[Device Reviews and Information] TopHatProductions115:
Introductions ::

Hello there, and welcome to my review of the DOOGEE x30 (32-bit – not L) smartphone! As a casual technology enthusiast, this sort of product truly fuels my interest in the mobile device industry. Manufacturers, like DOOGEE, constantly raise the bar of expectancy-vs-price, by either introducing highly sought-after features to cheaper devices or creating entirely new features that are then introduced through the budget market first. This practice of constantly improving the developing the low-end market makes for an interesting show when one goes to observe the ripples that this creates in the mobile device market as a while. These manufacturers, when they get the formula just right, create devices that can competently perform at a low price point, while displaying very little compromise in overall design, features, and quality. As such, I find the budget market to be an important part of the general mobile device market(place).

Now, for a bit of personal background. This is my third smartphone from DOOGEE, which means that I have a slight, inherent bias. However, I will do my best to curb such, for the sake of an honest and fair assessment of the device in question. I will start with the un-boxing experience, and move forward from there in a semi-natural progression, if you will. The included clips will (unfortunately) be presented in 720p30fps - not true HD. But, it should get the un-boxing experience across in a satisfactory manner - I hope.

Specs ::

Can be found here.

Un-Boxing ::

approx. 15 minutes long

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI_cLORLc24

* Please note that the first part (the un-boxing) is still being processed, and the second part (the actual review) will be uploaded later this week (and hopefully, in a higher resolution). I hope you all are enjoying your winter holiday this year :)

Review ::

There is none - it's ded :P

Pros ::

The CPU is an MTK 6580, which is clocked at 1.3GHz - a decent CPU for this SoC, although 32-bit.*

This phone comes with 2GB of LPDDR3 RAM, which is better than what many other budget smartphones come with (less than 1GB in many cases). In fact, this SoC could be packed with up to 4GB of RAM if they wanted…

The 4-sensor Camera system truly sets this device apart from the competition in terms of photographic capabilities at this price-point (60-100 USD). They record at 5mp and 8mp respectively, meaning that the maximum resolution you can get for an image (from the rear cameras) is 3264 x 2448. Pretty nice for a sub-100 USD smartphone...

The metal frame also helps in terms of durability, and even adds to the overall visual appeal of the phone’s design.

The curved body makes it easy to hold, and ergonomically pleasing to the average user. No pain in the palms to speak of :)

The phone comes with Android 7, which is a great move - Android 8 is here, and DOOGEE can push an update whenever they’re ready. In addition to that (assuming that DOOGEE does update this phone), it gives users the option to decide on whether or not to move on to 8 - software options. But, while you’re waiting, you can play around with Quick Settings Customization - which is another plus.

This phone comes with 16GB of internal storage as an entry model, in opposed to 8GB (as seen in past models like the x5 and x6). This move is definitely one in the right direction…

The software that comes installed on this device initially appears quite close to stock (Google Apps and all - beyond AOSP) Android, which is great for those of you who want more control over the experience, or a simpler experience when using Android. It’s pretty difficult to spot most of the differences and deviations...

Cons ::

This model’s CPU is 32-bit, which limits the RAM and apps that can be used on this device. As such, it won’t be able to use any software that requires a 64-bit* architecture or more than 4GB of RAM. Remember the x5 Pro and x6 Pro models?

The RAM speed on this device is only 533MHz, which leaves it feeling like low-price DDR2/LPDDR2 (at around 500-600MHz), in opposed to the LPDDR3 it’s actually packing, which (in theory) can reach speeds of around 800MHz.

The Mali GPU included on this SoC is only 2 cores*, which is a bit underwhelming for obvious reasons. A higher clock speed could have helped this a bit.

It comes with some unnecessary apps, which can’t be completely removed without rooting. This needlessly reduces the amount of free storage space on the device. What’s up with the cat hanging from the top of the screen?! The approach used on the x5 and x6 Pro models should be used on this device instead.

It’s theme, while small in terms of performance impact, is an unnecessary and non-innovative deviation from a simpler Google/AOSP UI experience. Once again, the approach used on the x5 and x6 Pro models should be used on this device instead.

The screen, while being HD-Ready, is of the 720p/1080i variety - not the Full HD (1080p) that many have come to expect from their smartphones nowadays. But, this isn’t too much to bare.

The camera(s) only record at 5mp and 8mp respectively, meaning that the maximum resolution you can ever get for an image (from the rear cameras) is 3264 x 2448. While still images are quite nice, video recordings are locked in at 30fps, and may actually be at a lower resolution still.

This device can only receive so much expansion via the SD card slot - 32GB to be exact.

The SoC on this model doesn’t offer 4G(LTE)* capabilities, Bluetooth 5, NFC, or Wireless Charging.

It’s USB 2.0, instead of 3.0. An upgrade to 3.0 would have been nice...

Not so sure about how honest DOOGEE is about the camera.

Some apps I would remove (if I could) include:

Torch*

Themes **

System Manager**

File Manager**

DOOGEE ?

Chrome *g

* Integrate this feature into the Quick Settings - no need for another app

** Can be handled better with 3rd party apps

*g Have better counterparts that are developed by Google, and should be decided on by the user

? What does this app do?! I don’t remember it being around on the older models...

Conclusion ::

Overall, I think that this device is quite nicely-made for this price (60-70 USD), but could be improved upon a bit. While being a worthy successor to the single-digit x-models, I also think that there should be a higher-end model available, for those of us who are willing to pay to have many of these issues alleviated (around say, 100 USD - like last time). In addition to this, from having had the x5 Pro and x6 Pro models, I can’t help but feel just a bit let down this time around. Yet, there isn’t an x30 Pro. Perhaps the x30L* would answer the call? Although, I haven’t been able to find the darned thing, for sale, anywhere! :(

Overall Rating:

7.0/10

Bottom Line;

Good show, DOOGEE. You do have some places where you can improve. But, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next...