The Blackview A52 and Cubot Note 20 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches under the hood. The A52 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, while the Note 20 Pro features the MediaTek Helio P60. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these chipsets to determine which device offers the better user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and smoother multitasking, the Cubot Note 20 Pro is the better choice. The Helio P60’s more powerful Cortex-A73 cores and 12nm process provide a noticeable performance advantage over the A52’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter’s octa-core configuration. However, the A52 may offer slightly better power efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 22 | 2020. Released 2020 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 25 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 62 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.44 x 0.36 in) | 162.8 x 75.4 x 9.1 mm (6.41 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183.6 g (6.49 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~100.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS G0 3.0 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
other unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | - | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", AF
20 MP, (depth), 1/2.78"
Auxiliary lenses |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5180 mAh | 4200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar Night, Vitality Green, Ice Blue | Black, Blue, Green |
| Price | About 100 EUR | - |
Blackview A52
- Potentially better battery life during light use.
- Lower price point (likely).
- Simpler processor may generate less heat during very basic tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Helio P60.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Inferior GPU for gaming and video playback.
Cubot Note 20 Pro
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More capable GPU for gaming and video streaming.
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
- May run slightly warmer during intensive tasks.
- Slightly higher price (likely).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses solely on the chipset, we must infer display characteristics based on the market segment. Both likely feature 720p+ LCD panels. However, the Helio P60’s GPU may allow for slightly smoother video playback. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical for this price point. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit on either device, and neither is expected to feature high brightness levels for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, both devices likely employ similar budget camera sensors. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P60 generally offers more advanced features and better image processing capabilities than the ISP found in the Unisoc SC9863A. This translates to potentially better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos captured by the Cubot Note 20 Pro. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and should not be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Note 20 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P60 (12nm) utilizes four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with four Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture is significantly more capable than the Blackview A52’s Unisoc SC9863A (22nm), which features four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. The A73 cores in the Helio P60 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 12nm process node of the Helio P60 also contributes to better thermal efficiency compared to the 22nm SC9863A, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core, the *type* of core matters significantly.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Unisoc SC9863A’s less demanding architecture *could* translate to slightly longer battery life during light usage. However, the Helio P60’s more efficient 12nm process and potentially faster charging capabilities (depending on the included charger) could offset this advantage. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns and screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A52 if you need a basic smartphone for light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing, and prioritize potential battery longevity. Buy the Cubot Note 20 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming video, or playing less demanding mobile games, and are willing to trade a small amount of potential battery life for increased performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot Note 20 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P60 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly more capable than the Blackview A52 for gaming.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Blackview A52 sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and making calls. However, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex web pages.
❓ Does the Helio P60 in the Cubot Note 20 Pro support fast charging?
The Helio P60 chipset itself supports fast charging protocols, but the actual charging speed depends on the charger included in the box and the phone's charging circuitry. Check the product specifications for the exact charging wattage supported.
❓ Which phone is more likely to receive software updates?
Neither Blackview nor Cubot have a strong track record for consistent software updates. Expect limited or no major Android version updates for both devices. Security patches may be infrequent.
