The Cubot A40 and Vodafone Smart N8 represent two ends of the ultra-budget smartphone spectrum. The A40, with its newer Unisoc chipset, aims for efficiency and longevity, while the Smart N8, leveraging an older Mediatek platform, focuses on basic functionality. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best value for users prioritizing performance and battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Cubot A40 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process, offers significantly improved performance and power efficiency compared to the Vodafone Smart N8’s aging Mediatek MT6737 (28nm). The A40’s impressive 43:53h endurance further solidifies its position as the superior choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, July | 2017, June. Released 2017, 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) | 144.5 x 71.9 x 8.6 mm (5.69 x 2.83 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 151 g (5.33 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.3% 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 Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Titan Grey | Graphite, Gold |
| Models | - | VFD 610 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 43:53h endurance, 1300 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class C | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot A40
- Significantly better performance with the Unisoc T606 chipset.
- Exceptional battery life (43:53h endurance).
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process.
- Display specifications are unknown and likely basic.
- Camera quality is likely average for the price point.
Vodafone Smart N8
- Lowest possible upfront cost.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Suitable for basic communication needs.
- Outdated and inefficient Mediatek MT6737 chipset.
- Poor performance and limited multitasking capabilities.
- Significantly shorter battery life.
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given their price points, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p resolutions. The Smart N8, being an older model, likely has larger bezels. The A40 may benefit from slightly improved color calibration due to newer manufacturing processes, but neither is expected to deliver a premium viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the A40’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T606 likely offers improved image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic assets.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Cubot A40’s Unisoc T606, an octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A75 cores and six Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant uplift in CPU performance compared to the Vodafone Smart N8’s quad-core Cortex-A53 processor. Crucially, the T606 is fabricated on a 12nm process, resulting in lower power consumption and improved thermal management. The MT6737’s 28nm process is significantly less efficient, leading to potential throttling under sustained load. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A40.
Battery Life
The Cubot A40’s battery endurance of 43:53h is a standout feature. This impressive longevity is a direct result of the efficient Unisoc T606 chipset and its 12nm fabrication process. While the Smart N8’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its power-hungry Mediatek MT6737 (28nm) will undoubtedly result in significantly shorter battery life. The A40 also boasts 1300 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan before significant battery degradation.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A40 if you need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of moderate use, and even longer with careful management. It’s ideal for users who stream videos, browse the web, or play casual games. Buy the Vodafone Smart N8 if you absolutely require the lowest possible upfront cost and only need a phone for basic calling, texting, and very light app usage – understanding its performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot A40 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Cubot A40 is more than capable of running social media apps smoothly. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost that the Mediatek MT6737 in the Smart N8 simply can’t match, resulting in a more responsive experience.
❓ Is the Vodafone Smart N8 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Vodafone Smart N8 is not well-suited for gaming. The Mediatek MT6737’s limited processing power and older GPU will struggle with even basic mobile games, resulting in low frame rates and significant lag. The Cubot A40, while not a gaming powerhouse, offers a considerably better gaming experience.
❓ How long will the Cubot A40's battery last with moderate usage (calls, texts, browsing)?
With moderate usage, the Cubot A40 can easily last a full day, and potentially two days, on a single charge. Its 43:53h endurance rating indicates it can handle approximately 1.8 days of typical use, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery life.
