Cubot Hafury V1 vs KingKong 8: A Deep Dive into Rugged, Budget Performance

Cubot offers two compelling options in the rugged smartphone space with the Hafury V1 and KingKong 8. Both devices share the same Mediatek MT8788V chipset, making performance parity likely. However, key differences in charging capabilities – specifically the KingKong 8’s reverse wired charging – and potential build quality nuances make a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers seeking durability.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Cubot KingKong 8 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones deliver similar performance thanks to the MT8788V chipset, the addition of reverse wired charging provides added utility, allowing it to function as a power bank for smaller devices. The Hafury V1 remains a viable option if found at a significantly lower price.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Hafury V1 Cubot KingKong 8
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, April 022023, October 23
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2023, October 23
Body
Dimensions165.8 x 75.8 x 9 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)169.9 x 80.2 x 20 mm (6.69 x 3.16 x 0.79 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)382 g (13.47 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.4 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm)Mediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3-
OSAndroid 13Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Triple64 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) 0.3 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Selfie camera
Single32 MP16 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP4.2, A2DP
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wiredWired Reverse wired
Type4350 mAh10600 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Pink, Light BlueBlack, Red, Green
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 170 EUR

Cubot Hafury V1

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Identical processing power to KingKong 8

  • Lacks reverse wired charging
  • Limited charging speed (18W)
  • Display specs are unknown

Cubot KingKong 8

  • Reverse wired charging for added utility
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Identical processing power to Hafury V1

  • Likely a slightly higher price
  • Display specs are unknown
  • Charging speed not specified

Display Comparison

Both the Hafury V1 and KingKong 8 lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given their price point, we can anticipate IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or refresh rates suggests a focus on durability over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen protection. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn't reveal sensor sizes or lens apertures. It's reasonable to assume a primary sensor around 13-20MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses (depth, macro) of lower resolution. Image processing will likely prioritize quick capture over high dynamic range or low-light performance. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may be less effective.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This indicates identical processing power for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The 12nm process node suggests reasonable, but not exceptional, thermal efficiency. Performance will be limited by the chipset itself, and RAM capacity (not specified) will be a key factor in multitasking. The lack of information on RAM type (LPDDR4x vs LPDDR5) prevents a deeper analysis of memory bandwidth.

Battery Life

The Hafury V1 supports 18W wired charging, while the KingKong 8 offers wired charging *and* reverse wired charging. While the exact battery capacity isn't specified, the inclusion of reverse charging on the KingKong 8 is a significant advantage. This allows the phone to act as a portable power bank for accessories like wireless earbuds or other smartphones. The 18W charging on the Hafury V1 is standard for this price range, likely resulting in a 0-100% charge time of around 2.5-3.5 hours. The KingKong 8’s charging speed is not specified, but the reverse charging feature adds substantial value.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Hafury V1 if you prioritize the absolute lowest price point for a functional, rugged device and don't need the convenience of reverse charging. Buy the Cubot KingKong 8 if you value the added versatility of being able to charge other devices on the go, and are willing to spend a small premium for that feature. Both are suited for outdoor workers, adventurers, or anyone prone to dropping their phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek MT8788V chipset struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The MT8788V is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can handle less graphically intensive games, expect to play demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty at lower settings (medium or low) and potentially with reduced frame rates to maintain a playable experience. It's not designed for high-end gaming.
❓ How effective is the ruggedization on these phones? Are they truly waterproof?
Both the Hafury V1 and KingKong 8 are marketed as rugged phones, meaning they offer increased resistance to drops, dust, and water. However, 'waterproof' is a strong term. They likely meet an IP68 or IP69K rating, offering protection against immersion in water for a limited time and depth. Always check the official specifications for the exact rating and limitations.
❓ What type of USB port do these phones use, and is a USB-C to USB-A adapter needed for reverse charging?
Given the current market trends and the price point, both devices likely utilize a USB-C port. Reverse wired charging on the KingKong 8 will require a USB-C to USB-A cable (or a USB-C to USB-C cable if the device being charged supports it) to connect to the device you wish to charge.