When I was offered to review a rugged smartphone, I decided to inquire about people’s perceptions and expectations regarding smartphones of this class. What I heard can easily be summarized as follows: a massive body with a rugged aesthetic, a battery capacity akin to a power bank, and significant weight as a consequence of the aforementioned. As for the technical features, the main requirement is for it to function reliably without causing irritation or other negative emotions. The DOOGEE V30 Pro is capable of providing all of the above, but even “on paper,” it stands out from typical rugged smartphones, boasting a smooth display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a camera with a 200 MP sensor. Meanwhile, the other specifications don’t seem compromised either, but has the manufacturer managed to convert them into a pleasant user experience? Let’s find out together in this review.
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DOOGEE V30 Pro video review
DOOGEE V30 Pro Specifications
- Display: IPS, 6.58-inch, 1080×2408 (Full HD+) resolution, 401 ppi density, 120Hz refresh rate, 20:9 aspect ratio, up to 480cd/m² brightness, 1500:1 contrast ratio, displays 16.7 million colors and occupies 70.3% of the front panel area, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 glass
- Battery: 10800 mAh non-removable Li-ion, charging power up to 33W, support for reverse charging other devices via Type-C port
- Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 7050, 8 cores (2×Cortex-A78 2.6 GHz + 6×Cortex-A55 2.0 GHz), 6 nm process technology
- Graphics chip: ARM Mali-G69 MC4
- RAM: 12 GB, expandable by another 20 GB
- Storage: 512 GB
- Memory card support: T-Flash/microSD, up to 2 TB
- Main camera: 200MP Samsung S5KHP3SP main sensor, PDAF, 1/1.4″ F/1.65, 85° FOV, EIS; 24MP night vision sensor, F/1.8, 82° FOV; 16MP wide-angle/macro camera, F/2.2, 125° FOV; dual LED flash
- Front camera: 32MP SONY IMX616 sensor, F/1.8, 88° FOV
- Video recording: 4K/1080p/780p/720p/480p at 30fps with the main camera, 1080p/720p/480p at 30fps with the front camera
- Operating System: Android 13.0
- Communication Standards: GSM, CDMA, 3G (WCDMA), 4G (LTE), 5G
- Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), Bluetooth 5.2 (A2DP, LE), NFC with support for Google Pay
- Geolocation: A-GPS, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou
- Expansion slot: 2×NanoSIM or NanoSIM+microSD combo slot
- Protection standards: IP68, IP69K, MIL-STD-810H
- Optional: fingerprint scanner embedded in the screen unlock button
- Dimensions: 178.5×83.1×17.9 mm
- Weight: 321 g
- Package: smartphone, charger, USB USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, protective glass
Positioning and price
The official DOOGEE website features a link to the manufacturer’s official store on AliExpress, where I began exploring the prices for the V30 Pro. Based on historical data, the lowest price for the V30 Pro was observed in the range of $290-300, while it mostly remained around $350 for the majority of the time.
However, when discussing prices on AliExpress, it’s important not to forget that international shipping may entail additional customs duties and/or taxes according to the rules of the destination country.
If you prefer to avoid the hassle of customs clearance for the smartphone from AliExpress or don’t want to wait for it to arrive from a distant warehouse, you can purchase the DOOGEE V30 Pro in local stores.
Package contents
The DOOGEE V30 Pro comes in a stylish yellow box, which looks quite massive compared to the modest, low-profile boxes that companies like Apple, Google, and other manufacturers have adopted in recent years for logistics optimization.
Inside the box, you’ll find the smartphone wrapped in protective packaging. Directly beneath it, there’s a protective glass and a screen-cleaning cloth. Paper documentation is included as well. At the bottom in the compartments of the plastic base, you’ll find the 33-watt charger and a USB cable.
Don’t be surprised that there’s no SIM card tray ejector in the box – you can simply use your nail to lift the plug attached to the tray. It’s quite convenient, especially in field conditions.
I also want to commend the manufacturer for choosing a charger with a Type-C connector and support for universal charging standards. For instance, Power Delivery, including the 20-volt mode, which is useful for powering a laptop battery or a high-capacity power bank.
