Both the Cubot J20 and Xiaomi Redmi 7A represent the entry-level of smartphone technology, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in processing power and efficiency. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for everyday tasks and light usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, with its octa-core configuration and more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Cubot J20’s Mediatek MT6739WA. While both phones are limited in capabilities, the Redmi 7A offers a better foundation for future software updates and app compatibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 126.3 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.97 x 2.39 x 0.5 in) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~245 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 44.1 cm2 (~57.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TN TFT | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WA (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 2350 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | - | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
Cubot J20
- Potentially lower price point
- May include features not found on the Redmi 7A (dependent on specific model variations)
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Likely slower software updates and support
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 439 chipset
- Better multitasking and app loading speeds
- 10W wired charging support
- Likely better software optimization and support from Xiaomi
- May be slightly more expensive than the Cubot J20
- Still a budget device with limitations in camera and display quality
- Software can include pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature 720p+ resolution panels, typical for this price bracket. However, display quality beyond resolution isn't specified. The Redmi 7A benefits from Xiaomi's generally better software optimization for color calibration, potentially offering a slightly more pleasing visual experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution primary sensors. The Redmi 7A likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to Mediatek’s ISP in the MT6739WA. Any additional cameras on either device (often 2MP depth sensors) are unlikely to significantly improve image quality and should be considered marketing features rather than substantial upgrades.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi 7A’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot J20’s Mediatek MT6739WA (28nm). The Snapdragon 439’s octa-core CPU (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) provides substantially more processing power than the J20’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 439 also translates to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation, minimizing performance throttling during sustained use. This means the Redmi 7A will handle multitasking and app loading times more effectively.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Redmi 7A’s more efficient Snapdragon 439 chipset will contribute to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the J20. The Redmi 7A also supports 10W wired charging, which, while slow by modern standards, is a feature absent from the Cubot J20’s specifications, suggesting slower charging times.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J20 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant performance limitations for basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for simple operations, and want a phone that will handle common apps with less lag. The Redmi 7A is also a better choice for users who anticipate using their phone for more than just essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot J20 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Cubot J20’s Mediatek MT6739WA chipset is likely to exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps or demanding applications like WhatsApp and Facebook. The limited processing power and RAM will struggle to handle the resource requirements of these apps efficiently.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Redmi 7A a good choice for playing mobile games?
The Xiaomi Redmi 7A is not ideal for demanding mobile games. While it can handle simpler games, the Snapdragon 439 will struggle with graphically intensive titles. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering, even on lower settings. It's best suited for casual gaming.
❓ Does the Redmi 7A support software updates beyond Android Go?
Xiaomi typically provides at least one major Android update for their Redmi series. The Redmi 7A launched with Android 8.1 (Oreo) and likely received an update to Android 9 (Pie) or 10. However, long-term software support is limited for budget devices like this.
❓ What type of storage does the Redmi 7A use, and is it expandable?
The Redmi 7A uses eMMC storage, which is common for budget phones. It also features a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 256GB, providing flexibility for storing photos, videos, and apps.
