Is it worth it?
If you want a no-fuss 10-inch tablet for streaming, light gaming, homework and travel without spending much more than a family takeaway, the DOOGEE Tab A9 hits a sweet spot. It tackles common budget-tablet headaches—sluggish app launches, weak battery and awkward setup—by pairing Android 15’s snappier feel with a power‑efficient Unisoc chip and a sizeable 6580 mAh battery. Parents, casual streamers and commuters will appreciate the dual speakers and microSD expansion, while Face ID and USB‑C keep things modern. The surprising part? It costs less than many Bluetooth headphones—yet there’s more to the story below.
After a week of hands‑on use, my verdict is simple: buy the Tab A9 if you want an ultra‑affordable, hassle‑free Android tablet for video, browsing, notes and kids’ apps; skip it if you’re after premium gaming or a pin‑sharp display. The performance uplift claimed for Android 15 feels real in day‑to‑day taps and swipes, and battery life is respectably long for the price. However, a few user reports of charger and port issues mean you should unbox, test and possibly use a known‑good USB‑C charger from day one. If that doesn’t scare you off, the value is frankly hard to beat.
Specifications
| Brand | DOOGEE |
| Model | Tab A9 |
| Display | 10.1-inch 1280×800 |
| Processor | Unisoc T310 quad-core |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 64GB, microSD up to 2TB |
| Battery | 6580 mAh |
| Cameras | 8MP rear, 5MP front. |
| User Score | 3.8 ⭐ (32 reviews) |
| Price | approx. 60£ Check 🛒 |
Key Features
Android 15 speed and privacy
Android 15 feels brisk on this tablet: app launches are snappier and switching between a browser tab, notes and YouTube is smoother than older budget slates. You also get the latest permission controls to share only what an app really needs, which helps protect your data (see Google’s Android 15 release notes).
Why it matters: low‑cost tablets often feel sluggish after a few updates. Here, the combination of a clean system and lightweight UI gives you more usable life before it slows down.
Example: hopping between Google Docs, Gmail and a Meet call during an online class felt consistent—no hard pauses, no surprise app reloads, just steady multitasking for school or remote work.
Efficient Unisoc T310
The Unisoc T310 mixes one Cortex‑A75 performance core with three A55 efficiency cores. It’s built for everyday tasks—streaming, e‑books, email and kids’ games—rather than heavy 3D titles. The chip also sips power, helping the 6580 mAh battery punch above its weight.
Why it matters: not every tablet needs a flagship processor. This setup prioritises stability, low heat and battery life—the things that matter most in daily use.
Example: Roblox and simple puzzle games ran smoothly, while demanding games needed lowered graphics to stay playable. For train commutes and sofa browsing, it’s perfect.
10.1-inch HD display with dual speakers
The 1280×800 panel is HD, not Full HD, so individual pixels are visible if you sit close. Colours are pleasant and the screen is bright enough indoors. The twin speakers provide a solid stereo image for YouTube and Netflix, though they’re understandably light on bass.
Why it matters: a big, comfortable canvas for reading and streaming beats squinting at a phone—especially for kids’ homework and family video calls.
Example: prop it on a stand and you’ve got a perfectly serviceable portable TV for the kitchen or caravan; plug in wired headphones via the 3.5 mm jack for clearer dialogue at night.
6580 mAh battery for all‑day casual use
The 6580 mAh cell, combined with a frugal processor and Android 15, is built for staying power. Expect long stints of browsing and video before reaching for the charger. Charging is via USB‑C, and it works with typical phone chargers.
Why it matters: nothing kills a budget tablet faster than a weak battery. This one comfortably survives a day of mixed use without anxiety.
Example: I streamed multiple episodes, answered emails and read articles across a lazy Sunday and finished with battery to spare—no outlet hunting mid‑film.
Expandable storage and OTG flexibility
You get 64GB on board for apps and downloads, plus microSD expansion up to 2TB for media. OTG support means you can connect a USB drive, card reader or even a wired keyboard for quick file transfers.
Why it matters: local storage lets you download Netflix episodes for flights, stash Spotify playlists for offline listening, and carry course PDFs without relying on patchy Wi‑Fi.
Example: I popped in a 256GB card and synced a dozen films for a holiday—no buffering, no data charges, and the kids were entertained during the drive.
