Sonim XP10 vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The Sonim XP10 and Doogee S96 Pro both target the rugged smartphone market, but cater to slightly different needs. The Sonim prioritizes extreme durability and reliable connectivity, while the Doogee S96 Pro leans towards offering a more gaming-focused experience within a robust package. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best value for your specific requirements.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing unwavering durability and 5G connectivity for essential work tasks, the Sonim XP10 is the superior choice. However, the Doogee S96 Pro offers a more compelling multimedia experience and faster wired charging for those who value gaming and entertainment alongside ruggedness.

PHONES
Phone Names Sonim XP10 Doogee S96 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
5G bands2, 5, 14, 25, 30, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, December 022020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, Q1Discontinued
Body
Dimensions161 x 77.5 x 16.4 mm (6.34 x 3.05 x 0.65 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
Weight320 g (11.29 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~439 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~62.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgradesAndroid 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide)-
FeaturesLED 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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (100dB+)Yes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, magnetic connector pinsUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/mc, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
ChargingWireless charging24W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh, removable6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 500 EURAbout 280 EUR

Sonim XP10

  • 5G Connectivity for faster data speeds
  • More efficient 8nm Snapdragon 480 chipset
  • Wireless Charging Convenience

  • Slower charging speeds compared to Doogee
  • Potentially less gaming performance

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Faster 24W Wired Charging
  • Helio G90 optimized for gaming
  • 10W Wireless Charging

  • Less efficient 12nm Helio G90 chipset
  • Lacks 5G connectivity

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details are missing, but given the rugged focus, expect both to prioritize durability over peak brightness or color accuracy. The absence of LTPO technology suggests neither offers adaptive refresh rates for power saving. Bezels are likely substantial on both to further protect the screen.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited, but the focus should be on practicality rather than flagship-level photography. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Doogee S96 Pro’s inclusion of 24W wired charging suggests a more modern feature set, potentially extending to image processing capabilities. The Sonim XP10 likely prioritizes reliable image capture in challenging conditions, while the Doogee may offer more creative modes.

Performance

The Sonim XP10’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) and the Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 (12nm) represent different design philosophies. While the Helio G90 features a slightly higher clocked Cortex-A76 CPU (2.0 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the Snapdragon 480 benefits from a more efficient 8nm process. This translates to potentially better thermal management under sustained load for the Sonim, despite the Doogee’s dedicated gaming focus. The Snapdragon 480 also unlocks 5G connectivity, a significant advantage for users needing fast mobile data in remote locations. The Doogee's Helio G90, however, is optimized for gaming, potentially offering a smoother experience in graphically intensive titles.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified, but the charging capabilities reveal a key difference. The Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired charging is significantly faster than the Sonim XP10’s wireless charging. While the Sonim offers the convenience of wireless charging, the Doogee will replenish its battery much quicker when a power outlet is available. The Doogee also supports 10W wireless charging, offering some flexibility. The real-world impact hinges on battery size, but the Doogee’s faster charging is a clear advantage for users who frequently drain their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Sonim XP10 if you need a virtually indestructible phone for demanding work environments, reliable push-to-talk functionality, and long-term software support. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling mobile gaming, benefit from faster 24W wired charging, and appreciate a slightly more modern chipset for general app performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Sonim XP10 struggle with demanding applications beyond basic productivity?
The Snapdragon 480 is a capable processor for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. However, it's not designed for intensive gaming or video editing. Users prioritizing these activities will likely find the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 a better fit, despite its less efficient process node.
❓ Does the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 chipset tend to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G90 is known to generate more heat than some other mid-range chipsets. While Doogee likely implemented thermal management solutions, prolonged gaming at maximum settings could lead to throttling, reducing performance to prevent overheating. The Sonim XP10’s more efficient Snapdragon 480 is less prone to this issue.
❓ Is the lack of 5G on the Doogee S96 Pro a significant drawback in 2024?
The absence of 5G on the Doogee S96 Pro is a notable omission, especially as 5G coverage expands. For users in areas with reliable 5G networks, the Sonim XP10’s 5G connectivity offers a substantial speed advantage for downloads, streaming, and online applications.