Are Cubot smartphones good?
Cubot smartphones achieve an average overall score of 6.7, placing them #26 among all smartphone brands, and have a user rating of 7.8, ranking #25 in user reviews.
Cubot smartphones have a reputation as good budget options for Android users, especially if you want solid value for your money. You will find models like the Cubot P30 and Cubot Power praised for their vivid Full HD displays, strong battery life (some with 6000mAh or more), and decent triple rear camera setups, all at affordable prices. Many users highlight the devices' strong battery performance, some lasting 2-3 days with heavy use, which makes them practical if you prioritize long battery life over flagship speed. Cubot phones generally come with good connectivity options such as WiFi and 4G dual-SIM support, and some rugged models like the KingKong Star hold up well under tough conditions with features like IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance.
However, you should be aware that Cubot devices trade off some polish in areas like camera quality and build refinements. Users report issues like average camera performance without image stabilization, occasional software glitches, and less reliable hardware features such as fingerprint sensors failing or touchscreen problems with some models. Some customers also mention less responsive customer service and warranty support limitations, which can be frustrating if you encounter problems requiring repair or replacement.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison in the first paragraph. Only those with at least 6 smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
The best available Cubot smartphones (with the highest overall score) are as follows:
- CUBOT Kingkong X (32GB + 512GB) (Overall score: 7.29)
- CUBOT KingKong 11 (16GB + 256GB) (Overall score: 7.16)
- CUBOT KingKong X Pro (24GB + 256GB) (Overall score: 7.08)
The following chart ranks different smartphone brands by their overall score.
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What are the main advantages of Cubot smartphones?
The main advantages of Cubot smartphones are as follows:
- Affordable price range: Cubot smartphones usually cost less than many well-known brands, which makes them attractive for budget-conscious buyers who want functional devices without paying a premium.
- Large batteries: Many Cubot models have 5000 mAh or larger batteries, which gives long usage times between charges and suits users who need extended autonomy.
- Rugged models available: Cubot produces rugged smartphones with IP68 and IP69K ratings, so they resist dust, water, and shocks, which is ideal for outdoor or industrial environments.
- Expandable storage: Most Cubot devices support microSD cards, which lets users increase storage capacity beyond the built-in memory.
- Dual SIM capability: Many Cubot smartphones include two SIM card slots, which is useful for people who travel or use separate numbers for work and personal life.
- Clean Android system: Cubot smartphones often run near-stock Android without heavy custom interfaces, which improves performance and gives a simpler user experience.
What are the main disadvantages of Cubot smartphones?
Cubot smartphones have the following disadvantages:
- Limited performance: Many models use entry-level processors, so they may lag in demanding apps or games.
- Average camera quality: Cameras often have lower performance in low-light conditions compared to mid-range or flagship devices from other brands.
- Slow software updates: Cubot does not release frequent Android or security updates, which may affect long-term support.
- Lower display quality: Some devices use lower resolution or less vibrant panels compared to competitors in the same price range.
- Limited availability of accessories: Finding cases, screen protectors, or spare parts for Cubot devices can be more difficult than for mainstream brands.
Who makes Cubot smartphones?
Cubot smartphones are manufactured by Shenzhen Huafurui Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese consumer electronics company based in Shenzhen. Established in 2012, the company operates under the brand name “Cubot,” which is a blend of “Cool” and “Robot,” reflecting its ambition to deliver stylish, reliable devices.
Over the years, Cubot has carved out a niche in producing budget-friendly Android smartphones, rugged models, and wearables, often featuring MediaTek, UniSoc, or Snapdragon processors and running stock Android for a clean user experience.
What are the main Cubot smartphone series?
The main Cubot smartphone series are as follows:
- KingKong: Rugged smartphones focus on durability and protection. They hold IP68/IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance, and they meet MIL-STD-810H standards for shock and temperature extremes. Models like KingKong 11, KingKong Power 5, and KingKong X Pro include large batteries up to 10600 mAh and high-resolution cameras.
- Note: Wide-screen devices emphasize display size and smoothness. They feature HD+ screens with refresh rates up to 90 Hz or 120 Hz, and they come with ample RAM like 12 GB or 16 GB for multitasking. Examples include Note 40, Note 50, and Note 21 with 50 Mpix main cameras and expandable storage.
- Power: Large-battery models prioritize endurance (formerly H series). They deliver capacities like 5100 mAh or more, and they support fast charging in devices such as KingKong Power 3 or Power 5. These phones suit heavy users with octa-core processors and 256 GB storage.
- X: Premium smartphones represent Cubot's high-end lineup. They boast curved displays with 120 Hz refresh rates, powerful Helio G99 processors, and cameras up to 100 Mpix. Variants like X90, X70, and X50 include 256 GB storage and AI features for photography.
- C, R, P: Low-end series target budget users. C and R focus on basic functionality with small screens and modest specs, P sits below X with options like P80 or P90 featuring 48 Mpix cameras and NFC. They use MediaTek processors and run stock Android.
How much do Cubot smartphone costs?
Cubot smartphone costs start from about £60 for basic models and go up to around £215 for the most advanced devices.
Entry-level models in the £60 to £105 range typically have modest hardware with HD+ displays, quad-core processors, and basic cameras. Mid-range Cubot phones, priced between £115 and £170, usually feature larger Full HD+ screens, more RAM, and better battery life. High-end Cubot smartphones cost between £170 and £215 and include features such as higher megapixel cameras, octa-core processors, larger storage, and faster charging.
Cubot smartphones have an average price of £170 €, ranking #12 in price among smartphone brands (from cheapest to most expensive), and an average quality-price ratio score of 7.6, placing them in position #18.
(Note: A total of 37 brands were evaluated in the comparison. Only those with at least 6 smartphones in our database that were released after 2022 were included.)
What should you consider while choosing the best Cubot smartphone?
When choosing the best Cubot smartphone for you, consider the following key specifications.
- Processor: Cubot smartphones feature different processors like MediaTek Helio series, Dimensity 8200, and UNISOC chipsets. Entry-level models use Helio A22 processors running at 2.2GHz with quad-core designs, while premium models feature Dimensity 8200 processors with 8 cores running up to 3.1GHz. The processor affects app performance, gaming capabilities, and battery efficiency.
- RAM: Cubot offers RAM options from 4GB to 24GB (12GB physical + 12GB extended). Basic models include 4GB RAM which handles daily tasks, while mid-range phones provide 8-16GB RAM with extended virtual memory. Premium models like Max 5 and KingKong Star 2 5G offer 24GB total RAM (12GB physical + 12GB extended) for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Storage: Internal storage ranges from 32GB in entry models to 512GB in premium phones. Most Cubot phones include 128GB or 256GB base storage. All models support microSD expansion up to 256GB or 1TB depending on the model. The P80 model offers up to 512GB ROM with 8GB RAM plus 8GB extended.
- Camera: Cubot cameras vary from basic 13MP single setups to 100MP main sensors. Mid-range phones feature quad-camera systems with 64MP main sensors, 16MP ultra-wide lenses, 5MP macro cameras, and depth sensors. Premium models like Max 5 include 100MP PDAF main cameras with 32MP front cameras. The KingKong series focuses on durability over camera specs with 48MP main sensors.
- Battery: Battery capacities range from 4500mAh in standard phones to massive 15300mAh in rugged models. Most Cubot phones include 5000-6000mAh batteries with all-day usage. The KingKong Power 5 features a 15300mAh battery lasting 5-7 days with 33W fast charging. Rugged models prioritize battery life over thin designs.
