Doogee S98 Unveiling Features Pricing and Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The Doogee S98 is notable for its rugged design, characteristic of the company's S-series. The phone is built to withstand harsh environments and heavy use, thanks in part to the robust materials and its IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810G certifications, making it resistant to water, dust, and shock. Measuring 172 x 82 x 15.5 mm and weighing in at 320 grams, it's clear that the phone is built for durability and not necessarily for lightweight portability. This makes it the ideal device for outdoor enthusiasts or professionals working in demanding conditions.

Display

The device boasts a 6.3-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, offering a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.1%. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which adds an extra layer of durability against scratches and drops. With a peak brightness of 500 nits, the screen is capable of maintaining decent visibility even under direct sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor use.

Performance

Under the hood, the Doogee S98 is powered by the Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU comprised of two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The Mali-G57 MC2 GPU handles the graphics duties. This combination ensures that the device can handle a variety of tasks, from everyday usage to moderately demanding gaming, with relative ease.

Memory and Storage

The device comes equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, which should suffice for most users' needs, allowing for efficient multitasking and storage of substantial data. Moreover, the presence of a dedicated microSDXC slot provides the option to expand storage further, a useful feature for those who have extensive storage requirements.

Camera Capabilities

The Doogee S98 features a versatile triple camera setup on the rear, with a main 64 MP wide lens equipped with PDAF for faster focusing, an 8 MP ultrawide lens with a 130-degree field of view for capturing more in each shot, and a unique 20 MP night vision camera with two infrared lights, enabling the capture of high-quality images in complete darkness. Additionally, the camera offers features like dual-LED flash, HDR, and panorama mode, supporting video recording up to 1440p and 1080p resolutions. The front-facing camera is a 16 MP wide lens, suitable for selfies and video calls, with video capabilities up to 1080p.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Doogee S98 is its massive 6000 mAh battery, which promises extended usage periods without the frequent need for recharging—an essential factor for users in remote or outdoor environments. Charging is supported via a 33W wired charger, which should restore the battery level efficiently, while 15W wireless charging provides convenient charging options without cables.

Operating System

The device operates on Android 12, offering a modern, smooth, and efficient user interface with improved privacy and security features. This OS version also supports the latest apps and services, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date user experience.

Connectivity and Other Features

For connectivity, the Doogee S98 supports GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring broad compatibility and fast mobile data speeds. The phone is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC for various connectivity needs. It also includes GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO for accurate location tracking. Additional features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. The device also offers USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support for connecting peripherals.

Pricing and Availability

Launched in March 2022, the Doogee S98 is readily available in the market. The price point of approximately 350 EUR positions it as a competitive option within the rugged smartphone category, offering substantial bang for the buck given its feature set and durability.

Conclusion

Overall, the Doogee S98 stands out as a competent rugged smartphone, balancing performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and connectivity in a durable package. Its feature-rich setup makes it an excellent choice for adventurous users and professionals needing a reliable device that can withstand the rigors of demanding environments.