Rugged phones get a bad rap.
However, there are a few caveats.
And the performance, while good, doesnt match up to other mid-tier phones.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
But somehow, it manages to run some of the most taxing games surprisingly well.
As someone whos wrecked a phone or two in her life, Im a fan of the phones bulk.
Its a sign of its innate toughness.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
The phone has IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD 810 ratings.
That means the phone is waterproof and dustproof.
Its also drop-proof and can withstand falls from 5.9 feet (1.8 meters).
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
It even has covers over the USB-C port to prevent water or dust from getting in.
The display is made of Corning Gorilla Glass to prevent scratches.
Admittedly, that added protection does add quite a bit of bulk.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
The 7.1 x 3.23 x 0.63-inch gadget weighs in at a chunky 12.9 ounces.
The centerpiece of the design is what Doogee calls a sub-screen.
The 1.3-inch circular AMOLED mini display is flanked on both sides by four chambers that house the camera sensors.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
The phone continues the mecha-look with four prominent screws running down the sides.
The USB-C charging port sits at the bottom of the phone, hidden beneath a rubber gasket.
A teardrop camera protrudes ever so slightly into the top of the display.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
The screen isnt as bright as thePixel 9, but I had no problem reading articles in direct sunlight.
Doogee also included a barebones Game Mode that aggregates all your games and disables notifications.
Lets talk about the sub-screen.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
Its a really useful way to interact with certain apps and phone functions without engaging with the main display.
Doogee S200 Review: UI and Performance
Unlike other Android phones, Doogee runs stock AndroidAndroid 14.
It should be noted that the smartphone is listed with 32GB of RAM.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
Theres a Protractor, Plumb Bob, and Level.
Doogee S200 Review: Camera
Doogee outfitted the S200 with an impressive gathering of cameras and features.
The main shooter is 100MP with a 20MP night vision camera and a 2MP macro sensor.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
The pictures I captured had good color, but the details can sometimes be fuzzy.
The layers of wasp nest l took on a cloudy day arent as sharp as I expected.
The same goes for a bouquet of glitter-dipped roses.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
But my favorite shots by far are the night vision shots.
Thats right, night vision.
I really like how many camera modes the S200 offers.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
But I was missing the option to hit wide or ultrawide shots.
But Doogee, I have a bone to pick with you.
I thought it meant that the S200 has wireless charging capabilities.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
Then I thought it was NFC, but thats not it.
Doogee S200 Review: Verdict
Should you buy the Doogee S200?
The S200 has a lot going for itself.
©Photo: Sherri L. Smith/DreamSmith LLC
Its super rugged and durable, has great performance, and even better battery life.
The rear sub-screen adds some convenient functionality, and man, that Night Vision is just cool.
And you really cant beat that price.
©Photo: Adriano Contreras/Gizmodo
But Im not sure how many people would willingly settle for 4G in a 5G era.
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