Doogee V40 Pro Review: The First Rugged Phone with a 4nm Processor

The Doogee V40 Pro is here. What makes this phone stand out? It’s packing a 4nm MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, which is a big deal because it’s the first rugged phone to feature such advanced tech. Add to that a whopping 200MP camera, a 6.78-inch 120Hz display, and an 8,680mAh battery, and you’ve got a device that’s ready for anything. Oh, and let’s not forget the 1.47-inch secondary display on the back.

But here’s the real kicker: this phone is built like a tank. With IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certifications, it can survive drops, water submersion, and even extreme temperatures. So, if you’re tired of babying your phone or constantly worrying about it breaking, the Doogee V40 Pro might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Design and Build Quality

You’ll first notice that the Doogee V40 Pro is built like a tank. It’s not your sleek, fragile flagship that you have to handle with kid gloves. No, this is a rugged phone through and through, and it’s designed to take a beating without breaking a sweat. If you’re always on the go, working in tough environments, or just prone to dropping your phone (we’ve all been there), the V40 Pro is here to save the day.

Let’s start with the design. The V40 Pro is a chunky phone, so there is no doubt about it. It’s thicker and heavier than your average smartphone, but that’s because it packs a massive 8,680mAh battery and a rugged build. The extra bulk gives it a solid, sturdy feel in your hand, and the rubberized finish on the back ensures a good grip, even when your hands are wet or sweaty. The reinforced corners and metal side rails add to the durability, making it feel like it could survive a fall from a moving car (though we don’t recommend testing that).

The camera module on the back is another eye-catching element. It’s circular and houses four cameras, including the massive 200MP main sensor. The design is sleek and modern, with a bit of a futuristic vibe. And let’s not forget the infrared lamp for night vision, which is a unique feature you don’t see on many phones.

The back has a rubberized finish that provides a solid grip, so you’re less likely to drop it in the first place. And speaking of the back, that’s where one of the coolest design elements comes in: a 1.47-inch secondary display. It’s not just for show—it’s actually super useful. You can use it to check notifications, control your music, see the time, or even preview your selfies when using the main camera. It’s a clever addition that adds a modern, gamer-like aesthetic to the phone while also being practical. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to show the info you care about most.

The buttons are another highlight. They’re tactile, responsive, and built to last. On the right side, you have the volume rocker and a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint scanner is lightning-fast and conveniently placed for easy access. On the left side, there’s a customizable button that you can set to do things like open the flashlight, start a recording, or launch your favourite app. It’s a small but handy feature that adds to the phone’s versatility.

And let’s not forget the ports. The USB-C charging port is sealed with a rubber flap to keep out water and dust, and there’s even a dual SIM tray that supports expandable storage up to 2TB. 

Now, let’s talk about the durability. This thing is certified to military standards (MIL-STD-810H), which means it can handle drops, shocks, and even extreme temperatures. It also has IP68 and IP69K ratings, so it’s dustproof and waterproof and can survive being submerged in water. There’s even a rubber flap covering the USB-C port to keep water and dust out, which is a nice touch.

Display Quality

Regarding the display, the Doogee V40 Pro meets and exceeds expectations, especially for a rugged phone. Let’s start with the main attraction: the 6.78-inch FHD+ IPS LCD screen. This thing is massive, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves gaming, binge-watching shows, or just wants a bigger canvas for everyday tasks. The resolution is sharp, colors are vibrant, and the brightness is more than enough for outdoor use. Even in direct sunlight, you won’t have to squint to see what’s on the screen.

Now, let’s talk about the refresh rate. The V40 Pro boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which is a game-changer for smooth scrolling and buttery-smooth gameplay, everything feels incredibly fluid. And if you’re worried about battery life, don’t be—the phone dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on what you’re doing, so it can drop down to 60Hz or 90Hz when you don’t need the extra smoothness. But if you want to keep it at 120Hz all the time for that premium experience, you can easily set it in the settings.