It’s unfortunate that there’s no space in the box for headphones, especially since the DOOGEE V30 Pro lacks a 3.5mm audio output. Not every adapter can reach the recessed Type-C port in the body.
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DOOGEE V30 Pro design and ergonomics
For rugged smartphones, typical ergonomic standards and design solutions are almost never relevant. Yes, the smartphone is bulky and heavy.
Yes, there are substantial bezels around the display, making one-handed use challenging due to the noticeable width and thickness of the body. However, these are the trade-offs for having a 10800mAh battery and protection according to IP68/IP69/MIL-STD-810H standards. On the other hand, the V30 Pro is less frightening to drop, thanks to its increased resistance to shocks and falls.
The design, in general, leans more towards practicality than exceptional aesthetics, and that’s a good thing. For instance, the speakers are positioned on the upper and lower bevels of the front panel, making the body even longer. However, this placement ensures excellent sound clarity regardless of the smartphone’s orientation in space.
Around the perimeter of the front panel, there is a low-profile thin bezel designed to protect the screen in case of a face-down fall. The display is separated from this bezel by substantial borders, which may appear somewhat old-fashioned, but one would like to believe that beneath them lie protective elements ensuring comprehensive safeguarding of the display. This assumption is further hinted at by the fact that the front camera is positioned in a teardrop-shaped notch in the screen, rather than in the upper border. Above the camera, there is the earpiece, and to the left of it, there’s an LED notification indicator, which comes in handy given the absence of the Always-On Display feature.
On the edges of the body, there are also some interesting features. The first thing that catches the eye is the “red button” on the left side, which can be customized to quickly launch three different functions with a single, double, and long press, respectively. This button is perfectly positioned in terms of height, making it easy to press in any grip, and it has a pleasantly textured surface, providing a crisp and tactile response.
By the way, the presence of such a button in rugged smartphones is highly appreciated by owners of such devices. My friend, who owns a rugged smartphone from another brand, immediately pointed out that he consistently uses the quick launch button on the left side, and its inclusion in the V30 Pro encouraged him to consider DOOGEE when choosing his next device.
In addition to the “red button” on the left side, there is also a plug that serves as the external part of the hybrid tray for two nano-SIM cards. Alternatively, you can use it to insert a microSD memory card in place of one of the SIM cards.
On the right side, there is a power button with a built-in fingerprint scanner, which also functions to turn the screen on and off. The scanner operates very swiftly and accurately, enabling screen unlock with a simple touch of the button without the need to press it. Additionally, the fingerprint scanner provides extra security for internet banking apps and Google Pay transactions.
Above the power button, there is a double volume adjustment key with a similar ribbed surface as the “red button.” All the buttons are conveniently positioned at a comfortable height, providing clear and responsive presses without any risk of false activations.
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The Type-C port for charging and data transfer is concealed under a cover on the bottom edge. The cover is easily lifted with a fingernail, and when open, it can be rotated while remaining attached to the body, ensuring it won’t fall off or get lost.
Examining the back of the V30 Pro, it’s impossible not to notice the sizable camera module, and its design aims to convince us of the smartphone’s outstanding photographic capabilities. Whether it lives up to this promise or not, we will find out in one of the following sections. Regarding the design, I would like to note that the raised camera module makes it susceptible to scratches and vulnerable to unfortunate falls and impacts. I hope this aspect was thoroughly tested during the compliance testing with the MIL-STD-810H standard.
The back panel features a “soft-touch” coating that feels pleasant to the touch and prevents the smartphone from slipping out of your hand. The rear of the smartphone is not completely flat; as you move from the center of the panel towards its edges, the thickness decreases in several stages, giving the smartphone a trapezoidal profile. Thanks to this shape, the V30 Pro comfortably rests in the palm and appears slimmer than phones with similar thickness but a flat back panel.
Overall, I find the design of the DOOGEE V30 Pro appealing. I would describe it as mature, characterized by restraint, and a moderate amount of red accents that complement the black body – akin to how a red tie complements a dark classic suit. If this color scheme seems too dull, the V30 Pro is also available in a variant officially named “khaki”.
