HomeReviewsDOOGEE R10: Affordable Rugged Tablet Review

DOOGEE R10: Affordable Rugged Tablet Review

The R10 smartphone offers an affordable option for users worldwide. It boasts a range of features, including water resistance, dual SIM capability, and the latest Android 13 operating system. However, it may have limitations in terms of cellular compatibility in the USA, making it less ideal for customers in that region.

DOOGEE R10: Affordable Rugged Tablet Review

For those outside the USA, the R10 is a robust device suitable for outdoor use and easy portability.

Pros:

FeaturesBenefits
Low CostAffordable for budget-conscious customers
Water-resistantIP68 Waterproof and IP69K
Dual SIMCapability to use two SIM cards
Android 13Latest Android operating system
High-Quality VideoSupports Widevine L1 for HD content
Ample RAM8GB RAM, ensuring smooth performance

Cons:

IssuesDetails
Limited USA Cellular CompatibilitySome restrictions on US mobile networks
Suboptimal CPU PerformanceDoesn’t fully utilize the CPU’s potential

Doogee R10: In-Depth Review

Specifications:

ComponentDescription
CPUMediaTek Helio G99 (Octa-Core, 2.0-2.2 GHz)
GPUARM Mali-G57 MC2
RAM8GB LPDDR4X
Storage128GB UFS 2.2
Screen10.36-inch IPS LCD (340 nits)
Resolution1200 x 2000
SIMDual Nano SIM + MicroSD
Weight826g
Dimensions258 x 169 x 13.5mm
Rugged SpecIP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H
Rear Cameras20MP AF Sony Sensor
Front Camera16MP Samsung Sensor
NetworkingWiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
OSAndroid 13
Battery10800mAh (18W Fast Charge)

Overview:

The Doogee R10, a 10.4-inch rugged Android 13 tablet, utilizes MediaTek’s reliable Helio G99 chipset. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, it doubles as a phone with dual SIM support. Remarkably, at just $285, it offers impressive specifications, often seen in $400 phones with the same chipset.

Camera-wise, it holds up with a 20MP Sony rear sensor and a 16MP Samsung front sensor for video calls. However, it currently lacks support for calls in Brazil, the US, and other Latin American regions, limiting its global appeal.

Strengths include its robust build, potent CPU/GPU combo, serviceable cameras, and ample 10800mAh battery with rapid 18W charging and OTG reverse charging for other devices.

Drawbacks are its limited mobile frequencies, absence of wireless charging, and a lack of specific vehicle mounts or accessories from Doogee.

In summary, the R10 offers excellent value for money, especially for European customers. However, its usability is limited in the US until Doogee releases a dedicated model for American markets.

Price and Availability:

  • Price: $285 / £227 / €264
  • Availability: Pre-order in select regions
  • Where to Buy: Amazon offers it for $259.99 with a $30 coupon and a 7% discount using code NK6SM2YA
  • Color Options: Silver and black
  • Shipping: Available in the USA, Mexico, Australia, and Canada with stock, while other countries require pre-orders with up to a 12-day shipping delay.

For a modern Android 13 tablet with the R10’s features, the asking price is exceptionally reasonable, if not a steal.

Design:

  • Durable Build: The R10’s rugged design incorporates rubberized protection throughout, enhancing durability and protection.
  • Weight: Despite its ruggedness, the tablet remains relatively lightweight at 826g, lighter than some rugged phones.
  • Screen: Featuring a 1200 x 2000 IPS display with 340 nits, it offers decent visuals, though the shiny Gorilla Glass 5 surface may pose outdoor reflection issues.
  • Ports: To maintain its IP68 and IP69K ratings, the tablet includes rubber plugs for external ports (SIM slot, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio jack). However, the plugs may wear over time.
  • Camera Placement: The single rear camera is strategically placed at the top-right rear corner, minimizing the risk of damage when placed on flat surfaces.
  • Accessories: Notably, Doogee lacks hard accessories like a dedicated vehicle mount or a cover with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard. HDMI output is also absent, but casting with a Chromecast can fill the gap.
Doogee R10: In-Depth Review

In conclusion, the R10’s design focuses on durability and functionality, making it a reliable choice for users in need of a rugged Android tablet.

The Doogee R10 combines affordability and robust performance, making it an attractive option for users, especially in Europe. However, its limited compatibility in the US may deter American customers until Doogee releases a dedicated model for their market.

