It’s hard to deny DOOGEE’s originality. The company strives to diversify its smartphone lineup to the fullest, evident in both design and specifications. Today, we are reviewing the DOOGEE S Punk, a rugged phone that sits on the border between the lower and mid-price segments.
DOOGEE claims that this phone “will change users’ perceptions of the audiovisual experience, and with its revolutionary features and cyberpunk-inspired aesthetics, the S Punk will captivate tech enthusiasts worldwide.” Well, today we will find out if that holds true.
Specifications
- Display: 6.58″, 2408×1080 (20:9), 401 ppi, IPS, 60 Hz, Gorilla Glass, 400 nits brightness
- Hardware: Android 14, Unisoc Tiger T606 1.6 GHz processor, 8 cores, ARM Mali-G57 GPU, 6+10 GB RAM, 256 GB permanent storage (up to 1 TB)
- Memory card slot: microSD
- Communications: 4G (LTE), nano-SIM, number: SIM + SIM/microSD, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth v 5.0, NFC (depending on the region), USB-C
- Cameras: number of lenses 2, main lens 50 megapixels, f/1.75, 78°, OmniVision OV50D40, macro lens 2 megapixels, f/2.4, Full HD (1080p) 30 fps, main selfie lens 16 megapixels Samsung S5K3P8SP05, f/2.0
- Moisture protection IP68/IP69K, drop protection MIL-STD-810, frame/cover material – metal/plastic
- Dimensions 178.58×83.10×17.90 mm, weight 375 g
- Battery: 10800 mAh, 33W fast charge
Package contents
The Doogee S Punk (SPUNK) smartphone was released in 2024 in two colors—Phantom Black and Safari Green. Both colors are subtle and muted. In contrast, the phone comes in a bright yellow, oversized box, making a bold statement with its packaging.
The package includes the smartphone itself, a charger, a charging cable, documentation, a protective film, and accessories needed for applying the protective film yourself. The phone comes from the factory with only a transport film.
Indeed, there is no SIM tray ejector pin included, but this is typical for smartphones of this type. The SIM tray can be easily accessed by lifting the protective cover with your finger, so there shouldn’t be any issues. The charging cable is a convenient Type-C, which is standard in 2024, and it comes with a 33W charging block. Notably, the device supports reverse OTG charging, which is a nice bonus, especially considering the large battery capacity.
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Design and ergonomics
As for design, particularly ergonomics, comfort isn’t the primary focus here. This is a rugged smartphone boasting “high protection class IP68/IP69K/MIL-STD-810H, fully waterproof at depths up to 2 meters and capable of withstanding drops from heights up to 2 meters, ensuring reliability and durability in any conditions,” according to the manufacturer. Consequently, it is naturally heavy.
I didn’t expect it to be this heavy. Its dimensions of 178.58×83.10×17.90 mm and weight of 375 g are due to the impressively powerful 10,800 mAh battery, which is larger than some power banks. Naturally, it will take some time to get used to its size and weight.
To offset the mediocre ergonomics and exterior issues common to most rugged IP68 smartphones, the stylish integration of two camera modules and a mono speaker into a single design element is a noteworthy feature. This includes intelligent interactive lights of various colors that pulse to the beat of the music, indicate system updates, and alert you to notifications.
The large speaker situated between the cameras is highly visible and visually dominates the back panel. The maximum output power is specified at 4W, and according to the manufacturer, the speaker can reach up to 126 dB. It pulses with lights in sync with the music and is impressively loud, making it suitable for use as a speaker. Additionally, the 256 GB of storage allows you to save gigabytes of music tracks.
https://youtube.com/shorts/dp_VdvUsSLE
The DOOGEE S punk is undeniably a smartphone with a unique design that immediately catches attention. It features a slanted metal back made of aviation-grade aluminum, created using powder coating and adorned with geometric lines. All this contributes to a mechanical aesthetic in the cyberpunk style. This stylistic approach permeates the smartphone’s design, resembling something from a futuristic world of technology, yet it comes with a massive battery and an impressive speaker.
