Doogee X96 unboxing and review; perfect for the budget minded

Doogee first introduced the X96 Pro. But not too long after that, the company announced the standard X96, which comes with a more pocket friendly price tag. We were able to get a unit of the phone towards the last week of November, and here is our quick unboxing and review.

Doogee X96 key specifications and features

• Display: 6.52-inch (720 x 1600) HD+ Dewdrop notch display
• CPU: Octa-core 1.6GHz UNISOC SC9863A with PowerVR GE8322 GPU
• Storage and RAM: 32GB and 2GB RAM; expandable up to 128GB via microSD
• OS: Android 11
• Camera: Quad-rear cameras (8MP primary + 3×0.3 MP AI sensors) with single LED flash
• Front camera: 5MP selfie with LED flash
• Video recording: 1080p@30fps
• Connectivity: Dual Nano-SIM: GSM / HSPA / LTE
• Other Features: FaceID, Micro USB 2.0; Fingerprint scanner (rear)
• Battery: Built-in 5400mAh battery

Doogee X96 unboxing

The X96 is available in four colors. This includes Sky Blue, Brick Red, Tropical Green and Midnight Black. The one we received is the Sky Blue variant, and here is the box content.

Doogee X96 Box Content

1. Doogee X96
2. 10W Charging brick
3. Detachable Micro US 2.0
4.  Silicon clear case

Doogee X96 Review; the Good!

Octa-core CPU with 4G LTE network

The CPU powering the X96 is an 8-core UNISOC SC9863A SoC, clocked @1.6GHz. The model has 2GB RAM, 32GB expandable ROM, while all graphic need is handled by PowerVR GE8322 GPU. In contrast, the Doogee X96 Pro model has 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM.

In my experience, the hardware combination was able to handle standard smartphone day-to-day tasks. I was able to download and play some games on it as well, and all the ones I tried ran smoothly. But, if you are planning to buy a phone for Asphalt 9 Airborne, or Genshin Impact, then the X96 is not for you.

Bloatware and Ad-free OS

The Doogee X96 runs on Google Android 11 out of the box. Thankfully, the OS is almost stock Android with minimal customization. Thankfully, all preloaded apps are Google’s, and there are no unwanted ads or news or app recommendations anywhere.

Although you won’t get the traditional Android app drawer. All installed apps are right on the home screen and you just need to swipe either left or right in order to find the app you want to open. So, depending on your usage preference, this might either be a blessing, or a curse.

Acceptable 5400mAh battery

There are many entry-level smartphone in the market currently with almost same hardware setup on the X96. But unlike other competitors that mostly relies on 5000mAh battery, Doogee decided to put a 5400mAh juice on the phone.

This helps the phone to enjoy above 24-hours of moderate use, and if you are a light user, you can even expect up to 2-days of use. The company claimed the device support 10W fast charging, but while I can confirm the presence of 5V/2A (10W) charger in the box, I didn’t experience fast charging when charging the phone.

Affordable price tag

This probably why anyone under tight budget might want to consider the X96. It is cheap, price around, or under $90 US Dollars. Even though the Doogee X96 and Nokia C30 is not targeted at same class of users, it is still worth noting, that same CPU is used on both phones.

Doogee X96 Review; the Average!

Acceptable 6.52-inches display Display

Coming to the Display segment, there is a 6.52-inches screen on the X96, which is the same screen used on the Pro version. The screen has 720 x 1600 pixels, and there is a dewdrop notch on the head. The panel is IPS, and it does get moderately bright for both indoor and outdoor use.

Icons and text on the screen are sharp. But color reproduction is sadly not the best I’ve seen at this price point, plus, I wish the screen can still be a little brighter especially under direct sky.

Plasticky all through

This should be expected at the price. Most phones under 200-300 US Dollars come with plastic built. You can then imagine a one priced under $100.

Doogee decided to take the glossy route on the X96, and the rear panel is detachable. Thankfully, there is a layer of extra coating on the rear, minimizing smudges.

Doogee X96 Review; the Ugly!

Less impressive front and rear camera

As for the optics, four lenses are used on the X96. The primary camera is 8-megapixel lens, along with 3-other VGA lenses and a single LED flash, while a 5-megapixel sensor is used on the front.

Just like I mentioned in the video review, the camera department on the X96 is the most disappointing aspect of the phone. Instead of using four lenses, Doogee should have invest in one single snapper that can capture better images.

Within a defined distance and accurate lighting condition, the phone can take good image, it just that the output are inconsistent most of the times.

Doogee X96 Review; Conclusion!

The X96 is still a perfect choice under $90, if not for the camera weaknesses. Some phone sold in most Africa countries within this price mark does not have 4G LTE network. Probably, Doogee should consider using a single working camera lens on the upcoming X97 series, instead of four deficient lenses.