Face ID and everyday essentials
Face ID gets you into the tablet quickly without typing a PIN, handy for family use. You also keep the old‑school conveniences: a headphone jack for wired cans, Bluetooth for speakers, and dual‑band Wi‑Fi (often listed as “5G Wi‑Fi” meaning 5 GHz, not 5G mobile).
Why it matters: budget shouldn’t mean basic. These small quality‑of‑life touches make a daily difference.
Example: leave it on the coffee table—your face unlocks it for a quick recipe check, and Bluetooth picks up your soundbar for a bigger evening watch.
Firsthand Experience
Unboxing is straightforward: tablet, compact charger, and a USB‑C cable. The chassis is slim enough at around 9.7 mm and weighs roughly 418 g, which is fine for one‑hand reading but better with a stand for films. Setup took 10 minutes including Google sign‑in, and Face ID was up and running with two scans. A quick note for clarity: the “12GB RAM” includes memory expansion (virtual RAM); the base hardware RAM is smaller, but Android 15’s memory management keeps common apps responsive in practice.
Pros and Cons
Customer Reviews
Early buyers paint a realistic picture: for the money, performance and battery are pleasantly surprising, but accessories quality varies and there are a few reports of charging issues. It’s the sort of tablet that wins fans among value‑seekers and families, while power users point out its HD‑only screen and light gaming chops. As more reviews land, the consensus is balancing out toward “strong value with caveats.”
Bought as a last‑minute holiday replacement and it handled Roblox and everyday tasks better than expected—vivid colours and feels robust for the price
Tablet itself is fine so far, but the included charger failed after a couple of weeks so I’m using a phone charger instead
Easy to set up, sound is loud and clear even through hearing aids, battery lasts well and Face ID works smoothly—great value
Does the job for kids and the price is right, though it feels a bit heavy and the quality isn’t premium
Had two units with charging port failures within a day, very disappointed and had to return both.
Comparison
In the sub‑£100 bracket, the Tab A9’s biggest appeal is that it runs modern Android with Google Play and doesn’t feel bogged down during everyday tasks. Compared with ultra‑cheap no‑name tablets that often ship with older Android builds, this one boots quickly and keeps core apps in memory for longer. The trade‑off is an HD (not Full HD) screen and entry‑level graphics. Set against Amazon’s Fire HD 10, you’ll usually get a sharper 1080p display and decent speakers on the Fire, but you also have to live with Fire OS and limited Google services out of the box. If you want Google Play without sideloading, the DOOGEE is the simpler pick; if you prioritise screen sharpness for films, Fire HD 10 has the edge at a slightly higher price. Lenovo’s budget Tab M10 (older HD variants) brings a more established brand and sometimes better build finish, but at this price you often get smaller storage and, on some models, older Android versions. The Tab A9 counters with newer software and microSD flexibility that makes offline media libraries easy to manage. If you’re tempted by pricier mid‑range tablets, you’ll gain a Full HD or 2K panel, faster chips and longer update commitments. Those are worthwhile if you game heavily or edit photos. For sofa streaming, schoolwork and travel entertainment on the cheap, the Tab A9 remains a strong value play.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does it support 5G mobile networks?
- No—“5G Wi‑Fi” here refers to 5 GHz Wi‑Fi, not 5G cellular
- Can I expand the storage for films and downloads?
- Yes, via microSD (up to 2TB) and OTG for USB drives
- Is the 12GB RAM real?
- The tablet uses memory expansion (virtual RAM) to reach 12GB
- What should I do about the charger concerns?
- Test the included charger on day one
Conclusion
The DOOGEE Tab A9 delivers what matters for a budget slate: modern Android 15 with Google Play, smooth enough performance for browsing and streaming, a big screen for family use, and battery life that won’t nag you. The HD panel and modest speakers remind you it’s entry‑level, and the mixed reports about chargers/ports mean you should check your unit carefully upon arrival and keep a good USB‑C charger handy. You should not buy this if you want sharp Full HD movies at arm’s length, console‑class gaming, or a multi‑year update pledge. You should buy it if you need an inexpensive tablet for kids’ apps, travel streaming, e‑books, recipes in the kitchen, and Zoom calls—especially if you value microSD expansion for offline content. In the UK it typically sits in the true budget range (well under £100), where its overall quality is above average for the cost. Check the current price via the links—this is the sort of device that can swing from a good deal to an absolute steal during promotions.
