The rugged smartphone market caters to users needing durability, but performance varies wildly. We pit the entry-level Cubot KingKong CS, powered by a dated Mediatek MT6580, against the more capable Ulefone Armor 9E, featuring the Helio P90 chipset, to determine which offers the best balance of toughness and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Ulefone Armor 9E is the clear winner. Its Helio P90 chipset delivers significantly superior performance compared to the KingKong CS’s MT6580, making it suitable for more demanding tasks. While the KingKong CS offers basic functionality, the Armor 9E provides a smoother, more enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, September 08. Released 2020, September 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Front glass, aluminum back with rubber, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153 x 80.2 x 14.9 mm (6.02 x 3.16 x 0.59 in) | 168.2 x 82 x 15 mm (6.62 x 3.23 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 236.5 g (8.36 oz) | 324 g (11.43 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass, oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~56.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~70.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6580 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6779 Helio P90 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GM9446 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.4, 100˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG, accessory connector |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, coulombmeter |
| | - | Endoscope mount (camera sold separately) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4400 mAh | Li-Po 6600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 290 EUR |
Cubot KingKong CS
- Extremely affordable price point
- Rugged build quality for basic protection
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Very limited performance due to the MT6580 chipset
- Likely outdated software support
- Poor multitasking capabilities
Ulefone Armor 9E
- Significantly faster performance with the Helio P90
- 18W fast charging for quicker power-ups
- More versatile for gaming and demanding apps
- Higher price compared to the KingKong CS
- May still exhibit some thermal throttling under heavy load
- Rugged design adds bulk
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the KingKong CS’s focus on cost reduction, it likely features a lower-resolution panel with narrower viewing angles. The Armor 9E, positioned higher in the market, likely benefits from a more vibrant and sharper display. Both will likely feature IPS LCD technology given the price points, and ruggedization will likely mean thicker glass and potentially lower peak brightness to conserve power.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Armor 9E’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing. It’s reasonable to assume the Armor 9E will offer better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, due to its ability to handle more complex algorithms. The KingKong CS will likely rely on basic image processing, resulting in softer images with less detail. The presence of a Helio P90 suggests the Armor 9E may also support features like HDR and potentially even computational photography techniques.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Cubot KingKong CS’s Mediatek MT6580, built on a 28nm process, utilizes a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is a very basic processor designed for minimal tasks. In contrast, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s Helio P90 (12nm) boasts an octa-core configuration – two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance boost, particularly in multi-threaded applications and gaming. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially longer sustained performance. Users will experience noticeable lag and slowdowns on the KingKong CS when running multiple apps or demanding software, while the Armor 9E will handle these tasks with relative ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Ulefone Armor 9E’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The KingKong CS likely supports slower charging speeds. While a larger battery capacity on the KingKong CS might offer longer standby time, the Armor 9E’s more efficient chipset and faster charging will likely translate to a more convenient user experience, allowing for quicker top-ups and less downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong CS if you need a basic, extremely affordable rugged phone for essential communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. It’s ideal for those who prioritize minimal cost and maximum durability over performance. Buy the Ulefone Armor 9E if you prefer a rugged phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming, and moderate gaming without significant lag. It’s the better choice for users who want a more versatile and future-proof device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Armor 9E be able to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio P90 in the Armor 9E is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The MT6580 in the KingKong CS would struggle significantly, offering a poor gaming experience.
❓ How does the ruggedization of the Ulefone Armor 9E compare to the Cubot KingKong CS in terms of drop resistance?
Both phones are designed to withstand drops and harsh conditions. However, the Armor 9E likely benefits from more robust internal bracing and potentially a thicker protective shell, offering a slightly higher level of protection. Specific drop test certifications would be needed for a definitive comparison.
❓ Is the performance difference between the MT6580 and Helio P90 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is very noticeable. The Helio P90 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, using social media apps, and switching between applications. The MT6580 will exhibit lag and slowdowns even with basic tasks.
❓ Does the Ulefone Armor 9E support software updates, and for how long?
Ulefone typically provides at least one major Android update and several security patches for their Armor series. However, long-term software support is not guaranteed. The KingKong CS, given its lower price point, is likely to receive minimal software updates.
