Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra vs. Doogee S99: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8020 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power over the Doogee S99’s Helio G96. However, the Doogee S99 remains a compelling option for those seeking a capable rugged phone at a lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Walkie-talkie | 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, April | 2022, December 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April | Available. Released 2022, December 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 179 x 83 x 25.5 mm (7.05 x 3.27 x 1.00 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 | 609 g (1.34 lb) | - |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~73.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 200 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, PDAF 8 MP, (telephoto), 3.2x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide) 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights | - |
| 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, gyro, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 120W wired 33W wireless (via docking station with pins) Reverse wired | 33W wired, 45% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 15600 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Gold, Black |
| Price | About 600 EUR | About 250 EUR |
Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra Walkie-talkie
- Significantly faster processor with the Dimensity 8020
- Ultra-fast 120W wired charging
- Wireless charging support (33W)
- Likely superior camera performance
- Potentially higher price point
- Larger size and weight due to advanced features
Doogee S99
- More affordable price
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Rugged build quality
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower processor (Helio G96)
- Slower charging speeds (33W wired, 15W wireless)
- Potentially lower camera quality
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Armor 26 Ultra's positioning as a premium device, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the S99. The S99, being a more budget-oriented option, likely prioritizes durability over display fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, given the rugged design constraints.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the Armor 26 Ultra’s premium positioning suggests a more advanced camera system. The chipset’s image signal processor (ISP) on the Dimensity 8020 is also more capable than the G96’s, enabling better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. It's reasonable to assume the Armor 26 Ultra will offer superior low-light performance and more detailed images. The S99 likely focuses on providing a functional camera for basic documentation.
Performance
The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Doogee S99’s Helio G96 (12nm). The Dimensity 8020’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.6 GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance than the G96’s Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05 GHz. The 6nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling under sustained load. This means the Armor 26 Ultra will handle demanding applications and games with greater ease and maintain higher frame rates for longer periods. The G96 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive games or multitasking.
Battery Life
The Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra’s 120W wired charging is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast top-ups. While the Doogee S99’s 33W charging with a 45% charge in 30 minutes is respectable, it pales in comparison. The Armor 26 Ultra also offers 33W wireless charging via a docking station, a feature absent on the S99. While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the faster charging speeds of the Armor 26 Ultra mitigate the impact of a potentially smaller battery, offering more convenient power management.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor 26 Ultra if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like mobile gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously, and if fast charging is a priority. Buy the Doogee S99 if you prefer a more affordable rugged device for essential communication, navigation, and basic photography, and are less concerned with top-tier performance.