The touch responsiveness is another standout feature. With a 240Hz touch sampling rate, every tap, swipe, and gesture feels instantaneous. This is especially important for gamers, as it reduces input lag and makes the phone feel super responsive during intense gaming sessions.

But the display tech doesn’t stop there. The Doogee V40 Pro also has a 1.47-inch secondary display on the back, and honestly, it’s one of the coolest features I’ve seen on a phone recently from brands like: Cubot and FOSSiBOT. This little screen isn’t just a gimmick—it’s actually super useful. You can check notifications, control your music, see the time, or even use it as a viewfinder for the main camera when taking selfies. It’s a small touch, but it adds a lot of convenience, especially if you don’t want to flip the phone over every time you get a notification. Plus, it adds to the phone’s futuristic, gamer-friendly aesthetic.

The bezels around the main display are slim, especially for a rugged phone, which gives it a modern look. The screen-to-body ratio is impressive, and the overall design feels premium. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, so it can handle minor scratches and bumps without breaking a sweat. And since this is a rugged phone, you don’t have to worry about the screen cracking if you accidentally drop it—though I’d still recommend using the included screen protector just to be safe.

One thing worth mentioning is the viewing angles. Even though it’s an IPS LCD panel, the colors remain consistent even when you’re looking at the screen from extreme angles. This is great if you’re sharing your screen with someone or just watching videos from an awkward position. The display also supports HDR content, so if you’re streaming your favorite shows or movies, you’ll get a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience.

Performance and Benchmarks

The Doogee V40 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, a 4nm octa-core processor, and let me tell you, this thing is a powerhouse. It’s the first rugged phone to feature a 4nm chip, and that alone puts it in a league of its own. It’s paired with an ARM Mali G615 GPU, which delivers a 15% improvement in gaming performance compared to previous models. I tested this phone with some of the most demanding games out there—Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Need for Speed—and the results were impressive. The gameplay was smooth, with no lag, stuttering, or dropped frames, even at the highest graphics settings. The phone also has a dedicated gaming chip that boosts performance and reduces power consumption, so you can game for hours without worrying about overheating or battery drain.

But raw power isn’t everything—efficiency matters too. The V40 Pro’s processor is designed to be energy-efficient, which means you get top-tier performance without sacrificing battery life. During my testing, I played games for over an hour, and the phone only got slightly warm. There was no thermal throttling, and the performance remained consistent throughout. This is thanks to the phone’s intelligent cooling system, which dynamically adjusts performance based on your usage.

Now, let’s talk benchmarks. I ran the V40 Pro through AnTuTu, and it scored an impressive 698,000 points. That’s almost 700,000, which puts it in the same league as some flagship devices. For comparison, the non-Pro version of the V40 scored around 691,000 points, so the Pro model does have a slight edge. In Geekbench, the V40 Pro scored 1,100 in single-core and 3,500 in multi-core, which are solid numbers for a rugged phone. These scores confirm that the Doogee V40 Pro is more than capable of handling heavy multitasking and demanding apps.

But benchmarks only tell part of the story. In real-world use, the V40 Pro feels snappy and responsive. Apps open instantly, switching between them is seamless, and there’s no noticeable lag, even when running multiple apps in the background. Storage is another area where the V40 Pro shines. It comes with 512GB of internal storage, which is plenty for most people. But if that’s not enough, you can expand it up to 2TB with a microSD card. That’s right—2TB. So, if you’re someone who downloads a lot of games, movies, or photos, you’ll never have to worry about running out of space.

The phone comes with 16GB of RAM (expandable up to 36GB with virtual RAM), which is more than enough for even the most demanding users.

One thing that really stood out during my testing was the DDR5 storage technology. This is faster than the DDR4 storage found in most phones, and it makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. Apps load faster, files transfer quicker, and the overall system feels more responsive. Plus, DDR5 is more power-efficient, which helps improve battery life and reduce heat generation.

In terms of connectivity, the V40 Pro supports 5G, so you can expect blazing-fast internet speeds. It also has Wi-Fi 6, which is perfect for online gaming or streaming high-quality content without any lag. And with NFC support, you can use the phone for contactless payments or quick file transfers.

