Cubot offers a range of affordable smartphones, with the KingKong series focusing on durability. This comparison pits the largely unknown Cubot C3 against the more established Cubot KingKong 5 Pro, examining how the Pro's Mediatek Helio P22 chipset translates to real-world performance and whether the C3 can compete despite lacking detailed specifications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset provides a demonstrable performance advantage over the Cubot C3, which lacks publicly available specifications. While the C3 may offer a lower price point, the KingKong 5 Pro delivers a more reliable and capable experience.
| 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, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 14.8 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.58 in) | 165.8 x 81.4 x 18.8 mm (6.53 x 3.20 x 0.74 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 319 g (11.25 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~261 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~286 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 6.01 inches, 88.7 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | - | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, (wide), AF
5 MP (macro), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 25 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| 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, gyro, heart rate | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 260 mAh | 8000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray | Black |
Cubot C3
- Potentially lower price point
- May be more compact
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Unknown specifications
- Likely significantly lower performance
- Potentially poor camera quality
Cubot KingKong 5 Pro
- Mediatek Helio P22 processor for improved performance
- More durable construction (KingKong series)
- Better user experience
- May be more expensive than the C3
- Potentially larger and heavier
- Camera quality is adequate but not exceptional
Display Comparison
Without specifications for the Cubot C3's display, a direct comparison is impossible. The KingKong 5 Pro likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel, common in this price bracket. Display quality will likely be similar between the two, focusing on practicality over premium features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, prioritizing durability over maximizing screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Given the lack of information on the Cubot C3's camera system, it's difficult to make a meaningful comparison. The KingKong 5 Pro likely features a standard camera setup for its price range, potentially including a main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual photography in good lighting conditions. The C3's camera is likely to be even more basic, potentially sacrificing image quality and features to reduce cost. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the KingKong 5 Pro is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution.
Performance
The Cubot KingKong 5 Pro's Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12nm) is the defining performance factor in this comparison. Its octa-core CPU, comprised of four 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable step up in processing power compared to the likely entry-level chipset found in the C3. The 12nm process node offers reasonable power efficiency, though it's not as advanced as newer fabrication processes. The C3, lacking published specs, is presumed to have a significantly less powerful processor, limiting its ability to handle multitasking or demanding applications. This translates to slower app loading times and a less fluid user experience on the C3.
Battery Life
Battery capacity and charging speed are unknown for the Cubot C3. The KingKong 5 Pro's battery life will depend on its specific capacity (not provided), but the Helio P22's 12nm process contributes to reasonable power efficiency. Charging speed is also unknown, but likely falls within the 10-15W range common in this segment. Without C3 battery specs, it's impossible to determine which phone offers superior battery performance, but the KingKong 5 Pro's processor efficiency gives it a potential advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot C3 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are willing to accept significant compromises in performance and features. It's suitable for basic communication tasks only. Buy the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro if you need a durable phone capable of handling everyday tasks, light gaming, and offer a more responsive user experience thanks to its Helio P22 processor. It's ideal for outdoor workers or those prone to dropping their phones.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P22 in the KingKong 5 Pro capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P22 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. Performance will be limited by the processor and likely the amount of RAM.
❓ How durable is the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro, and what kind of protection does it offer?
The KingKong 5 Pro is designed to be rugged, featuring a reinforced chassis and potentially rubberized corners. While specific certifications (like IP68) aren't confirmed, it's built to withstand drops, dust, and water splashes. It's a good choice for users working in demanding environments.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro?
Cubot's update track record is inconsistent. Expect at least security patches, but major Android version updates are less likely. Don't purchase this phone expecting long-term software support.
