Umidigi Bison X10G vs Doogee S99: A Deep Dive into Rugged Performance

The rugged smartphone market offers a compelling alternative for users prioritizing durability and reliability. Both the Umidigi Bison X10G NFC and the Doogee S99 aim to deliver on this promise, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging, and the practical implications for everyday use.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user needing a dependable, affordable rugged phone, the Doogee S99 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Helio G96 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Umidigi Bison X10G’s Unisoc Tiger T310, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Bison X10G offers NFC, the S99’s overall package is more compelling.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi Bison X10G NFC 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, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 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
Announced2021. Released 20212022, December 05
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, December 05
Body
Dimensions172.1 x 83.8 x 13.1 mm (6.78 x 3.30 x 0.52 in)172 x 82 x 15.5 mm (6.77 x 3.23 x 0.61 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight--
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~69.1% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T310 (12nm)Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8300Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)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
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioWireless FM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired33W wired, 45% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wired
Type6150 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsHack BlackGold, Black
Price-About 250 EUR

Umidigi Bison X10G NFC

  • Lower price point makes it accessible.
  • Includes NFC for contactless payments.
  • Rugged design offers good protection.

  • Significantly weaker processor performance.
  • Extremely slow 10W charging.
  • Likely limited multitasking capabilities.

Doogee S99

  • Faster and more capable Mediatek Helio G96 chipset.
  • 33W fast charging with wireless and reverse charging.
  • Potentially better camera performance due to ISP.

  • Higher price compared to the Umidigi Bison X10G.
  • May not have NFC (specification not provided).
  • Rugged design may add bulk.

Display Comparison

Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Doogee S99, positioned slightly higher in the market, may benefit from a higher peak brightness for improved outdoor visibility. The absence of details like refresh rate or resolution suggests neither phone prioritizes a premium display experience, focusing instead on ruggedness and core functionality.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio G96’s image signal processor (ISP) is more capable than the Tiger T310’s, allowing for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. It’s reasonable to assume the Doogee S99 will deliver superior image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S99’s Mediatek Helio G96, built on a 12nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) offering significantly more processing power than the Umidigi Bison X10G’s Unisoc Tiger T310 (Quad-core, 1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Helio G96’s Cortex-A76 cores provide a substantial advantage in single-core performance, impacting app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The additional cores also improve multitasking capabilities. While both are 12nm, the architectural improvements in the Helio G96 translate to a smoother user experience, particularly for gaming and resource-intensive tasks. The Bison X10G will likely struggle with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but the charging capabilities reveal a significant advantage for the Doogee S99. Its 33W wired charging, capable of delivering 45% charge in 30 minutes, drastically reduces charging times compared to the Umidigi Bison X10G’s slow 10W charging. The S99 also includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wired charging, adding versatility. Even if the Bison X10G has a slightly larger battery, the S99’s faster charging mitigates any potential endurance difference, making it more convenient for users on the go.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi Bison X10G NFC if you prioritize a minimal budget and only require basic smartphone functionality – web browsing, messaging, and light app usage. Its primary benefit is affordability. Buy the Doogee S99 if you need a more responsive experience for multitasking, gaming, or demanding applications, and value faster charging speeds for minimal interruption during work or outdoor adventures. The S99 is geared towards users who actively utilize their phones for more than just communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Umidigi Bison X10G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect significantly reduced graphics settings and potential frame rate drops, especially during intense combat scenarios. The Doogee S99’s Helio G96 will provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Doogee S99 compared to the 10W charging on the Umidigi Bison X10G in real-world usage?
The difference is substantial. The Doogee S99 can gain approximately 45% charge in 30 minutes, while the Umidigi Bison X10G will likely take over 3 hours to reach a full charge. This means you can quickly top up the S99 during a short break, whereas the Bison X10G requires overnight charging for full utilization.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging feature on the Doogee S99 useful for charging accessories like Bluetooth earbuds?
Yes, the reverse wired charging feature allows you to use the Doogee S99 as a power bank for smaller devices like Bluetooth earbuds or smartwatches. While not as fast as a dedicated charger, it's a convenient option when you're away from a power outlet.
❓ Given the price difference, is the performance boost of the Doogee S99 worth the extra cost for a typical user?
For users who regularly use their phone for more than basic tasks – such as social media, streaming video, or light gaming – the performance boost of the Doogee S99 is well worth the extra investment. The smoother experience and faster charging significantly improve usability and reduce frustration.