Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro vs Doogee S97 Pro: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices at competitive prices. Both the Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro and the Doogee S97 Pro aim to deliver durability alongside solid performance, powered by the Mediatek Helio G95 chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on charging speeds, and overall user experience to determine which device reigns supreme.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing faster charging and the convenience of wireless charging, the Doogee S97 Pro is the better choice. While both phones share the same Helio G95 chipset, the S97 Pro’s 33W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Bison GT2 Pro’s 18W offering. However, budget-conscious buyers may find the Bison GT2 Pro a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro Doogee S97 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, 661, 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 / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced20222021, April
StatusAvailable. Released 2022Available. Released 2021, April
Body
Dimensions172.2 x 83.9 x 12.9 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.51 in)170.2 x 83.6 x 16.2 mm (6.70 x 3.29 x 0.64 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight280 g (9.88 oz)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~70.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 90HzIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 12Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaQuad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Selfie camera
Single24 MP, f/2.0, (wide)16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p
Sound
35mm jackYesUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature)Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, laser rangefinder
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired 10W wireless
Type6150 mAh8500 mAh
Misc
ColorsHack BlackBlack, Orange, Red
Price-About 300 EUR

Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged build quality
  • Helio G95 provides adequate performance

  • Slow 18W charging
  • No wireless charging
  • Limited information on display quality

Doogee S97 Pro

  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Convenient 10W wireless charging
  • Helio G95 provides adequate performance

  • Potentially higher price
  • Rugged build quality may not be significantly better
  • Limited information on display quality

Display Comparison

Both devices are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment and rugged builds. Specifics like resolution and refresh rate are not provided, but the focus here is on durability rather than display fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to contribute to drop protection. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a key differentiator, with both prioritizing visibility in bright outdoor conditions over color calibration.

Camera Comparison

Camera details beyond the main sensor are sparse. Both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, but the emphasis should be on the primary sensor's capabilities. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a direct comparison difficult. Image processing will likely be tuned for vibrant colors and enhanced contrast, common in this segment. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).

Performance

Both the Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro and the Doogee S97 Pro utilize the Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the CPU clock speeds are slightly different (2.05GHz vs 2.0GHz), the real-world performance difference will be minimal. The Helio G95 is a capable mid-range processor suitable for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Thermal management will be crucial in sustained workloads; the rugged design may limit passive cooling, potentially leading to throttling under prolonged stress. RAM configurations are not specified, but LPDDR4X is likely, impacting multitasking performance.

Battery Life

The battery capacity is not specified for either device, but rugged phones typically prioritize large batteries for extended use in the field. The key differentiator here is charging speed. The Doogee S97 Pro boasts 33W wired charging and 10W wireless charging, offering significantly faster charging times than the Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro’s 18W wired charging. A full 0-100% charge on the S97 Pro is expected to take around 90-120 minutes, while the Bison GT2 Pro will likely require over two hours. The addition of wireless charging on the S97 Pro provides added convenience, especially for users who prefer cable-free charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison GT2 Pro if you need a highly durable phone and are willing to sacrifice charging speed for a potentially lower price point. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity and infrequent charging. Buy the Doogee S97 Pro if you prefer faster charging, the added convenience of wireless charging, and a more modern charging ecosystem. This phone suits users who actively use their devices throughout the day and need quick power top-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Helio G95 in the Doogee S97 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G95 is a capable chipset, but its thermal performance in a rugged device like the S97 Pro is dependent on the cooling solution. The rugged build may limit passive cooling, potentially leading to thermal throttling during prolonged gaming. Expect playable frame rates, but not necessarily sustained peak performance.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Doogee S97 Pro with the 33W charger?
While 33W charging is faster, the actual charging time depends on several factors, including battery temperature and background processes. Expect a full 0-100% charge to take approximately 90-120 minutes under optimal conditions. The 10W wireless charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 3-4 hours.
❓ Is the ruggedness of the Bison GT2 Pro significantly better than the S97 Pro?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water. Without specific IP ratings or drop test results, it's difficult to definitively say which is more rugged. Both likely meet MIL-STD-810H standards, but the implementation and specific materials used can vary.