The 6.58-inch IPS screen of the DOOGEE S punk boasts a resolution of 2408×1080 protected by a thin but noticeable bezel, effectively safeguarding the screen from falls without being intrusive. It’s praised for its good color reproduction and sharpness at Full HD+ resolution. However, its standard 60 Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 400 nits might disappoint some users. The screen-to-body ratio stands at 70%, with wide bezels around the display, though the spacious screen compensates for this. Notably, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack available.
On the left side, the smartphone features a single, yet very convenient customizable button for quickly accessing necessary actions or functions. It also houses a tray for nano-SIM cards (or one microSD memory card). On the right side, you’ll find the volume up/down buttons and the power button with an integrated scanner (which, by the way, works flawlessly and very quickly).
The Type-C charging and data transfer port is located at the bottom, in a fairly deep recess protected by a waterproof cover attached to the phone. Large speakers are positioned both at the top and bottom of the smartphone screen.
Overall, the design of the DOOGEE S punk combines restraint with a touch of cyberpunk flair. It strikes a balance that enhances rather than detracts from the overall appearance of the device.
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Performance and software
From a productivity standpoint, the DOOGEE S punk doesn’t aim for the stars: it comes equipped with the Unisoc Tiger T606 processor and lacks 5G compatibility. However, it supports multiple LTE bands, including those relevant in Europe. As mentioned before, it also supports dual SIM functionality. The DOOGEE S punk is packed with 6GB of RAM and 10GB of virtual memory, along with 256GB of internal storage (expandable up to 1TB via microSD card).
This processor, along with 6GB of RAM and the Mali G57MC1 graphics chip, is unlikely to impress in terms of performance levels, but you won’t suffer from significant lags in the Android 14 interface. When it comes to gaming, the situation isn’t straightforward. Less demanding games like PUBG Mobile show a stable and acceptable frame rate, but resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact suffer from frequent slowdowns regardless of graphics settings. However, the battery life is excellent, with the need for charging only every 3-4 days under normal smartphone use. Moreover, regular Android OS updates from Google bring new features, improved performance, and enhanced security, so there’s no need to worry about that aspect.
In various regions worldwide, GSM networks continue to be utilized. Thanks to its 4G capabilities, the S Punk allows users to browse websites, download applications, and stream media content with minimal delay or buffering. Of course, it also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for flexible connectivity to available wireless networks and various accessories, including headphones.
I’ll mention separately the presence of a built-in GPS receiver, NFC functionality, and an FM radio receiver, which are also modern requirements for a smartphone of any category.
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Cameras
The S Punk is equipped with a dual camera setup consisting of a 50 MP main camera and a 2 MP macro camera. However, this auxiliary sensor comes close to being unnecessary, whereas the main camera module is capable of capturing daylight shots with decent detail and minimal noise.
The S Punk smartphone also features advanced shooting modes such as portrait mode, professional mode, and Morpho Super night mode. The camera includes autofocus functionality and a built-in LED flash.
On the front panel, there is a 16 MP selfie camera that allows you to take self-portraits with moderate clarity and detail, but it should not be relied upon as the primary source for photos. Below are some examples of photos from different cameras in their original quality without filters:
Regarding other useful specifications, it’s worth noting that the S Punk smartphone is equipped with a specialized accelerometer that accurately detects and measures changes in acceleration and movement. Additionally, it includes a built-in gyroscope and compass, providing users with a reliable tool for navigation and orientation. As for satellite systems, it supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou.
More information about supported network ranges:
- FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/18/19/20/25/26/28AB/66
- TDD: B34/38/39/40/41
- WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/8
- GSM: B2/B3/B5/B8
- EDGE/GPRS
- WIFI: 2.4G/5G (802.11ac/a/b/g/n)
- Bluetooth BT5.0.
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Conclusions
DOOGEE S Punk is the perfect choice for those seeking an affordable, rugged, and durable device without extravagant ambitions. It features modern internals, a vibrant display, and high reliability, making it an attractive option for a wide range of users. It can comfortably compete with other rugged devices like the UleFone Armor X13, OUKITEL WP23 Pro, Hotwav Cyber X, and Blackview BV8900 Pro in terms of durability.
Yes, of course, like all phones, this device has its advantages and disadvantages, but I hope that after my review it will be easier for you to make your choice. Remember that this is just my opinion, and individual preferences may vary.
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