Cubot C20 Pro vs C20: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Choices

Cubot offers two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space: the C20 and the C20 Pro. While the C20 is a known quantity with its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, the C20 Pro remains shrouded in some mystery regarding its specifications. This comparison aims to dissect the available information and extrapolate likely performance differences to guide potential buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a known and functional experience, the Cubot C20 is the safer bet. Its Helio P22 chipset provides a predictable level of performance for basic tasks. The C20 Pro *could* offer improvements, but without concrete specs, it's a gamble.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot C20 Pro Cubot C20
Network
2G bandsN/AGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsN/AHSDPA 900 / 2100
4G bandsN/A1, 3, 7, 8, 20
EDGENo-
GPRSNo-
SpeedNoHSPA, LTE
TechnologyNo cellular connectivityGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, November2020. Released 2020
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, NovemberDiscontinued
Body
Dimensions54 x 43 x 12.9 mm (2.13 x 1.69 x 0.51 in)155 x 74 x 10 mm (6.10 x 2.91 x 0.39 in)
SIMNoNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-192.8 g (6.81 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 286 pixels (~206 ppi density)1080 x 2246 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size1.81 inches6.18 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPU-Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Chipset-Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPU-PowerVR GE8320
OSProprietary OSAndroid 10
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128MB64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Features-LED flash
Triple-12 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video-Yes
Selfie camera
Single-8 MP
Video-Yes
Sound
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker NoYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP4.2, A2DP
NFCNoYes
PositioningNoGPS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBNoUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANNoWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressureFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type380 mAh4200 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsGray, OrangeBlue, Black
PriceAbout 50 EUR-

Cubot C20 Pro

  • Known and predictable performance with Helio P22
  • Likely good battery life due to chipset efficiency
  • Affordable price point

  • Helio P22 is a relatively dated chipset
  • Limited gaming capabilities
  • Unknown display and camera specifications

Cubot C20

  • Potential for improved performance over the C20
  • May offer a better display or camera system
  • The 'Pro' designation suggests enhanced features

  • Specifications are largely unknown, making it a risky purchase
  • Potential for limited software support
  • May not offer a significant performance upgrade over the C20

Display Comparison

Without display specifications for the C20 Pro, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the C20's budget positioning, it's likely both devices utilize IPS LCD panels. The C20's target market likely prioritizes size over resolution or refresh rate. The C20 Pro *may* offer a slightly larger display or improved color calibration, but this remains speculative. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their price bracket.

Camera Comparison

The C20's camera specifications are not detailed enough to provide a meaningful analysis beyond the chipset. It's reasonable to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The C20 Pro *might* include a higher-resolution main sensor or additional camera features, but this is purely speculative. Image processing will likely be similar on both devices, focusing on basic scene optimization rather than advanced computational photography.

Performance

The Cubot C20's Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12nm) is the defining performance factor. Its octa-core CPU, comprised of four 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, is adequate for basic multitasking and app usage. The 12nm process node, while not cutting-edge, offers reasonable power efficiency. The C20 Pro's chipset is unknown, but to justify the 'Pro' designation, it would need to offer a significant performance uplift – potentially a newer Helio G series chip or a Snapdragon equivalent. Without this, the 'Pro' moniker is purely cosmetic. The C20's performance is best suited for users who don't demand intensive gaming or demanding applications.

Battery Life

Battery capacity for both devices is currently unknown. However, given the Helio P22's power efficiency, the C20 should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. The C20 Pro's battery life will depend heavily on its chipset and display specifications. If the C20 Pro features a more power-hungry processor or a larger, higher-resolution display, it may require more frequent charging. Charging wattage is also unknown for both devices, suggesting relatively slow charging speeds.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot C20 Pro if you're an adventurous user willing to take a chance on potentially improved specs at a similar price point, and are comfortable with the possibility of limited software support. Buy the Cubot C20 if you prioritize a stable, known experience for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value a predictable performance profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P22 in the Cubot C20 capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P22 is generally capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant issues. However, expect some occasional lag when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. It's not a powerhouse, but it's sufficient for basic social media consumption.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Cubot C20 Pro, is it worth waiting for more details before making a purchase?
Absolutely. The C20 Pro's specifications are crucial to determining its value. Without knowing the chipset, RAM, and display details, it's difficult to justify the 'Pro' designation. Waiting for official information or independent reviews is highly recommended before committing to a purchase.
❓ What type of storage does the Cubot C20 use, and is it expandable via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated, budget smartphones like the Cubot C20 typically utilize eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is highly probable, given the target market, but this should be verified before purchase to ensure sufficient storage for your needs.