The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user – those needing a device that can withstand drops, dust, and water. Both the Ulefone Armor X7 and Doogee S59 Pro aim to deliver this durability at an accessible price point. However, they differ significantly in internal hardware, impacting performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value for demanding environments.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and faster charging, the Doogee S59 Pro is the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, with its octa-core configuration running at 2.0 GHz, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Ulefone Armor X7’s quad-core Helio A20. While both are entry-level, the S59 Pro’s 24W charging also offers a more convenient user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, March 19 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 150 x 78.9 x 14.6 mm (5.91 x 3.11 x 0.57 in) | 161 x 80.2 x 18.3 mm (6.34 x 3.16 x 0.72 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 234 g (8.25 oz) | 340 g (11.99 oz) |
| | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2 m
MIL-STD-810G compliant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~63.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (macro), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Ulefone Armor X7
- Lower price point makes it highly accessible.
- Rugged design provides essential drop and water resistance.
- Sufficient for basic communication and light tasks.
- Significantly slower performance due to the Helio A20 chipset.
- Likely slower charging speeds.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Doogee S59 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Helio P22.
- 24W wired charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming.
- Higher price compared to the Ulefone Armor X7.
- Rugged design may add bulk.
- Camera quality likely remains basic.
Display Comparison
Neither Ulefone nor Doogee provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The lack of information prevents a direct comparison of brightness or color accuracy. However, rugged phones often prioritize durability over display quality, so expectations should be tempered. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices to contribute to shock absorption.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a camera comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards functional photography rather than high-end image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, as image quality from such sensors is typically poor. The primary sensor’s size and aperture would be the key determinants of image quality, but this data is unavailable. Image processing capabilities, also unknown, will further influence the final results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S59 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762) is a significant step up from the Ulefone Armor X7’s Helio A20 (MT6761). The P22’s octa-core Cortex-A53 configuration clocked at 2.0 GHz provides substantially more processing power than the A20’s quad-core setup at 1.8 GHz. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the S59 Pro. While both use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the increased core count and clock speed of the P22 offer a tangible performance advantage. The S59 Pro will handle more demanding applications and light gaming with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Doogee S59 Pro’s 24W wired charging is a clear advantage. Faster charging significantly reduces downtime, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery when access to power is limited – a crucial benefit for those relying on their phones in remote locations. The Ulefone Armor X7 likely supports standard 10W or 15W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Armor X7 if you need a supremely budget-friendly rugged phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and aren't concerned with demanding performance. Buy the Doogee S59 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and appreciate the convenience of faster 24W wired charging, even if it means a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee S59 Pro’s Helio P22 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don’t anticipate a smooth, high-fidelity experience. The Ulefone Armor X7’s Helio A20 will struggle significantly with demanding games.
❓ How important is the 24W charging on the Doogee S59 Pro for a rugged phone user?
Extremely important. Rugged phone users often operate in environments where access to power is limited. 24W charging allows for a much faster replenishment of the battery, minimizing downtime and ensuring the phone is ready when needed. The slower charging of the Ulefone Armor X7 could be a significant inconvenience in such scenarios.
❓ Are either of these phones easily repairable if the screen cracks?
Repairability for rugged phones is generally more complex than standard smartphones due to the reinforced construction and sealing. While DIY repair kits exist, professional repair is recommended to maintain the phone’s water and dust resistance. Neither Ulefone nor Doogee are known for providing extensive self-repair resources.
