Cubot KingKong 11 vs. Nokia XR20: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. Both the Cubot KingKong 11 and Nokia XR20 aim to deliver on that promise, but they take different approaches. The KingKong 11 prioritizes raw processing power with its Dimensity 7025 chipset, while the XR20 focuses on a more balanced experience with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480 5G and a commitment to software support.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and extended battery life, the Cubot KingKong 11 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 7025 chipset and impressive 40:46h endurance significantly outperform the Nokia XR20’s Snapdragon 480, making it ideal for demanding tasks and outdoor adventures. However, the XR20’s software support and wireless charging are compelling alternatives.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong 11 Nokia XR20
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, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2025, August2021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, AugustAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions176 x 84.1 x 18.7 mm (6.93 x 3.31 x 0.74 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-248 g (8.75 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~73.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7025 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUIMG BXM-8-256Adreno 619
OSAndroid 15Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 16GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual108 MP, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide), AF48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, dual infrared LEDZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single32 MP8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging33W wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type10200 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
Price€ 254.95 / $ 196.64 / £ 265.99About 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery40:46h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong 11

  • Superior processing power with Dimensity 7025
  • Exceptional battery life (40:46h endurance)
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Longer battery lifespan (1400 cycles)

  • Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
  • Software update commitment is unknown

Nokia XR20

  • Established brand reputation and software support
  • Convenience of 15W wireless charging
  • 5G connectivity
  • Potentially better color calibration

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset
  • Shorter battery life
  • Slower 18W wired charging

Display Comparison

Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but considering the market segment, both likely feature LCD panels optimized for outdoor visibility. The XR20, given Nokia’s focus on usability, may have slightly better color calibration. However, without specific data on brightness (nits) or resolution, a definitive comparison is impossible. The KingKong 11’s rugged design may necessitate a thicker glass cover, potentially impacting clarity.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. However, the absence of any mention of advanced features like OIS on either device suggests a focus on practicality over photographic excellence. Both phones likely rely heavily on software processing to enhance images. The XR20, benefiting from Nokia’s image processing expertise, might offer more natural-looking results, while the KingKong 11 could prioritize vibrant colors.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot KingKong 11’s Mediatek Dimensity 7025 (6nm) boasts a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 cores. The 6nm process node of the Dimensity 7025 generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing for sustained peak performance. This means the KingKong 11 will handle graphically intensive tasks and multitasking more smoothly. The Snapdragon 480 is adequate for everyday tasks, but will likely show signs of strain under heavy load.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong 11’s battery endurance of 40:46h is a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the Nokia XR20, given its chipset. The 33W wired charging on the KingKong 11 is also faster than the XR20’s 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. While wireless charging is a convenience feature on the XR20, the KingKong 11’s faster wired charging and superior endurance mean less time tethered to a power outlet. The KingKong 11 also boasts a claimed 1400 charge cycles, suggesting a longer lifespan for the battery itself.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong 11 if you need a rugged phone for demanding applications like mobile gaming, heavy multitasking, or extended use in remote locations where charging isn't readily available. Its superior chipset and battery life will be invaluable. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize long-term software support, a more established brand reputation, and the convenience of wireless charging, even if it means sacrificing some raw performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 7025 in the Cubot KingKong 11 prone to overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 7025’s 6nm process node and the KingKong 11’s rugged design (which often includes larger internal volume for heat dissipation) suggest it should handle gaming well. While sustained peak performance will generate heat, it’s less likely to throttle compared to the Snapdragon 480 in the XR20, which has a less efficient process and potentially less robust thermal management.
❓ How does the Nokia XR20’s software update policy compare to Cubot’s, and is long-term support guaranteed?
Nokia is known for its commitment to Android updates and security patches, typically offering 3 years of major OS updates and 4 years of security updates. Cubot’s software support track record is less established. While they may provide updates, the frequency and duration are less predictable. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term usability and security.
❓ Does the Cubot KingKong 11’s 33W charging significantly reduce battery degradation over time compared to the Nokia XR20’s 18W charging?
Faster charging doesn't inherently cause more degradation, but the KingKong 11's claimed 1400 charge cycles suggest a battery designed for longevity. The XR20's slower charging may put less stress on the battery *per charge*, but the overall lifespan could be shorter if the battery is cycled more frequently due to lower endurance.