The sub-$200 tablet market is heating up, with the Doogee T30E and Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 vying for dominance. Both offer a large-screen Android experience at an accessible price, but significant differences in chipset and charging capabilities dictate which tablet is better suited for specific users. This comparison dives deep into the specs to reveal the true winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance edge over the Doogee T30E’s Unisoc T606, and the availability of 18W charging (depending on region) significantly reduces charging times. While the Doogee is still a viable option, the Redmi Pad SE offers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE - cellular model only |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April | 2024, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2024, August 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3) |
| Dimensions | 258.1 x 169.7 x 8.8 mm (10.16 x 6.68 x 0.35 in) | 211.6 x 125.5 x 8.8 mm (8.33 x 4.94 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (cellular model only) |
| Weight | 537 g (1.18 lb) | 370 / 373 / 375 g (13.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~137 ppi density) | 800 x 1340 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~179 ppi density) |
| Size | 11.0 inches, 350.9 cm2 (~80.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 8.7 inches, 214.9 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 1B colors, 90Hz, 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 14, HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS - cellular model only |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity (accessories only), compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired (Int'l)
10W wired (India) |
| Type | 8000 mAh | 6650 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Aurora Green (Forest Green), Sky Blue (Ocean Blue), Graphite Gray (Urban Grey) |
| Models | - | 220233L2G |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Doogee T30E
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Faster 18W charging (International)
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Slightly higher price
- 10W charging in India
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Doogee nor Xiaomi provide detailed display specifications beyond the 8.7-inch size of the Redmi Pad SE. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of information on peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or resolution suggests neither tablet will excel in visual fidelity. However, the Redmi Pad SE’s slightly larger screen size may offer a more immersive viewing experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either tablet. Both are equipped with basic camera setups geared towards video calls rather than photography. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, which is unlikely to be sophisticated on either device. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both models further limits their photographic capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7’s Mediatek Helio G85, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, offers a clear advantage over the Doogee T30E’s Unisoc T606 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75). While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speeds and slightly more efficient architecture of the Helio G85 translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Redmi Pad SE will handle graphically demanding games with more ease. Both tablets will likely be paired with similar amounts of RAM, but the chipset difference will be the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely house batteries in the 5000-6000 mAh range, typical for tablets of this size. The key difference is charging speed. The Redmi Pad SE 8.7 supports 18W wired charging (in international markets, 10W in India), while the Doogee T30E is limited to 10W. This means the Redmi Pad SE will significantly reduce charging times, a crucial advantage for users who rely on their tablet throughout the day. The slower charging of the Doogee T30E could be a significant inconvenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee T30E if you prioritize extreme affordability and your usage is limited to basic tasks like web browsing, e-reading, and light video streaming. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 if you want a more responsive tablet for multitasking, casual gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Doogee T30E struggle with demanding apps like video editors or large spreadsheets?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a budget-focused chipset. While it can handle basic apps, it will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running resource-intensive applications like video editors or large spreadsheets. Multitasking with several apps open simultaneously will also strain the processor.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 a significant improvement over the 10W charging on the Doogee T30E?
Absolutely. 18W charging (available in international markets) will reduce charging times considerably. Expect a much faster top-up, allowing you to spend less time tethered to a power outlet. The 10W charging on the Doogee T30E will take significantly longer to fully charge the battery.
❓ Which tablet is better for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds?
The Xiaomi Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is the better choice for even casual gaming. The Helio G85 chipset provides a smoother and more responsive experience, preventing frustrating lag or frame drops. While both can run these games, the Redmi Pad SE will offer a more enjoyable experience.
❓ If I primarily use a tablet for reading ebooks and browsing the web, is the Doogee T30E sufficient?
Yes, for basic tasks like ebook reading and web browsing, the Doogee T30E is adequate. The Unisoc T606 is capable of handling these tasks without significant issues. However, if you anticipate multitasking or using more demanding apps, the Redmi Pad SE 8.7 is still the recommended option.