Software and User Experience

The Doogee V40 Pro runs on Android 14 with Doogee OS 4.0 layered on top, and I’ve got to say, the software experience is surprisingly clean and user-friendly. For a rugged phone, it doesn’t feel clunky or outdated—it’s actually quite polished and packed with features that make it a joy to use.

First off, the interface is clean and minimal. There’s no bloatware here, which is a huge plus. You get a near-stock Android experience, which means no unnecessary apps hogging your storage or slowing down your phone. The icons are modern, the animations are smooth, and everything feels snappy and responsive. If you hate dealing with pre-installed junk, you’ll appreciate how streamlined the V40 Pro is.

Customization Options

One of the highlights of Doogee OS 4.0 is its customisation level. You can tweak almost every aspect of the phone’s appearance to make it feel like your own. There’s a theme store where you can download new wallpapers, custom app icons, and even change the text size and style. Want your phone to look like a futuristic gaming console? You can do that. Prefer a more minimalist look? That’s an option too. The ability to personalize the phone’s interface is a nice touch, especially for gamers and tech enthusiasts who like to make their devices unique.

Dynamic Capsule and Mini Screen

One of the coolest software features is the Dynamic Capsule, a small widget at the top of the screen. It shows useful information like charging status, music playback, timers, and even quick access to the recorder and radio. It’s a small but handy feature that adds a lot of convenience.

Then there’s the 1.47-inch mini screen on the back of the phone. This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s actually super useful. You can use it to check notifications, control your music, or even take selfies with the main camera. The mini screen is fully customizable, so you can choose what information it displays and how it looks. It’s a unique feature that sets the V40 Pro apart from other rugged phones.

Game Booster Mode

Speaking of gamers, the V40 Pro comes with a dedicated Game Booster mode. The Game Booster optimizes performance by allocating more resources to the game you’re playing, reducing background processes, and minimizing distractions. It also includes features like display optimization, performance enhancement, and a Do Not Disturb mode that blocks notifications while you’re gaming. I tested this with Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact, and the difference was noticeable. The games ran smoother, and I didn’t have to worry about pesky notifications interrupting my gameplay.

Outdoor Toolbox

For outdoor enthusiasts, the V40 Pro includes an Outdoor Toolbox with a bunch of handy tools. There’s a compass, height meter, gradienter, noise meter, and even a plumb bob. These tools are perfect for hikers, campers, or anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.

Glove Mode and Dura-Speed

Another neat feature is Glove Mode, which increases the touch sensitivity of the screen so you can use the phone while wearing gloves. This is especially useful for people who work in cold environments or need to use their phone while wearing protective gear. There’s also Dura-Speed, which optimizes the phone’s performance for heavy-duty tasks, ensuring that it stays fast and responsive even under load.

Camera System

The star of the show is undoubtedly the 200MP main camera. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s a legit high-resolution sensor that delivers incredibly sharp and detailed photos. During my testing, I was blown away by the level of detail in the shots. The colors are accurate, and the dynamic range is impressive, so you don’t have to worry about overexposed skies or shadowy details.

One of the coolest features of the 200MP camera is the ability to zoom in without losing quality. You can crop into your photos and still get usable shots, which is great for capturing distant subjects. The 50x digital zoom is a bit of a stretch, but up to 10x, the photos remain surprisingly clear. If you love to zoom in and explore the finer details of your photos, this camera won’t disappoint.

8MP Ultra-Wide Lens

The 8MP ultra-wide lens is another great addition to the camera system. It’s perfect for capturing wide landscapes, cityscapes, or group shots where you need to fit more into the frame. The distortion at the edges is minimal, and the colors remain consistent with the main camera. I took a few shots of a sunset with the ultra-wide lens, and the results were stunning—vivid colors, sharp details, and a wide field of view that really captured the scene.

