The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot A10 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers, but they take different approaches to achieving affordability. The A10 relies on the Unisoc T606, while the Redmi 10C leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 680. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides noticeably better performance and thermal management than the Cubot A10’s Unisoc T606. The 18W charging is also a significant advantage, despite similar battery capacities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, June | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 75.5 x 10.4 mm (6.52 x 2.97 x 0.41 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Purple | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | - | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Cubot A10
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Large battery capacity (likely)
- Less powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Slower charging speeds (likely)
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- More efficient 6nm process
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Slightly higher price
- May not have significant camera improvements
- Performance still limited by budget segment
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in display quality, given their price points. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are not provided, but both likely feature 720p+ displays. The focus here is on the underlying processors, as display performance is often limited by GPU capabilities. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of this segment. Color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more capable than Unisoc’s offerings at this price point. This translates to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. It’s reasonable to assume the Redmi 10C will produce more detailed and vibrant photos. The presence of a dedicated ISP within the Snapdragon 680 also allows for faster image capture and processing speeds. The likely inclusion of features like HDR and scene recognition will further enhance the Redmi 10C’s camera performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Snapdragon 680 (6nm) boasts a significant architectural advantage over the Cubot A10’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The 6nm process allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. The Snapdragon 680’s CPU configuration – 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver – is also more powerful than the A10’s 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55. This means the Redmi 10C will handle multitasking, app loading, and gaming more smoothly. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon’s core design and fabrication process give it a clear edge.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment). However, the Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. While not exceptionally fast, it’s considerably quicker than the charging speeds typically found on Cubot devices. The Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life, even with similar usage patterns. The 6nm process reduces power consumption, allowing the Redmi 10C to extract more runtime from its battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A10 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media, and you prioritize absolute lowest cost. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more. The Redmi 10C is the better all-rounder for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 680 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 6nm process helps with thermal throttling, but it's still a budget chipset, so extended gaming sessions may lead to some performance dips. The Cubot A10's Unisoc T606 will struggle more with demanding games.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Unisoc T606 and Snapdragon 680 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the Snapdragon 680 provides a smoother and more responsive experience when multitasking, opening apps, and browsing the web. The Unisoc T606 may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering during heavier usage.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Redmi 10C compared to the Cubot A10?
The Cubot A10 likely supports standard 10W charging, meaning the Redmi 10C’s 18W charging will be significantly faster. Expect the Redmi 10C to charge from 0-100% in around 2-3 hours, while the Cubot A10 could take 4+ hours.
