The Cubot J9 and Blackview A95 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The J9 aims for absolute affordability, while the A95 attempts to deliver a more modern experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview A95 is the superior choice. Its Helio P70 chipset provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience than the Cubot J9’s aging MT6580. While the J9 is cheaper, the A95’s performance boost justifies the price difference for anyone beyond the most basic usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - EU |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - EU |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 41, 66 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2022, January 22 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.6 x 9.4 mm (6.15 x 2.94 x 0.37 in) | 163.7 x 75.5 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6771V/CT Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP
0.3 MP | 20 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh, removable | 4380 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Black, Gold, Blue |
| Price | - | About 190 EUR |
Cubot J9
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Very slow performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
Blackview A95
- Significantly faster processor
- 18W fast charging
- More future-proof
- Higher price than Cubot J9
- May still struggle with demanding games
- Camera quality likely limited by sensor
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price points, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on usability. The J9, likely utilizing a basic LCD, will likely suffer from narrower viewing angles and lower brightness compared to what the A95 *could* offer, even with a similar panel. The A95’s potential for a higher quality display, even if only marginally, is a benefit.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world results, given the typical sensor quality found in this price bracket. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the A95’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P70 chipset *could* offer slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A95 is largely a marketing gimmick; its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Cubot J9’s Mediatek MT6580, a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process, is demonstrably slower and less efficient than the Blackview A95’s Helio P70. The Helio P70’s octa-core configuration (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) built on a 12nm process delivers substantially improved multi-tasking and application loading speeds. The A73 cores in the P70 provide a significant uplift in single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI interactions. The 28nm process of the MT6580 also means it will generate more heat under load, potentially leading to performance throttling.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Blackview A95’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage. The Cubot J9 likely supports only 5W or 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A95’s faster charging will provide more usable uptime throughout the day. The Helio P70’s 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life compared to the J9’s less efficient MT6580.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J9 if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a viable option for a first smartphone or a backup device. Buy the Blackview A95 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or want a phone that will remain usable for a longer period. The A95’s faster processor and 18W charging make it a more future-proof investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Blackview A95 be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P70 in the Blackview A95 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect medium settings for a playable experience. The MT6580 in the Cubot J9 will struggle significantly with PUBG, offering a very poor gaming experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Blackview A95 truly fast charging?
Compared to the Cubot J9’s likely 5W or 10W charging, 18W is a substantial improvement. While not on par with the 65W or 120W charging found in higher-end phones, it will significantly reduce charging times, getting you from 0-100% in approximately 2-3 hours, versus potentially 5+ hours on the J9.
❓ How much of a difference will I notice in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The difference will be very noticeable. The Blackview A95’s Helio P70 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and opening apps. The Cubot J9’s MT6580 will exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open.