DOOGEE V30 Pro Display
One of the distinctive features of the device compared to lower-priced rugged smartphones is its display. It employs an IPS panel with a 6.58-inch diagonal and a resolution of 1080×2408 pixels (Full HD+), providing decent sharpness at 401 pixels per inch (ppi). With a claimed maximum brightness of 480 nits, the information on the screen remains visible even in sunny conditions or when surrounded by snow.
The image quality is also at a high level – the panel boasts a contrast ratio of 1500:1 and can display 16.7 million shades without color distortion, even when viewed at extreme viewing angles.
The “cherry on top” for the DOOGEE V30 Pro’s display is its support for a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a much more enjoyable interface navigation and smoother scrolling through menus, chats, and social media feeds. One drawback of this mode is increased power consumption, but the ample battery capacity of the V30 Pro is capable of compensating for it. Therefore, I recommend activating this option in the settings right after turning on the smartphone. Additionally, there are modes for 60Hz and 90Hz, which may be useful for maximizing the smartphone’s battery life in critical situations.
In conclusion, I would like to add that the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, a glass known for its reliability and commonly found on smartphones in higher price segments.
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Cameras
One of the most intriguing features of the DOOGEE V30 Pro is the use of a 200-megapixel sensor, the Samsung S5KHP3SP, in its main camera. This sensor comes with an F/1.65 aperture and supports PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus). The smartphone’s photography capabilities are further enhanced by numerous modes, setting it apart from typical devices in the same price segment as the V30 Pro.
In this smartphone, the record number of pixels is not only used for more accurate information gathering when creating 12-megapixel photos. In the “200MP” mode, the camera indeed produces 200-megapixel photos.
Reviewers often claim that photos of such resolution are useful for wide-format printing, but the V30 Pro camera still doesn’t quite meet the quality standards for these tasks. However, 200-megapixel shots are convenient for cropping and obtaining much better photos than using digital zoom. Here’s how it looks in practice:
MORE PHOTOS IN 200 MEGAPIXEL RESOLUTION
Photos in well-lit conditions look quite impressive, and the HDR function performs adequately. However, capturing moving objects in the frame poses a challenge for the camera, which still requires a fraction of a second to focus. Other manufacturers ensure “speediness” by compensating for the imperfections of the initial image through post-processing algorithms, dynamically “enhancing” frames. In contrast, DOOGEE seems to prioritize the use of longer exposure times, relying on the laws of physics and the optical characteristics of the sensor rather than software. Explore the gallery below to see the results of this approach:
PHOTOS IN ORIGINAL QUALITY ARE AVAILABLE HERE
The smartphone performs well in video recording under good lighting conditions too. The DOOGEE V30 Pro supports recording in 4K, 1080p, 720p, and 480p resolutions at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. When shooting, it’s essential to keep in mind that the phone lacks optical stabilization, and it’s advisable not to test electronic stabilization with rapid or abrupt movements and shakes.
Shooting in low light
For photography in low-light conditions, the Doogee V30 camera interface offers two modes – Super Night for shooting with the main 200MP camera with a two-second exposure and Night Vision, which utilizes a separate monochrome sensor with a resolution of 24MP.
Below, you can compare photos taken in different modes under the same conditions:
Videos captured with the main camera of the Doogee V30 Pro in low-light conditions tend to be quite noisy, and any camera movement during recording only exacerbates the situation.
Additionally, videos can be recorded in Night Vision mode, producing a black and white image. This looks quite conceptual and may have practical value in extreme conditions.
Front Camera Shooting
The front camera is equipped with the Sony IMX616 sensor, capturing good photos during the day and in well-lit conditions. However, in low-light situations, especially during nighttime, the images tend to be smeared and contain a significant amount of noise.
Similarly to the main camera, video recording with the front camera is more challenging than photo capture, especially in low-light conditions. Indeed, it’s often better to see it once than read about it multiple times.
Sound
DOOGEE V30 Pro boasts really loud stereo speakers, which are two in the smartphone – one each on the bevels above and below the display. And although there are two grilles on both sides, the sound is heard only from those on the right side of the device.
