The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Cubot C21 against the Infinix Smart 6 HD to determine which device offers the most compelling blend of features and performance for users seeking an affordable mobile experience. While the Cubot C21 lacks detailed specifications in our database, we'll analyze it within the context of its likely market positioning and brand strategy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known chipset and basic functionality, the Infinix Smart 6 HD is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a defined performance baseline, while the Cubot C21's unknown specifications introduce too much uncertainty for a confident recommendation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November | 2022, April 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November | Available. Released 2022, April 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 13 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.51 in) | 165.6 x 76.4 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~386 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.32 inches | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128MB | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 300 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Force Black, Origin Blue, Aqua Sky |
| Models | - | X6512 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Cubot C21
- Potentially extremely low price
- May offer unique features not found on the Infinix
- Unknown software customizations could be appealing to some
- Lack of detailed specifications creates uncertainty
- Potential for poor performance and software support
- Unknown brand reputation and reliability
Infinix Smart 6 HD
- Known Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides predictable performance
- Guaranteed Android experience (likely Go Edition)
- Established brand with some level of support
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera capabilities
- Limited processing power for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Detailed display information for the Cubot C21 is unavailable. The Infinix Smart 6 HD, however, likely features an LCD panel common in this price bracket. Without knowing the Cubot C21’s resolution or panel type, a direct comparison is impossible. The Smart 6 HD’s display is expected to prioritize power efficiency over color accuracy or peak brightness, typical for its segment. Users should expect a basic viewing experience on both devices, with the Infinix likely offering a slightly more predictable outcome.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for the Cubot C21 are absent. The Infinix Smart 6 HD’s camera setup is also likely to be basic, focusing on affordability rather than image quality. Expect a primary sensor paired with potentially a depth or macro lens. Image processing will be limited, and low-light performance will be subpar on both devices. Without knowing the sensor size or aperture of the Cubot C21’s camera, it’s impossible to assess its capabilities relative to the Infinix. Users should manage expectations regarding camera performance on both phones.
Performance
The Infinix Smart 6 HD is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor featuring a split core configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture prioritizes power efficiency, making it suitable for basic tasks. The Cubot C21’s processor is unknown, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a similar, or potentially older, chipset. The SC9863A’s Cortex-A55 cores, while not performance leaders, offer a stable experience for everyday apps. The 28nm process node suggests moderate thermal efficiency, but sustained heavy workloads could lead to throttling. The Cubot C21’s performance remains a significant unknown.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Cubot C21 is unknown. The Infinix Smart 6 HD supports 10W wired charging. Given the processor’s power efficiency, the Smart 6 HD’s battery should provide all-day battery life with moderate usage. The 10W charging speed is slow by modern standards, requiring several hours for a full charge. Without knowing the Cubot C21’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to compare battery life. However, a larger capacity on the Cubot C21 wouldn’t necessarily translate to longer runtime if paired with a less efficient processor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C21 if you need a potentially ultra-budget option and are comfortable with a higher degree of risk regarding performance and software support. It may appeal to users who prioritize a very low upfront cost above all else. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 HD if you prefer a device with a known chipset, a guaranteed Android experience, and a predictable level of performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Infinix Smart 6 HD capable of running popular social media apps smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running most popular social media applications like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using resource-intensive features within these apps. It's designed for basic connectivity and light usage.
❓ What Android version does the Infinix Smart 6 HD ship with, and is there a guarantee of software updates?
The Infinix Smart 6 HD likely ships with Android 11 (Go Edition), optimized for devices with limited RAM and storage. Software update support is typically limited on devices in this price range. While Infinix may provide occasional security patches, major Android version updates are unlikely.
❓ Given the lack of specifications for the Cubot C21, what are the biggest risks associated with purchasing this device?
The primary risks with the Cubot C21 are unknown performance, potential software instability, and limited customer support. Without detailed specifications, you're relying on the manufacturer's claims, which may not accurately reflect the device's capabilities. There's also a higher chance of encountering bugs or receiving infrequent software updates.
