Cubot offers a range of affordable smartphones, with the C28 and KingKong 8 representing different approaches to durability and performance. The KingKong 8, with its known Mediatek MT8788V chipset, aims for a balance of power and ruggedness. The C28, lacking publicly available specifications, presents a challenge for direct comparison, forcing us to analyze its likely market positioning based on Cubot's broader product strategy.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and a known quantity, the Cubot KingKong 8 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek MT8788V chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the likely entry-level hardware found in the C28. However, if the C28 is significantly cheaper, it may appeal to those needing basic smartphone functionality in a durable package.
| 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, 17, 20, 28, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August | 2023, October 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, October 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 58.3 x 46.1 x 13.3 mm (2.30 x 1.81 x 0.52 in) | 169.9 x 80.2 x 20 mm (6.69 x 3.16 x 0.79 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 382 g (13.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 390 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.02 inches | 6.53 inches, 102.4 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm) |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128Mb | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
0.3 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 16 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | No | USB Type-C, 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 | - | Wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 410 mAh | 10600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Red, Green |
| Price | - | About 170 EUR |
Cubot C28
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely durable build quality (consistent with Cubot's brand)
- May offer longer battery life due to potentially lower power consumption
- Significantly lower performance
- Unknown camera quality
- Lack of published specifications
Cubot KingKong 8
- Mediatek MT8788V chipset offers superior performance
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially better build quality and features
- Likely higher price point
- Camera specifications are unknown
- Rugged design may add bulk
Display Comparison
Without specifications for the Cubot C28's display, we can only speculate it utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel common in its price bracket. The KingKong 8's display details are also unavailable, but given its rugged focus, it likely prioritizes durability over high-end features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. Both devices likely feature similar resolutions to conserve battery life. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates for either device makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
The camera capabilities of both devices are largely unknown. Without sensor details for the C28, it's reasonable to assume a basic camera setup geared towards casual snapshots. The KingKong 8's camera specs are also missing, but its positioning suggests a more capable camera system than the C28. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests that low-light photography will be a challenge. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading without knowing sensor size and lens aperture.
Performance
The Cubot KingKong 8's Mediatek MT8788V (12nm) chipset is the defining performance factor in this comparison. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at the same speed, provides a noticeable step up in processing power compared to the likely entry-level chipsets found in the C28. The 12nm process node offers a reasonable balance between performance and power efficiency. The C28, lacking published specs, likely uses a less powerful chipset, making it suitable for basic tasks but struggling with demanding applications. The KingKong 8's chipset will translate to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging speeds are unknown for both devices. However, the KingKong 8's inclusion of reverse wired charging is a notable feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The MT8788V's 12nm process node contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the C28. Without specific mAh ratings and wattage details, it's difficult to definitively assess battery life, but the KingKong 8's reverse charging capability provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C28 if you need a basic, durable phone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Cubot KingKong 8 if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, streaming, and occasional gaming, and value the reassurance of a known chipset and potentially better build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT8788V in the KingKong 8 capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek MT8788V is a mid-range chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. High settings may result in frame drops and overheating, especially during extended gaming sessions. The C28, with its unknown chipset, is unlikely to provide a playable experience.
❓ Does the Cubot KingKong 8 support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The charging wattage for the KingKong 8 is currently unknown. However, its inclusion of reverse wired charging suggests it supports at least 10W charging. A full charge time will depend on the charger used, but expect it to take between 2-3 hours with a standard charger. The C28's charging capabilities are entirely unknown.
❓ How durable is the Cubot KingKong 8 compared to other rugged phones?
While specific durability certifications (IP68, MIL-STD-810G) are not available, the 'KingKong' branding suggests a robust build quality designed to withstand drops, dust, and water exposure. It likely features reinforced corners and a ruggedized chassis. The C28 is also likely durable, but to a lesser extent given its likely lower price point.
