The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Blackview A96, powered by the Mediatek Helio G99, against the Cubot C21 to determine which device delivers the best value for everyday tasks and light gaming. Given the lack of detailed specifications for the Cubot C21, we'll analyze its likely positioning based on brand reputation and market trends.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview A96 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over what the Cubot C21 likely offers, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. However, the Cubot C21 may appeal to those prioritizing absolute minimum cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2023, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2023, September |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 13 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.51 in) | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.92 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 193.9 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~386 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.32 inches | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 13, Doke OS 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128MB | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | - | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 300 mAh | 4380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Provence Purple, Obsidian Black |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 190 EUR |
Cubot C21
- Likely more powerful processor (Helio G99)
- Potentially better battery efficiency
- Faster charging (18W)
- May be more expensive than the Cubot C21
- Specific display details are unknown
Blackview A96
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May have longer standby time due to less demanding hardware
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely limited gaming capabilities
- Unknown display quality
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Cubot C21, we can assume it utilizes a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. The Blackview A96’s display specifications are also unavailable, but given its target market, it likely features a 720p+ resolution. The A96’s potential for a higher peak brightness, even if modest, would provide better outdoor visibility compared to the C21. Color accuracy is likely similar on both, leaning towards the standard sRGB color space.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed specifications for either device. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Blackview A96’s potential for a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G99 chipset could result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a larger sensor on the A96, even by a small margin, would also contribute to improved detail and dynamic range. We anticipate both phones will include lower-resolution auxiliary cameras (e.g., 2MP macro) that offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The Blackview A96’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers significantly more processing power than the Cubot C21 likely possesses. The 6nm process node of the G99 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. The C21, likely equipped with a less powerful chipset, will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The G99’s integrated GPU will provide a smoother gaming experience, even at medium settings.
Battery Life
The Blackview A96’s 18W wired charging is a moderate feature. While not exceptionally fast, it’s a step above what many budget phones offer. Battery capacity for both devices is unknown, but the Helio G99’s 6nm efficiency could translate to longer battery life on the A96 despite potentially similar capacity. A full charge on the A96 is likely to take around 2-3 hours, while the C21’s charging time could be longer depending on its power adapter and battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C21 if you need a functional smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Blackview A96 if you prioritize smoother performance for gaming, streaming, and multitasking, and are willing to spend a bit more for a more responsive experience. The A96 is the better option for anyone planning to use their phone beyond the most essential functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Blackview A96 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G99 is a capable gaming chipset for its price range. While you may need to lower graphics settings for optimal performance, PUBG Mobile should be playable at medium settings with a reasonably smooth frame rate. The Cubot C21, with its likely less powerful processor, will struggle to deliver a similar gaming experience.
❓ How does the charging speed of the Blackview A96 compare to other phones in its price range?
The 18W charging on the Blackview A96 is fairly standard for budget smartphones. It's not the fastest charging available, but it's faster than many competitors that offer only 10W or 15W charging. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours.
❓ Given the limited information on the Cubot C21, what type of user would benefit most from choosing it over the Blackview A96?
The Cubot C21 is best suited for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication – making calls, sending texts, and checking email. If you don't plan on playing games, streaming videos, or using demanding apps, the C21's lower price point might be appealing.
