24W wired/15W wireless charging capabilities provide a smoother experience and quicker power-ups. However, the Oukitel WP28 remains a viable option for those on a tighter budget.
| 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July | 2022, October 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Available. Released 2022, October 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | - | 167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide)
20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K, 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, (ultrawide), AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 24W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 10600 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Black, Orange, Gold |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 340 EUR |
Oukitel WP28
- Potentially lower price point
- Rugged build quality
- Focus on essential functionality
- Likely weaker performance
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited chipset information
Doogee S96 GT
- Powerful Helio G95 chipset
- Faster 24W wired and 15W wireless charging
- Enhanced image processing
- Potentially higher price
- May prioritize performance over ultimate battery life
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the market positioning, the Doogee S96 GT likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially a higher refresh rate. Oukitel typically focuses on durability, potentially sacrificing some display fidelity. Expect both to utilize IPS LCD technology given the rugged focus, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over OLED's perfect blacks.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Oukitel WP28, a comprehensive comparison is challenging. The Doogee S96 GT’s camera system, while not specified beyond the chipset, benefits from the G95’s image signal processor (ISP). This ISP enhances image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. It's reasonable to assume the S96 GT will offer superior image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; focusing on the main sensor's quality is more crucial.
Performance
The Doogee S96 GT’s Mediatek Helio G95 (12nm) chipset represents a significant performance advantage over the Oukitel WP28, which lacks chipset information. The G95’s octa-core configuration, with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers substantially better CPU and GPU performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 12nm process node, while not the most advanced, offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency. The WP28, lacking a specified chipset, likely relies on a more basic processor suitable for everyday tasks but struggling with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Doogee S96 GT’s 24W wired charging and 15W wireless charging capabilities provide a significant advantage over the Oukitel WP28’s 18W wired charging. This faster charging speed reduces downtime and allows for quicker top-ups. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the faster charging of the S96 GT mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery. Wireless charging on the S96 GT adds convenience, a feature absent on the WP28.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel WP28 if you need a highly durable phone for basic tasks and aren't concerned with demanding gaming or intensive applications. It's ideal for construction workers, hikers needing a reliable backup, or anyone prioritizing longevity over peak performance. Buy the Doogee S96 GT if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling mobile gaming, streaming, and multitasking without significant slowdown, and if faster charging – including wireless – is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Doogee S96 GT’s Helio G95 chipset get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G95 is known for its decent thermal performance, but sustained gaming will inevitably generate heat. Doogee likely incorporates thermal management solutions within the S96 GT’s rugged chassis to mitigate throttling. However, users should expect some performance reduction after prolonged, intensive gaming.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 GT significantly faster than standard wireless charging?
15W wireless charging is faster than the typical 5W-10W wireless charging found on many smartphones. While not as rapid as wired charging, it offers a convenient way to top up the battery without needing a cable. Expect a full charge via wireless to take several hours, but it's ideal for overnight charging.
❓ How durable is the Oukitel WP28 compared to other rugged phones?
Oukitel is a well-established brand in the rugged phone space, and the WP28 is built to withstand drops, dust, and water immersion. While specific certifications (IP68, MIL-STD-810G) aren't provided, it's reasonable to expect a robust construction capable of handling demanding environments. However, the Doogee S96 GT likely offers a similar or higher level of durability.
