The smartphone market is flooded with ultra-affordable options, but performance and longevity vary wildly. We pit the Cubot A40, featuring a modern Unisoc T606 chipset, against the older Alcatel Pixi 4 (5), a device representing a simpler era of mobile computing, to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Cubot A40 is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and significantly longer battery endurance (43:53h) provide a far superior user experience compared to the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5)'s aging quad-core CPU. While the Pixi 4 may appeal to those seeking extreme simplicity, the A40 delivers a more capable and future-proof device.
| 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, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July | 2016, June. Released 2016, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 172.3 x 78.1 x 8.8 mm (6.78 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 140.7 x 72.7 x 9.5 mm (5.54 x 2.86 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | - | 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | - |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Titan Grey | Black |
| Models | - | 5010D, 5010X, 5045T, 5045D, 5045X, 5010E, 5010G, 5045A |
| Price | - | About 60 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 43:53h endurance, 1300 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class C | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot A40
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Exceptional battery endurance (43:53h)
- Modern chipset with better power efficiency
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially budget-oriented
- Camera details are limited
alcatel Pixi 4 (5)
- Extremely simple and easy to use
- Potentially lower price point (depending on availability)
- Compact size
- Outdated quad-core processor struggles with modern apps
- Likely short battery life
- Limited features and functionality
Display Comparison
Display specifications are absent for the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) beyond its 5-inch size, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given its market positioning, it likely features a lower resolution and less color accuracy than a modern panel. The Cubot A40, while also likely utilizing a budget panel, benefits from the processing power of its Unisoc T606 to potentially enhance image rendering. The Pixi 4’s age suggests a lower peak brightness and wider viewing angle limitations.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for both devices are limited. However, given the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5)'s age and price point, its camera is likely a basic 5MP or 8MP sensor with limited features. The Cubot A40, while not a photography powerhouse, likely features a more capable sensor, though specific details are unavailable. Without further information, it’s safe to assume the A40 will deliver superior image quality and more versatile shooting options.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cubot A40’s Unisoc T606, built on a 12nm process, boasts an octa-core configuration (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). This architecture provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and app responsiveness compared to the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5)’s quad-core 1.3 GHz processor. The Cortex-A75 cores in the A40 offer a noticeable performance boost for demanding tasks, while the A55 cores handle background processes efficiently. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency. The Pixi 4 (5) will struggle with modern app demands and will exhibit noticeable lag during even basic operations.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key differentiator. The Cubot A40 boasts an impressive 43:53h endurance and a reported 1300 charge cycles, indicating a long-lasting battery and robust battery health management. The Alcatel Pixi 4 (5), lacking comparable endurance data, likely offers significantly shorter battery life due to its older processor and potentially smaller battery capacity. The A40’s efficient Unisoc T606 chipset contributes to its exceptional endurance, allowing for all-day use even with moderate to heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A40 if you need a smartphone capable of handling modern apps, multitasking, and occasional gaming without significant slowdown. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery life and want a device that won’t feel obsolete quickly. Buy the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) if you prefer an extremely basic smartphone for essential communication – calls, texts, and very light web browsing – and prioritize simplicity above all else. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How will the Unisoc T606 in the Cubot A40 handle popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp compared to the Alcatel Pixi 4 (5)?
The Unisoc T606’s octa-core architecture and higher clock speeds will provide a significantly smoother and more responsive experience with apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. The Alcatel Pixi 4 (5)’s quad-core processor will likely struggle with these apps, resulting in noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Cubot A40 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and occasional web browsing?
Yes, the Cubot A40 is an excellent choice even for basic usage. While it offers more power than needed for simple tasks, its exceptional battery life ensures it will last for days on a single charge, making it ideal for users who prioritize longevity and reliability. The Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) can handle these tasks, but its shorter battery life and slower performance are drawbacks.
❓ Can the Cubot A40 handle light gaming, and what kind of performance can I expect?
The Cubot A40 can handle light gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics settings. The Unisoc T606 is capable of running games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without issue. More graphically intensive games may require lower settings to maintain playable frame rates. The Alcatel Pixi 4 (5) will struggle with even basic games.