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While the speakers produce sound at a loud volume, their audio quality resembles that of portable radios, making them less suitable for enjoying music for the sake of auditory pleasure. However, they perform excellently for the task of having “something playing in the background” during fieldwork or construction, effectively drowning out ambient noise with their loud output. For instance, here’s a video demonstrating how the smartphone managed to “outshout” loud music in a café:
If your goal is to derive enjoyment from listening to music, using headphones is essential. To connect headphones with a 3.5mm jack, you’ll need to use a Type-C adapter. Unfortunately, this adapter is not included in the smartphone package and is not separately offered by the manufacturer. Through trial and error with various adapters, I found that only the basic dongle from Essager had a connector slim enough to reach the recessed Type-C port on the device.
As for wireless audio, the DOOGEE V30 Pro performs well in this aspect. It supports high-res Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC. I used my Sony WF-1000XM4 TWS earbuds with the V30 Pro and was pleasantly surprised by the sound quality, which was comparable to my own Google Pixel 7 paired with the same earbuds. The wireless connection worked flawlessly, with no interruptions or audio glitches even when moving to an adjacent room separated by a thick load-bearing wall.
I presume that the excellent audio quality through headphones is attributed to the Mediatek Dimensity system-on-chip, as I’ve heard similar impressions from owners of other smartphones powered by Dimensity chips, in contrast to Samsung Exynos and UNISOC Tiger series.
Communication and internet
As mentioned multiple times in the review, the DOOGEE V30 Pro is built on the Dimensity processor family, providing it with 5G support in addition to previous-generation networks:
- 5G – NR: N1/N3/N7/N28/N38/N41/N77/N78/N79
- 4G – FDD: B1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/25/26/28A/28B/66
- 4G – TDD: B34/38/39/40/41
- 3G – WCDMA: B1/2/4/5/6/8/19
- CDMA: BC0/BC1/BC10
- GSM: B2/3/5/8 with EDGE/GPRS support
Since 5G coverage is currently unavailable where I live, I tested the performance of the V30 Pro in 4G/LTE networks. In everyday use, I did not notice any issues with connecting to the cellular network. The smartphone never dropped to 3G/2G mode and remained within coverage. The mobile internet speed was also comparable to other smartphones I had on hand.
Unfortunately, the DOOGEE V30 Pro does not support eSIM, so the only way to use multiple SIM cards simultaneously is by installing two nanoSIM cards, leaving no space for a memory card. Interestingly, for the V30 model without the Pro suffix, eSIM support is claimed, and it is even positioned by the manufacturer as the “first flagship rugged smartphone with eSIM”.
The use of the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 system in addition to supporting 5G also provided the smartphone with support for the Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, theoretically capable of speeds up to 9.6 gigabits per second. In practice, I was able to achieve speeds in the range of 400-500 megabits per second, but it’s unlikely that it’s due to the V30 Pro itself because my own laptops and smartphones show similar performance. Higher speeds can only be achieved with a wired connection of laptops to the router using a gigabit patch cord.
In describing the smartphone, the manufacturer also emphasized that the V30 Pro is equipped with a “precise navigation system,” which utilizes dual-channel positioning and operates with GPS, Beidou, Galileo, Glonass, and A-GPS. Throughout the testing period of the V30 Pro, I didn’t encounter conditions extreme enough to challenge the smartphone’s geolocation capabilities. In scenarios typical for urban users, the review’s protagonist handled them “with ease.” However, the urban pace allowed for a thorough test of contactless payment using the NFC module and Google Pay service, both of which performed excellently.
DOOGEE V30 Pro Performance
Inside the V30 Pro operates the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 system-on-a-chip, introduced in May 2023. In terms of specifications, it falls between flagship and mid-range smartphone solutions.
The Dimensity 7050 is manufactured using a 6-nanometer process, which, while not the latest in chip production, provides good energy efficiency and lower heat generation under load. In terms of performance, the Dimensity 7050 is on par with the Exynos 1380 found in mid-range 2023 models and slightly trails behind the Snapdragon 778G and Snapdragon 855, as confirmed by benchmark results.
Despite not breaking records in synthetic tests, the V30 Pro handles games like Asphalt 3 or Real Racing 3 without any issues in practice. Setting graphics to maximum, I did not notice any stuttering or a drop in smoothness during gameplay. At the same time, the back of the smartphone warmed up slightly, but it did not cause any discomfort.
