Ulefone Armor X31 vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. The Ulefone Armor X31 and Doogee S96 Pro both aim to deliver resilience, but diverge in their approach to performance and power. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone offers the best balance for your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing exceptional battery endurance, the Ulefone Armor X31 is the clear winner, boasting an impressive 81:03h endurance. However, the Doogee S96 Pro offers faster charging – including wireless – and a slightly more powerful CPU, making it a better choice for those who need quicker power-ups and a bit more processing headroom.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Armor X31 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, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, April2020, October 26. Released 2020, November
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, AprilDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions173.8 x 82 x 13.7 mm (6.84 x 3.23 x 0.54 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
Weight305.5 g (10.79 oz)310 g (10.93 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nitsIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G91 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 14Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED 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)
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared lights 2 MP (macro)-
Video1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.3, (wide), 1.0µm16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, 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, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired24W wired 10W wireless
TypeLi-Po 6050 mAh6350 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Black/Orange, Black/GreenBlack, Orange, Green
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 280 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery81:03h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Ulefone Armor X31

  • Exceptional battery life (81:03h endurance)
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks
  • Potentially more efficient chipset (Helio G91)

  • Slower charging speed (18W wired)
  • No wireless charging support
  • CPU slightly less powerful than the S96 Pro

Doogee S96 Pro

  • Faster charging (24W wired, 10W wireless)
  • More powerful CPU (Helio G90 with Cortex-A76)
  • Convenience of wireless charging

  • Shorter battery life compared to the Armor X31
  • Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
  • May require more frequent charging

Display Comparison

Neither device provides display specifications in the provided data. However, given their market segment, we can expect both to utilize IPS LCD panels prioritizing durability over cutting-edge technology like OLED. Bezels are likely to be substantial for impact protection. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this price point, focusing on practical visibility rather than color-critical work.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. The primary sensor’s aperture and size will be the key differentiators, but this information is unavailable. Expect image processing to prioritize clarity and dynamic range in outdoor conditions.

Performance

The Doogee S96 Pro edges out the Ulefone Armor X31 in raw CPU power, utilizing the Mediatek Helio G90 with Cortex-A76 cores versus the Armor X31’s Helio G91 and Cortex-A75 cores. While both are 12nm chips, the A76 architecture generally offers a 10-15% performance uplift in single-core tasks. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. However, the Armor X31’s efficiency gains with the G91 may contribute to its superior battery life. Both devices will likely pair this with 6-8GB of RAM, sufficient for most rugged phone use cases.

Battery Life

The Ulefone Armor X31’s 81:03h endurance is a standout feature, significantly exceeding typical smartphone battery life. This is likely achieved through a combination of a larger battery capacity (not specified) and the efficiency of the Helio G91 chipset. The Doogee S96 Pro compensates with faster charging: 24W wired and 10W wireless. While the Armor X31 offers 18W wired charging, the S96 Pro’s wireless charging provides added convenience. A full charge on the S96 Pro will be considerably faster, but the Armor X31 will last significantly longer between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Armor X31 if you need a phone that can truly go the distance, prioritizing multi-day battery life and reliable performance for essential tasks. This is ideal for hikers, campers, or anyone working in remote locations. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prefer faster charging speeds, including the convenience of wireless charging, and require a slightly more responsive experience for moderate gaming or multitasking. This suits users who need a balance of durability and everyday usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S96 Pro’s Helio G90 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G90 is a capable chipset, but it can experience thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. While the S96 Pro’s rugged design may offer some passive cooling, it’s unlikely to match dedicated gaming phones. Expect performance to dip slightly after extended gaming, but it should remain playable.
❓ How many full charge cycles (100% to 0%) does the Ulefone Armor X31 battery support before significant degradation?
Ulefone claims the Armor X31 battery supports up to 1000 full charge cycles. This means you can fully charge and discharge the battery 1000 times with minimal capacity loss. This is a significant advantage for long-term durability and reliability.
❓ Is the 10W wireless charging on the Doogee S96 Pro fast enough for practical daily use?
10W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. It’s best suited for overnight charging or topping up the battery when a wired connection isn’t convenient. Expect a full charge via wireless to take several hours.
❓ Can either of these phones be used underwater for extended periods?
Both phones are marketed as rugged and likely possess an IP68 or IP69K rating, offering protection against dust and water immersion. However, 'extended periods' underwater are not recommended. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the precise depth and duration limits.