8MP Telephoto Lens

The 8MP telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom, which is great for getting closer to your subject without sacrificing quality. I tested this by taking photos of some wildlife, and the results were impressive. The optical zoom delivers sharp, detailed shots, and even the digital zoom holds up well up to 10x. Beyond that, the quality starts to degrade, but that’s expected with any phone camera.

20MP Night Vision Camera

Now, let’s talk about the 20MP night vision camera. This is where the V40 Pro really stands out. The night vision camera uses an infrared lamp to capture images in complete darkness, and the results are mind-blowing. I tested this in a pitch-black room, and the camera was able to capture clear, detailed images in black and white. This feature is incredibly useful for camping, hiking, or any situation where you need to see in the dark.

The night vision mode also works well for video. I recorded a short clip in complete darkness, and the footage was surprisingly clear. The infrared lamp illuminates the scene, and the camera captures everything in sharp detail. It’s not something you’ll use every day, but when you need it, it’s a game-changer.

32MP Front Camera

On the front, the V40 Pro features a 32MP selfie camera. This is more than enough for high-quality selfies and video calls. The camera captures sharp, detailed images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. There’s also a beauty mode that smooths out skin tones without making you look unnatural. I took a few selfies in different lighting conditions, and the results were consistently good.

Video Capabilities

When it comes to video, the V40 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The main camera can record in 4K, and the footage is smooth and detailed. The EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) works well to reduce shake, even when you’re moving around. I tested this by recording a short video while walking, and the results were impressively stable. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses also support video recording, so you have plenty of options for capturing different perspectives.

Battery Life

If there’s one thing the Doogee V40 Pro absolutely nails, it’s battery life. This phone is a battery beast; with an 8,680mAh battery; the V40 Pro doesn’t just last a full day—it can easily stretch into two or even three days, depending on how you use it. Let’s break down what makes the battery life on this phone so impressive.

This battery is one of the largest you’ll find in any smartphone, rugged or not. To put that into perspective, most flagship phones have batteries in the 4,000mAh to 5,000mAh range, so the V40 Pro has nearly double the capacity. During my testing, I used the phone heavily for gaming, streaming videos, and taking photos, and it still had plenty of battery left at the end of the day. On lighter days, when I mostly used it for calls, messaging, and browsing social media, the battery lasted well into the second day.

But it’s not just about the size of the battery—When it’s time to recharge, the V40 Pro supports 33W fast charging, which is pretty quick for a phone with such a large battery. In my tests, the phone went from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, and a full charge took around 2 hours. That’s not the fastest charging speed out there, but considering the size of the battery, it’s more than acceptable. Plus, the phone comes with a 33W charger in the box, so you don’t have to buy one separately.

Here’s a cool feature you don’t see every day: reverse charging. The V40 Pro can act as a power bank and charge other devices via a USB-C cable. This is incredibly useful if you’re out camping or travelling and need to charge your wireless earbuds, smartwatch, or even another phone.

Real Usage

So, how does all this translate to real-world usage? Here’s a breakdown of what I experienced:

• Gaming: I played Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact for over an hour, and the battery dropped by about 15%. That’s impressive for such demanding games.
• Streaming: I watched a 2-hour movie on Netflix at full brightness, and the battery dropped by around 10%.
• Browsing and Social Media: Light usage like scrolling through Instagram or browsing the web barely made a dent in the battery. After 2 hours of use, the battery was still above 90%.
• Standby Time: The phone’s standby time is excellent. I left it overnight with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on, and it only lost about 2% of its charge.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

The Doogee V40 Pro is packed with premium features, but here’s the best part: it’s surprisingly affordable. Right now, you can snag this rugged powerhouse for $349.53 on AliExpress, which is an absolute steal considering everything it offers. For a phone with a 200MP camera, 8,680mAh battery, 120Hz display, and 4nm processor, this price point is hard to beat.

If you’re in the market for a rugged phone that doesn’t compromise on performance or features, the Doogee V40 Pro is absolutely worth it. At $349.53, it’s a steal, and I highly recommend grabbing one while the deal lasts.