A good level of performance is, in no small part, due to the presence of a whopping twelve gigabytes of RAM, which can be further expanded by an additional twenty gigabytes of virtual memory. This setup works seamlessly since the DOOGEE V30 Pro is equipped with a fast UFS 3.1 flash storage of 512 gigabytes, expandable with a microSD card of up to two terabytes.
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Battery life
Ironically enough, the DOOGEE V30 Pro boasts such impressive battery life that, during the entire testing period, I only had to charge the smartphone twice. The phone arrived with a 70% charge, and after topping it up to 100%, I initiated the Work 3.0 test, simulating typical everyday tasks. Surprisingly, over twelve and a half hours of continuous testing, the smartphone consumed only 56.7% of the battery, prompting me to stop the test, which would be considered complete when the battery level reached 20%.
If you refrain from loading the smartphone with benchmarks or mobile gaming and stick to activities like internet browsing, social media usage, and messaging, the smartphone consumes only 4% of battery per hour. This means an active user can expect 2-3 days of usage on a single charge with 6-8 hours of screen time daily.
In standby mode with the screen turned off, the smartphone discharges only by 7-8% per day with 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location services enabled. Thus, with moderate usage, the Doogee V30 Pro should easily last a week on a fully charged battery. However, before taking the smartphone on a trip without the possibility of charging, it’s advisable to measure how much power your specific daily tasks consume to ensure an accurate prediction and avoid running out of power unexpectedly.
In addition to its exceptional battery life, the Doogee V30 Pro also charges quickly. For instance, using the included 33-watt power adapter, I was able to charge it from 27% to 93% in less than two hours. The highest charging power in the range of 27-30 watts is observed until it reaches around 70%, after which the power is reduced by half to preserve the battery from excessive heat and wear.
The V30 Pro can also charge other devices from its battery. To enable this feature, you need to select the corresponding option at the bottom of the screen when connecting the USB cable. The charging power for other devices reaches 6-7 watts, which may be modest, but it can be a lifesaver in critical situations.
Software
The DOOGEE V30 Pro runs on the Android 13 operating system. During testing, the smartphone received a system update on December 25, 2023, which included improvements to the camera application and the Google security patch as of November 2023..
The manufacturer has made changes to the appearance of the operating system, redesigning the notification panel and toggles. Additionally, they have added proprietary features such as a gaming mode, a child mode, and even a simplified interface variant called Easy Launcher.
In addition to these changes, there are also modified clock applications, a system management application, and the system settings now include the activation of the DuraSpeed feature to limit background activity, redirecting freed resources to the currently open application. The settings now also have a separate section for choosing functions triggered by pressing the “red button”.
A noteworthy feature is the “Tool Bag” app group, which includes a compass, sound meter, water level, altimeter, magnifier, protractor, plumb bob, mirror, pedometer, flashlight, and an app to check if you’ve hung a picture straight (“Pic Hanging”).
While these apps might not necessarily replace dedicated tools, their utility in unexpected situations is unquestionable.
Conclusions
The DOOGEE V30 Pro can hardly be labeled as a budget smartphone, considering its price. A smartphone with a similar level of protection and compliance with the MIL-STD-810 standard can easily be acquired for half the price. Therefore, rendering a verdict on the V30 Pro is, in one way or another, an answer to the question of whether it’s worth paying extra for a great display and advanced hardware.
An affirmative answer to this question will undoubtedly come from owners of “civilian” smartphones with 90 and 120Hz displays. Those whose life circumstances have forced them to switch to a “rugged smartphone” but who are unwilling to give up the accustomed smoothness and speed of interaction with the interface. This holds true for fast charging, high-quality sound, or quick connectivity to the internet via 4G/5G and Wi-Fi 6.
Potential owners of the DOOGEE V30 Pro could also include people who own a budget rugged smartphone and are tired of the sluggishness and thoughtfulness of the device, caused by its weak processor and limited memory. Or owners who don’t want to wait for the smartphone to annoy or disappoint them at the most inconvenient moment and are proactively looking for a relevant replacement with a comfortable margin of durability and power.
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