The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Cubot C20 Pro against the Nokia G20, two devices aiming to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. While the Cubot C20 Pro’s specifications remain largely unknown, we’ll leverage brand positioning and market trends to provide a comprehensive comparison against the Nokia G20’s Mediatek Helio G35-powered platform.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known quantity and a more refined software experience, the Nokia G20 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a predictable level of performance and benefits from Nokia’s commitment to software updates, a crucial advantage over the Cubot C20 Pro’s unknown hardware.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 54 x 43 x 12.9 mm (2.13 x 1.69 x 0.51 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 286 pixels (~206 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.81 inches | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 380 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Orange | Glacier, Night |
| Models | - | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Cubot C20 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer a larger display size
- Could include features not found on the Nokia G20 (speculation)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Uncertain software update support
- Limited brand recognition
Nokia G20
- Reliable Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Guaranteed software updates from Nokia
- Reputable brand with a history of quality
- Slow 10W charging
- Entry-level performance may struggle with demanding tasks
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
The Nokia G20 features a 6.5-inch display, a common size in this segment. Without display specifications for the Cubot C20 Pro, it’s difficult to make direct comparisons. However, Nokia typically prioritizes color accuracy in its displays, aiming for a natural look. The G20’s resolution is likely 720p+, standard for this price point. The absence of information regarding the C20 Pro’s panel type (IPS, TFT) or refresh rate suggests it likely utilizes a basic panel to minimize costs. Users prioritizing visual fidelity should lean towards the Nokia G20, assuming it maintains Nokia’s typical color calibration.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia G20 boasts a quad-camera setup, headlined by a 48MP main sensor. While the other sensors (ultrawide, macro, depth) are likely lower resolution, the 48MP primary sensor allows for detailed images in good lighting conditions. The Cubot C20 Pro’s camera specifications are unavailable, but budget phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and image processing quality. The Nokia G20’s image processing algorithms, while not flagship-level, are generally well-tuned for natural-looking photos. The absence of OIS on either device means low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
The Nokia G20’s Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU configuration with a split core design: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. This configuration balances performance and power efficiency for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Cubot C20 Pro’s chipset is unknown, but given its price bracket, it likely utilizes a similar or slightly less powerful Mediatek or Unisoc processor. The Helio G35’s integrated IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU provides adequate graphics performance for casual gaming. Without knowing the C20 Pro’s RAM configuration, it’s difficult to assess multitasking capabilities, but the Nokia G20’s 3GB or 4GB options provide a reasonable baseline.
Battery Life
The Nokia G20 packs a substantial 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, it’s limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. The Cubot C20 Pro’s battery capacity is unknown, but a similar capacity is likely. The slower charging speed of the Nokia G20 is a drawback, but the larger battery capacity compensates for it. Users prioritizing minimal downtime should consider a power bank alongside the Nokia G20, as the 10W charging is significantly slower than modern fast-charging solutions.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C20 Pro if you need a potentially larger display or a more aggressive price point and are comfortable with a less established brand and potentially limited software support. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prefer a brand with a reputation for reliability, guaranteed software updates, and a chipset that, while entry-level, is well-understood and capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 powerful enough for PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to maintain a stable experience. Expect occasional frame drops during intense action. It’s not designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How long will the Nokia G20 take to fully charge with the 10W charger?
Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours with the included 10W charger. This is a significant drawback compared to phones with fast charging capabilities.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect from Nokia for the G20?
Nokia promises at least 2 years of Android version updates and 3 years of security patches for the G20. This is a significant advantage over many other budget phones, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date.
❓ Given the Cubot C20 Pro's unknown specs, what are the biggest risks of buying it?
The primary risks are unpredictable performance, potential lack of software updates, and limited customer support. You're relying heavily on the brand's reputation (or lack thereof) and hoping the hardware is adequate for your needs.
