Doogee S200: The rugged smartphone built like a tank with tech to match

Doogee includes a 33W charger in the box, which recharges the battery quickly.
Doogee S200: The rugged smartphone built like a tank with tech to match

S200 Pictures: Rugged Doogee Doogee Smartphone

The Doogee S200 sets a new benchmark for rugged smartphones, combining military-grade durability with advanced technology to cater to adventurous users and those who prioritise endurance above all else. This isn’t a device for those who favour a stylish and sleek smartphone, but for anyone who values exceptional battery life, the extra weight and size might be a worthwhile trade-off.

Design

The Doogee S200 has IP69 and IP69K ratings. Picture: Doogee.
The Doogee S200 has IP69 and IP69K ratings. Picture: Doogee.

The S200 boasts a Mecha-inspired design that features an industrial aesthetic complete with visible screws. You might mistake it for having a rugged case pre-installed, but the phone itself is the case, designed to endure significant wear and tear. Not only does it look tough, but it also feels exceptionally solid in hand. Doogee has prioritised durability with this device, constructing it from aerospace-grade aluminium. The S200 is MIL-STD-810H certified and boasts IP69 and IP69K ratings, making it resistant to water, dust, humidity, and drops from multiple angles.

At 368g, the S200 is undeniably bulky, and its industrial look won’t appeal to everyone. However, those who prioritise toughness over sleekness will appreciate its rugged charm.

Dual screen technology

The main display is an LCD IPS 6.72-inch panel, while the circular display on the back is a 1.32-inch AMOLED Picture: Doogee.
The main display is an LCD IPS 6.72-inch panel, while the circular display on the back is a 1.32-inch AMOLED Picture: Doogee.

The S200 features a dual-screen setup that adds versatility to its functionality. The primary 6.72-inch IPS display delivers sharp visuals and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing a good user experience. However, it’s not an OLED panel, so it doesn’t achieve the vibrant colours or brightness levels of higher-end screens.

The secondary 1.32-inch display on the back is a circular, watch-style shape. It provides quick access to essential functions such as battery status, notifications, media controls, and a calendar, and it can also be used as a viewfinder for the rear camera — handy for taking selfies using the primary camera. You can customise the clock face by holding down on the rear display, but oddly, there are no options to adjust it in the system settings. Neither display supports an always-on mode despite the rear screen being AMOLED.

Camera

The primary camera on the rear has a 100MP sensor. Picture: Doogee.
The primary camera on the rear has a 100MP sensor. Picture: Doogee.

The S200’s 100MP main camera delivers respectable results for a rugged smartphone. Doogee’s Morpho Imaging Algorithm ensures sharp, primarily vibrant images, while AI scene recognition optimises settings for a seamless point-and-shoot experience.

The phone also offers unique features like underwater photography up to 1.5m, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The 20MP Night Vision mode excels in low-light conditions using an IR lamp, and 4K video recording captures high-resolution footage with clarity.

On the downside, the camera setup lacks an ultra-wide lens, and the maximum digital zoom is capped at 4x. The 2MP macro lens is underwhelming and offers limited usefulness.

Performance

The Doogee S200 comes in grey or silver. Picture: Doogee.
The Doogee S200 comes in grey or silver. Picture: Doogee.

Under the hood, the S200 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 octa-core processor, making it the first 5G phone in the Doogee S series. This 6nm chipset provides solid performance for everyday tasks while maintaining energy efficiency. However, it’s not a powerhouse for demanding gaming, although it handles light games without issue.

With 32GB of DDR5 RAM (12GB physical and 20GB extended) and 256GB of internal storage, the S200 easily manages multitasking and provides ample space for apps, media, and files. A microSD card slot allows for additional storage expansion, a welcome feature.

The device also supports Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast data transfers and smooth streaming, while 5G connectivity offers blazing internet speeds for supported networks.

Battery

One key reason for the S200’s hefty weight is its massive 10,100mAh battery, which delivers exceptional endurance. Whether for extended outdoor activities or heavy multitasking, the battery ensures the phone lasts well beyond a couple of days.

Doogee includes a 33W charger in the box, which recharges the battery quickly. The S200 also supports reverse charging, making it useful for powering other devices in emergencies.

Software

Running on Android 14, the S200 benefits from a modern operating system that enhances performance, energy efficiency, and customisation. Overall, the software feels intuitive and responsive.

However, Doogee’s history of inconsistent software updates might be a concern. While the phone launches with Android 14, you shouldn’t expect updates to newer Android versions.

Verdict

The Doogee S200 is built like a tank, making it an excellent choice for those who value durability and ruggedness. While its cameras, display, and performance don’t rival flagship devices, they are more than adequate for its target audience.

€385 Doogee 

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