Ulefone Power Armor X11 vs. Doogee S99: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but performance and features vary greatly. We pit the entry-level Ulefone Power Armor X11 against the more ambitious Doogee S99, examining how their core specifications translate into real-world usability for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone demanding a phone that can withstand harsh conditions.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Doogee S99 is the clear winner. Its Helio G96 chipset and 33W charging significantly outperform the Ulefone Power Armor X11’s Helio A22 and 10W charging, justifying the likely price difference. However, the X11 remains a viable option for basic use cases where budget is paramount.

PHONES
Phone Names Ulefone Power Armor X11 Doogee S99
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
Launch
Announced2023, June 182022, December 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 18Available. Released 2022, December 05
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)-
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
Platform
CPUQuad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 13Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesQuad-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-108 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 64 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights 16 MP, f/1.8, 130˚ (ultrawide)
Video1080p@30fps1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.232 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM 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
Charging10W33W wired, 45% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wired
TypeLi-Po 8150 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackGold, Black
PriceAbout 140 EURAbout 250 EUR

Ulefone Power Armor X11

  • Extremely affordable price point
  • Rugged build quality for basic protection
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface

  • Slow processor limits performance
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Likely lower-resolution display

Doogee S99

  • Significantly faster Helio G96 processor
  • 33W fast charging with wireless and reverse charging
  • More responsive user experience

  • Likely higher price than the Ulefone X11
  • Rugged design may be bulky
  • Potentially shorter battery life due to higher performance

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X11’s positioning, it likely features a lower-resolution panel than the S99. The S99, benefiting from a more modern chipset, likely has a display controller capable of higher refresh rates, though this isn’t confirmed. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of rugged designs prioritizing protection over aesthetics.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the S99’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. It’s reasonable to assume the S99 will have a higher-resolution main sensor, enabling more detailed photos. The X11 likely relies on basic image processing algorithms due to its limited processing power. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to provide significant photographic value.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Doogee S99’s MediaTek Helio G96, an octa-core processor with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a substantial leap over the Ulefone X11’s Helio A22. The A22’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration is designed for basic tasks, while the G96 offers significantly improved multi-tasking and gaming capabilities. This translates to smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive user experience on the S99. The G96’s architecture also benefits from improved power efficiency, despite the increased performance.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging capabilities highlight a key difference. The Doogee S99’s 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 45% charge in 30 minutes, is a game-changer for users needing quick top-ups. The inclusion of 15W wireless charging and reverse wired charging adds further convenience. The Ulefone X11’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. A larger battery on the X11 might partially offset the slower charging, but the S99’s faster charging is a more impactful benefit for most users.

Buying Guide

Buy the Ulefone Power Armor X11 if you need a supremely affordable, basic rugged phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. It’s ideal for those who prioritize extreme durability over performance. Buy the Doogee S99 if you prefer a more responsive experience, faster charging, and the ability to handle more demanding tasks like navigation, photography, and occasional gaming. It’s suited for users who actively rely on their phone throughout a workday or outdoor adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Doogee S99’s Helio G96 chipset capable of handling demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G96 is a capable mid-range processor. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should be able to run PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences, but the experience should be playable.
❓ How durable is the Ulefone Power Armor X11 compared to other rugged phones?
The Ulefone Power Armor X11 is designed to meet basic rugged standards, offering protection against dust, water, and drops. However, it likely doesn’t have the same level of certification (e.g., MIL-STD-810H) or build quality as more premium rugged phones like the Doogee S99. It’s suitable for everyday bumps and scrapes, but may not withstand extreme conditions.
❓ Does the Doogee S99 support 5G connectivity?
The MediaTek Helio G96 chipset does *not* natively support 5G connectivity. The Doogee S99 is a 4G LTE device. If 5G is a critical requirement, you'll need to consider other rugged phone options.
❓ What type of charging cable does the Ulefone Power Armor X11 use?
Given its age and price point, the Ulefone Power Armor X11 likely uses a Micro-USB charging cable. This is slower and less convenient than the USB-C port found on the Doogee S99.