Ulefone Armor 3WT vs Doogee S96 Pro: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Ulefone Armor 3WT and Doogee S96 Pro aim to deliver on that promise, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dives deep into the performance and feature sets of each device, helping you determine which one best suits your demanding lifestyle.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Doogee S96 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G90 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the Armor 3WT’s Helio P70, and the inclusion of wireless charging adds convenience. However, the Armor 3WT remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor 3WT Doogee S96 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, September2020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions164.8 x 79.2 x 18.2 mm (6.49 x 3.12 x 0.72 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
Weight373.7 g (13.33 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant External antenna-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~424 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~64.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie)Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-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)
Single21 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.4", 1.12µm, PDAF-
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.1, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioStereo FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, coulombmeterFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired24W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Po 10300 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange, Green
Price-About 280 EUR

Ulefone Armor 3WT

  • More affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Reliable for basic smartphone tasks

  • Outdated Helio P70 chipset
  • Slower charging speed (18W)
  • Limited gaming performance

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Powerful Helio G90 chipset
  • Faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging
  • Improved gaming and multitasking capabilities

  • Higher price compared to the Armor 3WT
  • Rugged design may be bulky
  • Potentially more complex repair process

Display Comparison

Neither Ulefone nor Doogee provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. However, the focus on ruggedness suggests both likely utilize IPS LCD panels for durability. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected in this segment. The real-world impact is similar viewing experiences, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over color accuracy or smoothness.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but the focus in this segment is rarely on photographic excellence. Both phones likely feature a primary sensor paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the G90’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance on the Doogee S96 Pro. The absence of detailed information suggests neither phone will compete with mainstream smartphone cameras.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S96 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G90 utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores, a significant architectural improvement over the Cortex-A73 cores found in the Ulefone Armor 3WT’s Helio P70. The G90’s CPU offers a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsive app loading and general usability. Furthermore, the G90’s Mali-G76 MP4 GPU provides a substantial advantage in graphics processing, making it the better choice for gaming. The Armor 3WT’s P70 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with graphically intensive applications. The 12nm process node is shared between both chips, so thermal throttling potential is similar, but the G90 will likely reach higher sustained performance before throttling.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn't specified, the Doogee S96 Pro gains a significant advantage with its 24W wired charging and 10W wireless charging capabilities. The Ulefone Armor 3WT is limited to 18W wired charging. This translates to faster top-ups for the S96 Pro, reducing downtime. Wireless charging adds convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging. The faster charging speed of the Doogee S96 Pro is a tangible benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor 3WT if you need a highly durable phone on a strict budget and don't require demanding gaming or intensive multitasking. It's ideal for basic communication and essential apps in harsh environments. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize performance for gaming, streaming, or productivity, and value the convenience of wireless charging. This phone is better suited for users who push their devices to the limit while working or adventuring outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G90 is a powerful chipset, its 12nm process node means it can generate heat under sustained load. The rugged design of the S96 Pro likely incorporates heat dissipation features, but some throttling is possible during extended gaming. However, it will still offer a significantly better gaming experience than the Armor 3WT.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Ulefone Armor 3WT slow compared to modern smartphones?
Yes, 18W charging is relatively slow compared to the 30W+ charging found on many contemporary smartphones. Expect a longer charging time to reach 100%, potentially taking over 2.5 hours. This is a trade-off for the ruggedized design and lower price point.
❓ Can either of these phones be used with wet hands or submerged in water?
Both phones are advertised as rugged, offering protection against water and dust (typically IP68 or IP69K). However, the degree of water resistance varies. While they can likely withstand splashes and brief submersion, prolonged exposure to water or submersion beyond the specified depth is not recommended.
❓ What type of SIM cards do these phones support?
Rugged phones often prioritize versatility. Both the Ulefone Armor 3WT and Doogee S96 Pro likely support dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), allowing users to use two different phone numbers simultaneously. Check the official specifications for precise details.