Sonim XP5plus vs Doogee S96 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing absolute reliability and a proven track record in demanding environments, the Sonim XP5plus is the better choice. However, the Doogee S96 Pro offers a significant performance boost with its Helio G90 chipset and the convenience of fast and wireless charging, making it ideal for users who need more than just basic functionality.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Sonim XP5plus | Doogee S96 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 29, 30, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 15 | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 15 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 65.9 x 21 mm (5.85 x 2.59 x 0.83 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 275 g (9.70 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) IPX9K water ingress protection MIL-STD-810H | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~24.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Sonim OS (based on AOSP Android 11) | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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/2.8, (night vision), 4 infrared night vision lights 2 MP (macro) |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | 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, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Top-mount PTT control knobs (optional) | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, removable | 6350 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 280 EUR |
Sonim XP5plus
- Exceptional durability and drop resistance
- Proven reliability in harsh environments
- Potentially longer software support due to Sonim's focus
- Outdated processor limits performance
- Slow charging speeds
- Likely basic camera capabilities
Doogee S96 Pro
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
- More modern feature set
- Durability may not match the Sonim XP5plus
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and refresh rate are absent for both, suggesting a focus on practicality over visual fidelity. However, the lack of information suggests both likely utilize LCD panels. The emphasis is on visibility in bright sunlight and scratch resistance, rather than color accuracy or high refresh rates. Bezels are likely substantial on both to contribute to overall ruggedness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of these phones suggests the Sonim prioritizes functional imaging for documentation, while the Doogee may lean towards more consumer-focused features. The absence of high megapixel counts or advanced features like OIS suggests both phones offer competent, but not exceptional, camera performance. The Doogee’s processor advantage may allow for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but this is speculative without further data. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the Doogee is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility.
Performance
The Doogee S96 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G90 (12nm) represents a clear advantage over the Sonim XP5plus’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The G90 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the Kryo 260 Gold – offering significantly improved single-core and multi-core performance. The 12nm process node, while not as efficient as newer technologies, allows for higher clock speeds. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the Doogee. The Snapdragon 662 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications. The G90’s Mali-G76 MC4 GPU also provides a substantial graphics boost. While RAM details are missing, the chipset difference is the dominant factor.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but the Doogee S96 Pro’s 24W wired and 10W wireless charging capabilities are a significant advantage. The Sonim XP5plus likely relies on slower charging speeds. While a larger mAh rating on the Sonim might offer longer overall battery life, the Doogee’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The convenience of wireless charging on the Doogee is also a notable benefit for users who prefer cable-free charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Sonim XP5plus if you need a virtually indestructible phone for critical work environments, prioritize long-term reliability over raw speed, and require a device certified to withstand extreme temperatures and drops. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer a more modern processor for smoother multitasking and gaming, value the convenience of 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, and want a rugged phone that doesn't compromise on everyday usability.