Ulefone Armor X16 vs. Doogee S98 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding professionals. The Ulefone Armor X16 and Doogee S98 Pro both aim to deliver durability and performance, but they take slightly different approaches. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone offers the best value and functionality.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing maximum battery endurance and a slightly lower price point, the Ulefone Armor X16 is the better choice. However, the Doogee S98 Pro’s Helio G96 chipset and the convenience of wireless charging make it a compelling option for those who value a bit more processing power and modern features.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X16 Doogee S98 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, 32, 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
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, July2022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, JulyAvailable. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions173.8 x 83.4 x 18 mm (6.84 x 3.28 x 0.71 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight395.4 g (13.93 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 5Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 910 nits (peak)IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G91 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 15Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights 2 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights Thermal imaging camera
Video1080p@30fps1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB 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), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired 5W reverse wired33W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Ion 10360 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWasteland Shadow/Sand DuneBlack
Price-About 470 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery116:54h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X16

  • Exceptional battery endurance (116:54h)
  • Reverse wired charging capability
  • Potentially more affordable price point

  • Slightly less powerful processor
  • Lacks wireless charging

Doogee S98 Pro

  • More powerful Helio G96 chipset
  • Convenient wireless charging (15W)
  • Potentially smoother multitasking

  • Lower battery endurance compared to Ulefone
  • May be more expensive

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here will be on performance. The absence of high refresh rate or LTPO technology suggests neither phone is geared towards visually intensive tasks. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, prioritizing durability over a sleek aesthetic.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, rugged phones often prioritize practicality over photographic excellence. Both devices likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will depend heavily on sensor size and image processing. The absence of information suggests neither phone will challenge flagship camera performance. We can assume both will include a standard wide lens, and potentially an ultrawide or macro lens, though the usefulness of a 2MP macro lens is questionable.

Performance

The Doogee S98 Pro holds a slight edge in processing power thanks to its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, featuring a pair of Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, compared to the Ulefone Armor X16’s Helio G91 with Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. While both are 12nm chips, the A76 architecture generally offers better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Ulefone’s G91, however, is still a capable performer for everyday tasks. Both phones likely pair their chipsets with similar amounts of RAM, but the S98 Pro’s more modern CPU will be noticeable in demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X16 boasts an impressive 116:54h endurance rating, a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Doogee S98 Pro. While both support 33W wired charging, the Ulefone also offers 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to top up smaller devices. The Doogee S98 Pro counters with 15W wireless charging, a convenience feature the Ulefone lacks. The Ulefone’s endurance suggests a larger battery capacity, optimized for longevity, while the Doogee prioritizes charging flexibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X16 if you need a phone that can truly go the distance – its exceptional 116:54h endurance is ideal for extended trips off-grid or for users who simply dislike frequent charging. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prefer a more versatile device with faster processing for multitasking and gaming, and appreciate the added convenience of wireless charging, even if it comes at a slight cost to ultimate battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio G91 in the Ulefone Armor X16 struggle with graphically demanding games?
While not a flagship chipset, the Helio G91 is capable of running many popular games at medium settings. However, users expecting consistently high frame rates in the most demanding titles may need to lower graphics settings or accept some occasional frame drops. The G96 in the Doogee S98 Pro will offer a smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ How does the ruggedization of the Ulefone Armor X16 and Doogee S98 Pro compare in terms of drop and water resistance?
Both phones are built to withstand harsh conditions, but specific certifications (IP68, MIL-STD-810G) are needed for a precise comparison. Generally, rugged phones offer protection against drops, dust, and water immersion. The build materials and internal sealing will determine the level of protection, but both are designed to be significantly more durable than standard smartphones.
❓ 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 several hours, while wired charging will be much faster. Wireless charging is primarily about convenience, not speed.