The tablet market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from premium flagships to budget-friendly options. We're pitting the Doogee T20S, a rugged and affordable tablet, against the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, a mainstream contender offering a balance of features and performance. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which tablet best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is the clear winner. Its Exynos 1380 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds and better efficiency. However, the Doogee T20S presents a compelling option for those needing a durable, rugged tablet at a substantially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July 01 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July 01 | Available. Released 2023, October 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, aluminum back | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 7.9 mm thickness | 254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mm (10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | - | 523 g or 524 g (1.15 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~218 ppi density) | 1440 x 2304 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~249 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.4 inches, 313.6 cm2 | 10.9 inches, 344.5 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MP5 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 12 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS - cellular model only |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, magnetic connector |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (accessories only) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 45W wired, QC2.0 |
| Type | 7500 mAh | Li-Po 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Gray, Black | Mint, Silver, Gray, Lavender |
| Models | - | SM-X510, SM-X516B |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (body) |
Doogee T20S
- Ruggedized design for enhanced durability
- More affordable price point
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter battery life under load
- Likely inferior camera quality
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
- Faster and more efficient Exynos 1380 processor
- 45W fast charging with QC2.0 support
- Superior software experience and updates
- Higher price tag
- Less durable design compared to the Doogee T20S
- May require separate purchase of S Pen
Display Comparison
While both tablets likely feature LCD panels (data unavailable for Doogee T20S), the key difference lies in their processing power, impacting UI responsiveness. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 will provide a smoother experience navigating the interface and multitasking. We expect the Tab S9 FE to have superior color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness, though specific nit ratings are unavailable for the Doogee T20S. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, focusing on functionality over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most tablet buyers, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE likely holds an advantage. While specific sensor details are missing for the Doogee T20S, Samsung typically employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Tab S9 FE’s camera system, while not flagship-level, will likely deliver more detailed and accurate photos in good lighting conditions. We can expect the Tab S9 FE to have better dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the Tab S9 FE, if equipped, would further improve image quality.
Performance
The performance gap is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380, built on a 5nm process, significantly outperforms the Doogee T20S’s Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm). The Exynos 1380 features four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, offering a considerable uplift in single-core performance compared to the T616’s two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 5nm fabrication process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Tab S9 FE’s likely use of LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 RAM further enhances performance compared to the T20S’s expected LPDDR4.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Doogee T20S may have a larger battery capacity (data unavailable), the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s more efficient Exynos 1380 chipset and optimized software will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The Tab S9 FE’s 45W wired charging with QC2.0 support is a significant advantage, allowing for faster charging times compared to the T20S’s likely slower charging rate. A full charge from 0-100% on the Tab S9 FE should be achievable in under 90 minutes, while the T20S will likely take considerably longer.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee T20S if you need a tablet for outdoor work, construction sites, or environments where durability is paramount, and you're willing to compromise on raw processing power. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better gaming performance, and a more polished software ecosystem, and are willing to pay a premium for those benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1380 in the Galaxy Tab S9 FE get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1380’s 5nm process and Samsung’s thermal management solutions are designed to mitigate overheating. While some warmth is expected during prolonged gaming, the Tab S9 FE should maintain stable performance without significant throttling, unlike the Doogee T20S which will likely throttle sooner due to its less efficient chipset.
❓ Is the Doogee T20S truly waterproof, or just water-resistant?
Doogee markets the T20S as rugged, but specific IP ratings are crucial. Without a confirmed IP68 rating, it's likely water-resistant to splashes and brief submersion, but not designed for prolonged underwater use. The Galaxy Tab S9 FE lacks any official water resistance rating.
❓ Can the Doogee T20S handle demanding apps like video editing software?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 is not ideal for demanding tasks like video editing. While basic editing might be possible, expect significant lag and rendering times. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE’s Exynos 1380 will provide a much smoother and more efficient experience for video editing and other resource-intensive applications.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each tablet, and is expandable storage supported?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE typically offers storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB, with microSD card support for expansion. The Doogee T20S’s storage configuration is less clear, but it likely offers similar options with microSD card support. Confirming the specific storage options and microSD card capacity limits is recommended before purchase.