Value Score: 4/5

Design Score: 4/5

DOOGEE R10: Hardware

  • Platform: Decent
  • RAM: 12GB
  • GPU: Modest
  • The MediaTek Helio G99, a mainstay in rugged phones and tablets, powers the R10. This 6nm chip features eight ARM cores (two Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz) but is somewhat hindered by the less powerful Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. Some phone makers now opt for the more robust Dimensity 900, primarily due to its Mali-G68 MP4 GPU.
DOOGEE R10: Hardware
  • The G99 handles video playback and casual gaming well but falls short in demanding 3D applications.
  • Storage-wise, the R10 comes with 128GB, though the typical configuration for this SoC is 256 GB. However, users can expand storage up to 2TB with a MicroSD card. To compensate for the storage reduction, Doogee implemented memory expansion technology, increasing RAM from 8GB to 15 GB.
DOOGEE R10: Hardware
  • The tablet boasts a range of internal sensors but lacks a barometer or NFC.
  • Apart from the storage, the R10’s hardware is well-suited for its purpose and exceeds expectations at this price point.
  • The standard 8GB RAM can be augmented by memory expansion technology, allowing an additional 7GB of storage to function as memory.

Hardware Score: 4/5

DOOGEE R10: Cameras

DOOGEE R10: Cameras
  • Two Cameras: The R10 features two cameras:
  • Rear Camera: 20MP Sony
  • Front Camera: 16MP Samsung
  • These cameras outperform the competing AGM Pad P1, delivering superior results, especially in low-light conditions.
  • The primary sensor is a 20MP Sony IMX with a maximum still image resolution of 5152 x 3864 (4:3) and video recording at 2560 x 1440.
  • The front-facing camera is a 16MP Samsung sensor capable of capturing images at a maximum resolution of 4632 x 3480 and video at 1080p.
  • While the R10’s camera sensors aren’t as impressive as some 108MP sensors found in Doogee phones, they still perform well.
  • However, the camera app lacks special shooting modes like panorama or long exposure. Oddly, video capture includes scene modes but lacks control over frame rate or slow motion at lower resolutions.
DOOGEE R10 Review: Cameras

Camera Score: 3.5/5

DOOGEE R10: Performance

  • CPU/GPU Combo: Utilizes a popular CPU and GPU combination
  • Slightly Tuned Down SoC: The Doogee R10 features the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC, slightly tuned down by Doogee, resulting in approximately 5% lower performance compared to other devices with the same chip.
  • The G99 SoC offers solid performance for everyday tasks, with most users unlikely to notice the slight performance difference.
  • However, the GPU is not ideal for intensive 3D rendering, suitable mainly for light gaming and simple applications.
  • Notably, the R10 includes Widevine L1 encryption, enabling high-resolution streaming, a feature often absent in Chinese-made phones and tablets.
  • Benchmark scores for the R10 include Geekbench, PCMark, Passmark, and 3DMark tests, indicating performance levels.
Performance

Performance Score: 3.5/5

DOOGEE R10: Battery

  • Good Battery Size: Equipped with a 10800mAh battery, matching the Doogee V30T and V30.
  • The larger battery provides extended usage compared to the AGM PAD P1 and typical $200 phones.
  • The R10 supports 18W fast charging, with a charger capable of delivering that level of power.
  • Fast charging recovers 14% of the battery capacity in just 30 minutes, with full charging estimated to take around 7 hours.
  • The larger battery contributes to the tablet’s weight (826g), but it’s a reasonable weight for a tablet, considering its robust construction.
Battery

Battery Score: 4/5

Overall Evaluation of the DOOGEE R10:

  • The R10 is a reliable, budget-friendly tablet suitable for outdoor use.
  • The MediaTek Helio G99 SoC offers ample power for most tasks, while the sensors deliver good image quality despite limited camera modes.
  • While the 128GB storage may disappoint some, the R10 compensates with memory expansion technology.
  • The tablet’s only drawback is its global design, which lacks support for all US 4G LTE bands used by certain carriers.
  • For those seeking an affordable, go-anywhere tablet, the R10 is a solid choice.

Should You Buy the DOOGEE R10?

Buy It If:

  • You need a durable tablet for outdoor activities.
  • You plan to watch videos on long trips, as the R10 offers quality streaming with Widevine L1 encryption.

Don’t Buy It If:

  • Your US carrier doesn’t support global bands, as the R10 may not work with all 4G LTE frequencies.
  • You require fast recharging, as the 18W charging isn’t exceptionally quick, and wireless charging is absent.
  • You have specific camera needs, such as panorama or slow-motion modes, which are lacking in the R10’s camera app.