The Ulefone Note 7T and Cubot J20 represent the ultra-budget end of the Android smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – dictate their real-world performance and suitability for different users. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Ulefone Note 7T is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Cubot J20’s older, quad-core MT6739WA. While both phones are entry-level, the Note 7T offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2020, November 12. Released 2020, November 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 126.3 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.97 x 2.39 x 0.5 in) | 156.1 x 73.7 x 9.7 mm (6.15 x 2.90 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 177.5 g (6.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 600 x 1280 pixels (~232 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~57.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WA (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
2 MP
2 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 2350 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Twilight, Black, Midnight Green |
| SAR | - | 0.67 W/kg (head) 0.59 W/kg (body) |
Cubot J20
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower performance
- Less power efficient chipset
- Likely inferior camera image quality
Ulefone Note 7T
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More power-efficient chipset
- Potentially better camera image quality
- More future-proofed for app updates
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context of these phones, we can assume both utilize IPS LCD panels. However, display specs beyond panel type are unavailable. The Ulefone Note 7T’s potential for a slightly higher peak brightness, due to the more modern chipset’s image signal processor, could offer better outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio A22 of the Ulefone Note 7T likely offers better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The J20’s older ISP will likely struggle with dynamic range and noise reduction. We can expect both to include a 2MP macro lens, which is often of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Note 7T’s MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot J20’s MT6739WA (28nm). The A22’s octa-core Cortex-A53 configuration running at 2.0 GHz provides substantially more processing power than the J20’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. The 12nm fabrication process also translates to improved power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. This means the Note 7T will handle app switching, web browsing, and even light gaming with noticeably less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Note 7T’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset will likely result in better battery life, even if both phones have similar capacity batteries. The 12nm process consumes less power than the J20’s 28nm process. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the Note 7T’s more modern design *might* support slightly faster charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J20 if you prioritize absolute minimal cost and only need a phone for the most basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Its older chipset will struggle with anything beyond these functions. Buy the Ulefone Note 7T if you want a more responsive experience, even for light multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming. The Helio A22 provides a tangible boost in performance, making it a better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 7T handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Ulefone Note 7T’s Helio A22 chipset is capable of running social media apps without significant lag. The octa-core processor and improved efficiency will provide a smoother experience compared to the Cubot J20, especially when multitasking between apps.
❓ Can the Cubot J20 play basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Cubot J20 can likely run very simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but expect noticeable slowdowns and potentially low frame rates. The MT6739WA chipset is not designed for gaming and will struggle with anything beyond the most basic titles.
❓ Is the difference in chipset fabrication (28nm vs 12nm) significant for everyday use?
Yes, the difference is significant. A smaller fabrication process (12nm) means more transistors can be packed into the same space, leading to improved performance and power efficiency. The Ulefone Note 7T’s 12nm Helio A22 will run cooler and consume less power than the Cubot J20’s 28nm MT6739WA, resulting in better battery life and sustained performance.
