The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is one of the most advanced and complete options on the smartphone market. However, its high price, well over €1.000, makes it unsuitable for everyone. For those seeking technology, premium design, and reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Doogee Mix 2 emerges as a highly capable budget-friendly alternative that meets the needs of the average user looking for a reliable phone for everyday use.
Doogee Mix 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Note 8: Review and Comparison
Is it worth going for a budget phone like the Doogee Mix 2 instead of a high-end model like the Note 8? We break down the differences, similarities, advantages, and limitations so you can make an informed decision.
Unboxing and first impressions video
At the time of its launch, the Doogee Mix 2 was compared to models such as the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 and even the Note 8. Initial visual impressions show that, despite the price difference, the Mix 2 offers a polished presentation, a silicone case included in the box, and details that will please users looking for a good experience from the first use.
Design, dimensions and display
Both the Galaxy Note 8 and the Doogee Mix 2 stand out for their sleek and modern design , with rounded corners and a screen that occupies almost the entire front. The Note 8 features premium materials like aluminum and glass, while the Doogee uses glass and metal alloys, also conveying a sense of robustness.
- Dimensions The Note 8 measures 162,5 x 74,8 x 8,6 mm and weighs 195 g, while the Doogee Mix 2 is slightly more compact at 159,1 x 74,7 x 8,6 mm and 210 g.
- Display: The Note 8 packs a stunning 6,3-inch Super AMOLED display with 2960 x 1440 pixels (WQHD+) resolution, 522 ppi, 18.5:9 aspect ratio, and Always-On Display technology. The Doogee Mix 2 sports a 5,99-inch IPS LCD with 2160 x 1080 pixels (FullHD+) resolution, 403 ppi, and an 18:9 aspect ratio.
- Protection: Both have Gorilla Glass 5 protection against scratches and bumps.
In both cases, the visual experience is immersive, but the Samsung achieves greater color vibrancy and contrast thanks to its Super AMOLED technology. The Doogee performs well under direct sunlight and maintains good sharpness, although it falls a step behind in maximum brightness and contrast.
Processor, power and performance
The price difference is reflected in the internal hardware. The Galaxy Note 8 features the powerful Snapdragon 835 processor (Exynos 8895 in some regions), along with the Adreno 540 GPU, 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and versions with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB of fast UFS 2.1 storage, expandable up to 256GB via microSD. You can also find reviews of other Galaxy devices on our site.
The Doogee Mix 2 features a MediaTek Helio P25 chipset (8 cores at 2,5 GHz), a Mali-T880 MP2 GPU, 6 GB of RAM, and 64/128 GB of storage expandable via microSD. Although its performance in benchmarks like AnTuTu is noticeably lower (around 65.000 points compared to over 190.000 for the Note 8), its smooth performance in everyday tasks , multimedia use, and multitasking remains satisfactory.
Battery and autonomy
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8: 3.300 mAh, includes fast charging (Quick Charge 2.0), wireless charging and USB-C port.
- Doogee Mix 2: 4.060 mAh, also with fast charging and USB-C, although it does not have wireless charging.
The Doogee Mix 2 offers greater battery capacity , easily lasting through the day even with heavy use, surpassing the Note 8 in overall battery life. However, the Note 8 offers faster and more convenient charging thanks to its additional technologies. For other battery options from Doogee, please see [link to Doogee battery options ].
Cameras: innovation and versatility
- Note 8: Dual 12 MP + 12 MP rear camera with f/1.7 and f/2.4 aperture, optical stabilization, x2 optical zoom, 4K video, Dual Pixel autofocus.
- Doogee Mix 2: Quad camera (2 rear 16 MP + 13 MP, f/2.2 aperture and BSI CMOS), dual 8 + 8 MP front camera (f/2.8), 130° wide angle for group selfies, facial recognition on the front camera.
The Samsung excels in image quality, sharpness, and low-light performance, making it ideal for professional and semi-professional photography. However, the Doogee Mix 2 stands out for its dual front and rear cameras, wide-angle and portrait-style blur effects, and 4K video recording. These features make it an excellent choice for those looking to take advantage of the cameras for group selfies or creative videos.
Security systems: facial recognition and fingerprint
Both devices include advanced biometric systems . The Note 8 incorporates facial recognition, iris scanning, and a fingerprint sensor for unlocking. The Doogee Mix 2 was a pioneer among Android devices in incorporating facial recognition for unlocking as an alternative to the rear fingerprint sensor. This provides versatility and security in both cases.
Connectivity and sensors
- Note 8: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone port, OTG support, GPS, pressure sensor, gyroscope, barometer, FM radio not included.
- Doogee Mix 2: Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C, OTG, FM radio, dual band Wi-Fi, dual SIM, without NFC and without headphone jack.
The Note 8 adds a more advanced and comprehensive set of sensors, ideal for mobile payments, virtual reality, and modern connectivity. The Doogee, meanwhile, scores points with practical features like FM radio and dual SIM compatibility , highly valued by those who travel or use two phone lines.
Operating system and user experience
- Note 8: It comes with Android (versions 7.1 and higher depending on updates), Samsung Experience layer and regular security updates.
- Doogee Mix 2: Android 7.1 Nougat, without a heavy layer, although updates are more limited.
The Note 8 offers highly optimized software, with better update support and exclusive tools like the S-Pen, productivity features, advanced multitasking, and optimization for professional use. The Doogee Mix 2 maintains a fairly clean Android experience, allowing for customization and easy handling, although its update support is shorter.
Price and value for money
The biggest difference between the two devices is their price. While the Galaxy Note 8 is positioned within the premium range, the Doogee Mix 2 is priced around €200 , making it accessible to a much wider audience. Although the performance difference is clear, for most users the Doogee Mix 2 offers more than enough performance for browsing, social media, multimedia, and occasional photography.
- Doogee Mix 2 (discontinued)
The choice between these two models depends on your needs and budget. If you're looking for top performance, the best screen experience, and professional-level photography, the Note 8 remains a safe bet. If you prefer a robust, feature-rich phone with good battery life and a more affordable price, the Doogee Mix 2 is a highly recommended option.
