The Ulefone Note 11P and Cubot J9 represent two ends of the ultra-budget smartphone spectrum. The J9 aims for rock-bottom pricing, while the Note 11P attempts to offer a more modern experience with a significantly more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device provides the best value for users prioritizing performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Ulefone Note 11P is the clear winner. Its Helio P60 chipset delivers a substantially smoother and more responsive experience than the Cubot J9’s aging MT6580. While the J9 is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference for anyone beyond the most basic smartphone tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021, January 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.6 x 9.4 mm (6.15 x 2.94 x 0.37 in) | 166.9 x 77.2 x 10 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4200 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Black, Red, Green |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
Cubot J9
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Extremely limited performance
- Poor multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset
Ulefone Note 11P
- Significantly faster processor
- Improved multitasking and app performance
- More efficient power consumption
- Higher price than the Cubot J9
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Display quality likely remains basic
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the Ulefone Note 11P benefits from the more powerful chipset to potentially drive a higher resolution display, though this isn't explicitly stated. The Cubot J9's display will likely be adequate for basic viewing, but expect limited brightness and color accuracy. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it's difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Ulefone Note 11P’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio P60 chipset will likely result in better image quality, even with similar sensor sizes. Budget phones often rely heavily on software processing, and the P60 has a clear advantage in this area. Expect the J9 to produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant value.
Performance
The performance disparity is the defining factor here. The Cubot J9’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, is a quad-core processor designed for basic functionality. The Ulefone Note 11P’s Helio P60, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, is an octa-core chip featuring both Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A53 cores. This architecture allows for significantly faster processing speeds (2.0 GHz vs 1.3 GHz) and improved multitasking. The Helio P60 will handle demanding apps and games far more effectively, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience. The J9 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
While the battery capacity isn't specified, the Ulefone Note 11P’s 10W charging suggests a focus on efficient power management. The 12nm process of the Helio P60 contributes to better power efficiency compared to the 28nm MT6580 in the Cubot J9. This means the Note 11P is likely to offer comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. The 10W charging will take a considerable amount of time to fully charge either device, but the P60's efficiency will minimize the impact of slower charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot J9 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use your phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. It's a functional device for minimalists. Buy the Ulefone Note 11P if you want a phone capable of handling social media, streaming video, and occasional gaming without frustrating lag. The Note 11P offers a far more versatile and enjoyable user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 11P be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P60 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to use lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The MT6580 in the Cubot J9 will struggle significantly with PUBG, likely resulting in a frustrating experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Ulefone Note 11P a significant drawback?
10W charging is slow by modern standards, and both phones will take several hours to fully charge. However, the Ulefone Note 11P’s more efficient chipset means you may not need to charge it as frequently, mitigating the impact of the slower charging speed.
❓ How much of a difference will I notice in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The difference will be substantial. The Ulefone Note 11P will feel much snappier and more responsive when switching between apps, loading web pages, and scrolling through social media feeds. The Cubot J9 will exhibit noticeable lag and delays in these scenarios.
