Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal vs. Doogee S98 Pro: A Rugged Tablet Battle

The rugged tablet market is heating up, offering devices built to withstand the elements and demanding work conditions. We pit the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal, featuring the newer Mediatek Dimensity 6300, against the Doogee S98 Pro, powered by the Helio G96, to determine which tablet delivers the best blend of performance, durability, and features for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers a noticeable efficiency advantage over the Doogee S98 Pro’s 12nm Helio G96, translating to less throttling during intensive tasks. However, the Doogee S98 Pro’s wireless charging is a compelling feature for some.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal Doogee S98 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA-
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, September2022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions261.7 x 166.8 x 14.3 mm (10.30 x 6.57 x 0.56 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight834.5 g (1.84 lb)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~225 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size10.36 inches, 305.5 cm2 (~70.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm Thermal camera by ThermoVue, 160x120 px, 25Hz, 12μm-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal imaging camera
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single32 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 0.8µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesUnspecified
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG, magnetic connectorUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), gyro, accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired 5W reverse wired33W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 11800 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 460 EURAbout 470 EUR

Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal

  • More efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset for better performance and battery life.
  • Likely superior thermal management due to the 6nm process.
  • Potential for future software updates and support.

  • Lacks wireless charging.
  • Display specifications are unknown, potentially lagging behind competitors.

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Convenient 15W wireless charging.
  • Established market presence and potentially lower price.
  • May have a slightly more refined software experience due to longer availability.

  • Less efficient Helio G96 chipset leading to potential throttling.
  • Older chipset may receive fewer software updates.
  • 12nm process generates more heat.

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal's focus on 'Ultra' features, it's reasonable to expect a higher resolution and potentially brighter panel than the S98 Pro. The S98 Pro, being an older model, likely utilizes a standard LCD panel. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates for power saving.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning of rugged tablets suggests both will prioritize durability over cutting-edge camera technology. We can assume both devices will feature a primary camera, likely around 48MP or higher, but image quality will heavily depend on sensor size, lens aperture, and software processing. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) would be a significant advantage, but is not specified for either device. The 2MP macro cameras often found on these devices are generally of limited practical use.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone’s Dimensity 6300 (6nm) boasts a more modern architecture and smaller fabrication process compared to the Doogee’s Helio G96 (12nm). This translates to significantly improved power efficiency. While both CPUs feature a similar core configuration – 2x Cortex-A76 and 6x Cortex-A55 – the Dimensity 6300’s newer design and 6nm process will deliver superior single-core and multi-core performance, especially under sustained load. The 6nm node allows for higher transistor density and lower voltage operation, reducing heat generation and minimizing performance throttling. This benefits users engaged in prolonged gaming or resource-intensive applications.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer 33W wired charging, providing a reasonable charging speed. However, the Doogee S98 Pro adds 15W wireless charging, a convenience feature the Ulefone lacks. While battery capacity isn't specified, the Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency in the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal will likely result in longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity battery to the Doogee. The 6nm process allows the Ulefone to extract more usage from each mAh.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal if you need a tablet for demanding tasks like CAD, video editing, or extended gaming sessions where sustained performance and thermal management are critical. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prioritize convenience features like wireless charging and are primarily focused on everyday tasks, media consumption, and lighter workloads where the Helio G96 will suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Ulefone Armor Pad 4 Ultra Thermal struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Dimensity 6300 is a capable chipset, but Genshin Impact is notoriously demanding. While it will likely run, expect to use medium settings for a consistently smooth experience. The 6nm process and improved thermal management will help mitigate throttling compared to the Doogee S98 Pro, allowing for longer gaming sessions.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Doogee S98 Pro significantly slower than the 33W wired charging?
Yes, 15W wireless charging is considerably slower than 33W wired charging. Expect a full charge via wireless to take over 3 hours, while wired charging will achieve 0-100% in approximately 1.5-2 hours. However, wireless charging offers convenience for topping up without needing a cable.
❓ Which tablet is better suited for use in direct sunlight?
Without display brightness specifications, it's difficult to say definitively. However, rugged tablets generally prioritize high brightness levels for outdoor visibility. We would expect both to perform adequately, but a higher peak brightness (if available on the Ulefone) would provide a clearer image in direct sunlight.