Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro vs. Doogee S98 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user – those needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. Both the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro and the Doogee S98 Pro aim to deliver this, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and user experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Doogee S98 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G96 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Ulefone X11 Pro’s Helio G25, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the X11 Pro offers a lower entry price, the S98 Pro’s added power justifies the cost for most.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro 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, 25, 26, 281, 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 / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 eMMC 5.1-
Launch
Announced2022, September 162022, May 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 16Available. Released 2022, June 06
Body
Dimensions158.2 x 76.7 x 19.3 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.76 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight330 g (11.64 oz)320 g (11.29 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810G compliant-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~63.2% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single5 MP, f/2.2-
Triple-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
Single5 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioFM 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-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-33W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 8150 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 470 EUR

Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro

  • More affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Potentially longer battery life with conservative usage

  • Significantly slower performance
  • Likely lower-quality display
  • Slower charging speeds

Doogee S98 Pro

  • Faster and more responsive performance
  • 33W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Likely better camera system

  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
  • May be slightly bulkier due to larger battery/features

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point of the X11 Pro, it likely utilizes a lower-quality panel with lower peak brightness and narrower color gamut compared to the S98 Pro. The S98 Pro, positioned as a more premium offering, likely benefits from a more refined display experience, potentially with better outdoor visibility. Bezels are expected to be larger on the X11 Pro due to cost constraints.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the S98 Pro’s higher overall price suggests a more capable camera system. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the S98 Pro is more likely to include a larger main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), resulting in better low-light performance and sharper images. The X11 Pro likely relies on smaller sensors and digital image stabilization, compromising image quality in challenging conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone X11 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G25 is an entry-level processor built on a 12nm process, featuring an octa-core configuration with Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding applications. Conversely, the Doogee S98 Pro boasts the Helio G96, also on a 12nm process, but with a significantly more powerful CPU configuration: two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A76 cores represent a substantial architectural improvement over the A53, delivering significantly better single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the S98 Pro.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for the X11 Pro, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries. The Doogee S98 Pro’s 33W wired and 15W wireless charging capabilities provide significant convenience. The X11 Pro likely offers slower charging speeds. While a larger battery capacity on the X11 Pro might offset the S98 Pro’s more power-hungry chipset, the S98 Pro’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, minimizing downtime. The wireless charging on the S98 Pro is a significant convenience feature absent on the X11 Pro.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Power Armor X11 Pro if you need a highly affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication and light tasks, prioritizing longevity over speed. Buy the Doogee S98 Pro if you prefer a more responsive and capable device for everyday use, including moderate gaming, photography, and running multiple apps simultaneously, and value the convenience of wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Doogee S98 Pro handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G96 chipset in the Doogee S98 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with acceptable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship-level processors, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Ulefone X11 Pro’s Helio G25.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G25 and Helio G96 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio G96’s more powerful CPU cores result in faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall user experience. Everyday tasks will feel snappier on the Doogee S98 Pro compared to the Ulefone X11 Pro.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Doogee S98 Pro with the 33W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, a 33W charger should fully charge the Doogee S98 Pro from 0% to 100% in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, significantly faster than the Ulefone X11 Pro which likely supports slower charging speeds.
❓ Are both phones waterproof, and what is their IP rating?
Both phones are marketed as rugged, but the specific IP rating isn't provided. Rugged phones typically have an IP68 or IP69K rating, meaning they are dustproof and waterproof to varying degrees. Users should verify the exact IP rating for each device before exposing them to water.