An adequate big-screen Android tablet
With a 12.4-inch display, good battery life, lots of internal storage, and a 4G cellular radio, the $399.99 Doogee T30 Max is decently equipped for delivering media on the go. However, we wish its processor had a little more pep, its speakers had a little more depth, and its Android software had a little more power. It’s an acceptable starting point if you want a large Android tablet. However, we suggest you consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ ($599.99, though available for $479.99 as of this writing), our Editors’ Choice winner, thanks to its faster performance, even better screen, more refined software, and included stylus.Design: A Simple Slate
The Doogee T30 Max sports a basic design with a glass front and uniform black bezel around the screen. The back features a leather-like soft-touch finish available in black or green, which adds a touch of class while also providing a grippy surface. Flat side edges give the T30 Max a modern look. Though the tablet is comfortable to hold, the seam between the glass and frame is somewhat noticeable.
Measuring 7.30 by 11.22 by 0.31 inches (HWD) and 1.52 pounds, the T30 Max is about the same size as the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (7.30 by 11.24 by 0.26 inches, 1.38 pounds).
With a front-facing camera on the long edge, the T30 Max is meant to be used in landscape mode. The top edge houses a combined power button/fingerprint sensor as well as the volume rocker. The fingerprint sensor works so inconsistently, however, that I opted to use a PIN code for security instead. Two speaker grilles and a combined SIM/microSD card tray are on the left short side, while two more speaker grilles and a USB-C port are on the right. Pogo pin connectors and two attachment points for accessories line the bottom long edge. A circular camera module sits on the back panel, along with a shiny Doogee logo.
The T30 Max lacks a durability rating. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, on the other hand, is rated IP68, meaning it is dustproof and waterproof for up to 30 minutes.Display: Large and Sharp, But Not the Brightest
The T30 Max has a 12.4-inch LCD with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. For comparison, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ also has a 12.4-inch LCD at 2,560 by 1,600 pixels, but with a 90Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 720 nits, making it faster and brighter.
Video content looks great on the tablet’s big screen, with vivid colors and sharp detail. However, I found the display struggles with brightness outdoors in sunlight, and the highly reflective front glass doesn’t help visibility.Audio: Plenty of Volume, But Little Depth
Thanks to the T30 Max’s size, stereo separation between the side-mounted speakers is decent. However, its audio sounds somewhat thin and lacks bass. For example, you won’t hear the lowest bass notes of our test track, The Knife’s «Silent Shout.» When I played Metallica’s «Enter Sandman», the T30 Max reached a maximum volume of 93.7dB. That’s loud enough to fill a small room, but it doesn’t help with the quality. Explosions, crashes, and other sound elements fall a little flat when watching movies.
The tablet lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, so for the best audio experience, pair it with a good set of Bluetooth headphones.
