Ulefone RugKing vs. Doogee S96 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance over raw power, the Ulefone RugKing is the better choice. Its impressive 106-hour endurance and 1000-cycle battery life significantly outweigh the Doogee S96 Pro’s faster charging, especially for those frequently away from power outlets.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Ulefone RugKing | Doogee S96 Pro |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2025, August | 2020, October 26. Released 2020, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 15 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 173.4 x 83.4 x 18.3 mm (6.83 x 3.28 x 0.72 in) | 167 x 81.4 x 15.5 mm (6.57 x 3.20 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 397 g (14.00 oz) | 310 g (10.93 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~71.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 60Hz, 910 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7255 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 | Mali-G76 MC4 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 10 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes (126dB) | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector pins | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired 5W reverse wired | 24W wired 10W wireless |
| Type | 9600 mAh | 6350 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 106:26h endurance, 1000 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Ulefone RugKing
- Exceptional battery life (106:26h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1000 charge cycles)
- Efficient Unisoc T7255 chipset
- Less powerful CPU and GPU compared to the S96 Pro
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Doogee S96 Pro
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G90 chipset
- Faster charging (24W wired, 10W wireless)
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Shorter battery life compared to the RugKing
- Likely fewer charge cycles
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the rugged focus, both likely utilize durable, scratch-resistant glass. The S96 Pro’s chipset suggests a potential for higher refresh rates, though this isn’t confirmed. The RugKing’s focus on endurance implies a potentially more power-efficient panel, even if it lacks advanced features like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a comprehensive comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the S96 Pro will likely have superior image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, leading to better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The G90’s ISP is designed to handle higher resolution sensors and more complex algorithms. While both phones likely feature multiple cameras, the S96 Pro’s processing power allows for more advanced features like improved HDR and night mode performance. We can assume both will have a primary camera, but the S96 Pro is likely to have a more refined overall camera experience.
Performance
The Doogee S96 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G90 chipset, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a clear advantage in CPU performance over the Ulefone RugKing’s Unisoc T7255. The Cortex-A76 architecture is a step up from the RugKing’s Cortex-A75, translating to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm chips, the G90’s Mali-G76 MC4 GPU provides a more capable graphics experience, benefiting gamers. However, the Unisoc T7255 is known for its efficiency, contributing to the RugKing’s exceptional battery life.
Battery Life
The Ulefone RugKing’s 106:26h endurance is its standout feature, significantly exceeding what the Doogee S96 Pro is likely to achieve. While the S96 Pro offers faster 24W wired and 10W wireless charging, the RugKing’s longevity minimizes the need for frequent charging. The RugKing’s 1000 charge cycles also suggest a longer lifespan for the battery itself. The S96 Pro’s faster charging is beneficial for quick top-ups, but the RugKing’s endurance is more valuable for extended use away from power sources.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone RugKing if you need a phone that can reliably last for days on a single charge, and your primary use cases involve work in the field, outdoor adventures, or simply avoiding the daily charging routine. Buy the Doogee S96 Pro if you prioritize gaming and demanding applications, and are willing to trade some battery life for the more powerful Mediatek Helio G90 chipset and faster 24W charging.