Cubot KingKong AX vs Doogee V20S: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance

The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering increasingly capable devices at competitive prices. The Cubot KingKong AX and Doogee V20S both aim to deliver durability and reliability, but they take different approaches to performance and features. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone offers the best value for demanding users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the Doogee V20S emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6020, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a slight edge in overall system responsiveness and potential for software updates, despite both phones sharing the same CPU core configuration.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong AX Doogee V20S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78, 79
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2024, March2024, March
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, AprilAvailable. Released 2024, March
Body
Dimensions172 x 80.9 x 12.7 mm (6.77 x 3.19 x 0.5 in)170.9 x 81.9 x 14 mm (6.73 x 3.22 x 0.55 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight296 g (10.44 oz)-
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~410 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.43 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~71.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzAMOLED, 500 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 14Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 24 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights
VideoYes1440p, 1080p
Selfie camera
Single32 MP20 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
VideoYes1080p
Sound
35mm jackUnspecifiedNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired33W wired Reverse wired
Type5100 mAh6000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack, Orange
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 300 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery30:30h endurance, 900 cycles-
EnergyClass E-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong AX

  • Exceptional 30:30h battery endurance
  • 900 charge cycle rating for long-term battery health
  • Potentially lower price point

  • Older Helio G99 chipset may throttle under sustained load
  • Likely less efficient power management compared to the V20S

Doogee V20S

  • More efficient Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
  • Reverse wired charging for added convenience
  • Potentially better image processing capabilities

  • Battery endurance likely lower than the Cubot KingKong AX
  • May be slightly more expensive

Display Comparison

Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price points, we can anticipate both utilizing IPS LCD panels. The absence of LTPO or AMOLED technology suggests neither will offer adaptive refresh rates. The real-world difference will likely come down to color calibration and peak brightness, which are currently unknown. Bezels are expected to be relatively substantial, typical of rugged designs prioritizing drop protection.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the market segment, we can expect both phones to feature a multi-camera setup, likely with a primary sensor, an ultrawide, and potentially a macro lens. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6020 of the Doogee V20S is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and low-light performance. We would advise caution regarding any 2MP macro lenses, as their utility is often limited.

Performance

Both the Cubot KingKong AX and Doogee V20S employ an Octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the underlying chipsets differ significantly. The Doogee V20S utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 6020, built on a 7nm process, while the Cubot KingKong AX features the Helio G99 (6nm). While the CPU cores are identical, the 7nm process of the Dimensity 6020 generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to the 6nm Helio G99. This means the V20S is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without significant throttling. The GPU performance is also expected to be slightly better on the V20S due to the more modern chipset.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong AX boasts a remarkable 30:30h endurance rating, suggesting exceptional battery life. While the Doogee V20S’s battery capacity is not specified, the more efficient Dimensity 6020 chipset could partially offset the AX’s advantage. Both phones support 33W wired charging, but the Doogee V20S adds the convenience of reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The 900 charge cycles rating for the Cubot KingKong AX indicates a focus on long-term battery health.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong AX if you prioritize maximum battery endurance and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like communication and light media consumption. Its 30:30h endurance rating is a significant advantage for users frequently away from power outlets. Buy the Doogee V20S if you value a more modern chipset architecture, the convenience of reverse wireless charging, and a potentially smoother experience with more demanding applications, even if it means slightly less battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 in the Doogee V20S struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
While the Dimensity 6020 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 7nm process and improved thermal management compared to the Helio G99 in the Cubot KingKong AX will help maintain performance for longer gaming sessions, though you shouldn't expect ultra settings.
❓ How does the 33W charging compare in real-world usage on both devices?
Both phones support 33W wired charging, but the actual 0-100% charge time will vary based on battery capacity (which is unknown for the Doogee V20S). Expect roughly 1.5-2 hours for a full charge on both devices. The Doogee V20S’s addition of reverse wired charging provides a unique benefit, allowing you to top up other devices on the go.
❓ Is the Cubot KingKong AX's 900 charge cycle rating a significant advantage?
Yes, the 900 charge cycle rating indicates that the battery is designed to retain a substantial portion of its capacity even after numerous charge cycles. This is a valuable feature for users who frequently charge their phones and want to maximize long-term battery health, potentially extending the usable life of the device by several years.