The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot A20 and Xiaomi Redmi 7A represent two popular choices, but cater to slightly different priorities. The A20 focuses on maximizing performance with a newer chipset, while the Redmi 7A relies on Xiaomi’s established brand recognition and streamlined software. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and battery life, the Cubot A20 emerges as the stronger contender. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Redmi 7A’s Snapdragon 439, and its exceptional 52:52h endurance provides significantly longer usage between charges.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.4 x 77.8 x 9.6 mm (6.67 x 3.06 x 0.38 in) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 214 g (7.55 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | - | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 52:52h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot A20
- Superior CPU performance thanks to the Unisoc Tiger T616.
- Exceptional battery life with 52:52h endurance.
- Potentially better image processing due to the more advanced ISP.
- Brand recognition is lower than Xiaomi.
- Detailed display specifications are unknown.
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- Well-established brand reputation with Xiaomi.
- Simple and streamlined software experience.
- Likely more readily available in certain markets.
- Significantly weaker CPU performance compared to the Cubot A20.
- Slower charging speed (10W).
- Lower overall performance for demanding tasks.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature 720p+ LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The Redmi 7A’s display size is 6.22 inches, while the Cubot A20’s is 6.4 inches. The slightly larger screen on the A20 may offer a more immersive viewing experience, but without knowing the panel quality, it’s difficult to definitively say which is superior.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. Without megapixel counts or aperture information, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T616 is likely more advanced than the one in the Snapdragon 439, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance on the Cubot A20. Focusing on the chipset’s capabilities is more relevant than speculating about potentially low-resolution sensors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot A20’s Unisoc Tiger T616, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with a more modern architecture (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This contrasts sharply with the Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (also 12nm) which uses older Cortex-A53 cores across all eight cores (4x1.95 GHz & 4x1.45 GHz). The A75 cores in the A20 provide a significant performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. While both are 12nm, the architectural improvements in the T616 translate to faster processing speeds and better efficiency. The Redmi 7A will likely struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Cubot A20 truly shines in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 52:52h of usage. While the Redmi 7A’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its 10W charging suggests a slower charging speed. The A20’s superior endurance, coupled with the more efficient Unisoc T616 chipset, means users can expect significantly longer periods between charges. This is a major advantage for users who heavily rely on their smartphones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A20 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and multitasking without significant slowdowns, and if long battery life is a top priority. You’ll benefit from a more responsive user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you prefer a well-known brand with a simple, uncluttered software experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and light social media use. It’s a reliable option for those who prioritize simplicity over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot A20 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot A20 is a significant step up from the Snapdragon 439. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it will be a playable experience.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Cubot A20 and the Xiaomi Redmi 7A?
Xiaomi’s MIUI is known for its feature-rich interface and customization options, but it can also be resource-intensive. The Cubot A20 likely runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a cleaner and more responsive experience, especially given the less powerful hardware. This can translate to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
❓ Is the 800 cycle battery claim for the Cubot A20 realistic?
While 800 cycles is a high number, it's a marketing claim that should be viewed with some skepticism. However, the Unisoc T616’s efficiency and the A20’s overall power management likely contribute to a longer battery lifespan compared to devices with less efficient chipsets. Expect good longevity, but real-world results will vary based on usage patterns.
