The smartphone market is flooded with ultra-budget options, but separating value from vaporware is a challenge. We're pitting the Doogee Smini, a known quantity powered by the Mediatek Helio G99, against the Cubot C28, a device shrouded in mystery due to a lack of publicly available specifications. This comparison will focus on what *is* known about the Smini and extrapolate potential positioning for the C28 based on brand history and market trends.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Doogee Smini is the clear choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset provides a tangible performance baseline, and the 18W charging offers a predictable experience. The Cubot C28, lacking any published specifications, is a gamble that's difficult to recommend without further information.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August | 2023, October 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2023, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame | - |
| Dimensions | 58.3 x 46.1 x 13.3 mm (2.30 x 1.81 x 0.52 in) | 133 x 60 x 13.5 mm (5.24 x 2.36 x 0.53 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 320 x 390 pixels (~250 ppi density) | 480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.02 inches | 4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~57.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128Mb | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | No | Yes |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 410 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Silver, Purple |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Cubot C28
- Known Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers reliable performance.
- 18W charging provides a predictable charging experience.
- Likely built with durability in mind (Doogee's brand focus).
- Specific display and camera specs are currently unknown.
- May compromise on display quality for ruggedness.
Doogee Smini
- Potentially the lowest price point in the budget segment.
- May appeal to users needing a disposable secondary device.
- Could offer surprising value if specifications are revealed.
- Completely unknown specifications create significant risk.
- Likely to have a less powerful chipset than the Doogee Smini.
- Uncertainty regarding build quality and software support.
Display Comparison
The Doogee Smini's display specifications are currently unavailable, but given its budget positioning, we can anticipate a 720p+ resolution panel. The Cubot C28's display details are also unknown. Without knowing panel technology (IPS vs. AMOLED), peak brightness, or refresh rate, a direct comparison is impossible. However, the Smini's brand positioning suggests a focus on durability, potentially sacrificing display quality for ruggedness. Expect both devices to prioritize cost-effectiveness over high-end display features.
Camera Comparison
The Doogee Smini's camera specifications are unknown, but most phones in this price range feature a primary sensor around 13-50MP. The Cubot C28's camera details are also missing. Without knowing sensor sizes, lens apertures, or image processing capabilities, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It's reasonable to assume both devices will include multiple rear cameras, but the quality of those cameras will likely be limited. Expect basic image quality suitable for social media sharing, but not professional photography.
Performance
The Doogee Smini's Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) chipset is the defining feature of this comparison. This octa-core processor, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, offers a significant performance advantage over typical entry-level chips. The 6nm process node contributes to improved power efficiency compared to older 12nm or 14nm chips. The Cubot C28, lacking any chipset information, is difficult to assess. Cubot historically targets the ultra-budget segment, suggesting a potentially less powerful, and likely older, chipset. This means the Smini will likely offer a smoother experience for gaming and multitasking.
Battery Life
The Doogee Smini features 18W wired charging. Battery capacity is currently unknown, but a typical budget phone in this class will likely have a 4000-5000mAh battery. The Cubot C28's battery capacity and charging speed are also unknown. The Smini's 18W charging, while not exceptionally fast, provides a predictable charging experience. Without knowing the C28's battery size or charging wattage, it's impossible to determine which device offers better battery life or faster charging times. However, the G99's efficiency in the Smini could offset a slightly smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C28 if you prioritize absolute lowest price and are willing to accept significant uncertainty regarding performance and features. It may appeal to users who need a secondary, disposable device. Buy the Doogee Smini if you value a known chipset, reliable performance for everyday tasks and light gaming, and a degree of confidence in the product's capabilities. It's ideal for users seeking a dependable, budget-friendly smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Given the lack of information on the Cubot C28, is it worth considering if I need a phone *right now*?
No. The complete lack of specifications makes the Cubot C28 a highly speculative purchase. If you need a phone immediately, the Doogee Smini offers a known performance level and a degree of reliability that the C28 simply cannot provide.
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Doogee Smini handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect playable performance at medium settings, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The G99's efficiency will help mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Is the Doogee Smini likely to receive software updates and security patches?
Doogee's software update track record is inconsistent. While they do provide updates, they are often delayed compared to larger manufacturers. Expect at least some security patches, but don't rely on timely Android version updates. The Cubot C28's software support is even more uncertain.
