Cubot KingKong ES vs Nokia XR20: A Head-to-Head Rugged Smartphone Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and value, the Cubot KingKong ES emerges as the winner. Its exceptional 53:11h battery endurance and 1400 charge cycles significantly outperform the Nokia XR20, making it ideal for extended outdoor use. While the XR20 boasts 5G and wireless charging, the ES’s battery life is a more critical advantage in the rugged phone segment.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Cubot KingKong ES | Nokia XR20 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 20 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 172.6 x 81.2 x 12.8 mm (6.80 x 3.20 x 0.50 in) | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 268 g (9.45 oz) | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | LED flash | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | Wired | 18W wired 15W wireless |
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black/Orange | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 53:11h endurance, 1400 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Cubot KingKong ES
- Exceptional battery life (53:11h endurance)
- High battery charge cycle count (1400 cycles)
- More affordable price point
- Less powerful processor (Unisoc T606)
- No 5G connectivity
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 offers better performance
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Higher price compared to the Cubot KingKong ES
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point of the KingKong ES, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel, prioritizing durability over advanced features like high refresh rates or OLED technology. The XR20, being a slightly more premium device, may offer a more refined display experience, potentially with Gorilla Glass protection. The absence of detailed display specs highlights a focus on core rugged features rather than visual fidelity in both models.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the XR20’s Snapdragon 480 includes a more advanced image signal processor (ISP) than the T606, suggesting superior image processing capabilities. This translates to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. It’s reasonable to assume the XR20 will deliver more consistent and detailed photos and videos. The lack of information on sensor sizes and lens apertures prevents a more granular analysis.
Performance
The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) represents a clear architectural advantage over the Cubot KingKong ES’s Unisoc T606 (12nm). The 8nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and reduced heat generation. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the XR20’s Kryo 460 cores operate at a higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), providing a noticeable boost in responsiveness for demanding tasks. This benefits users who stream video, play mobile games, or multitask frequently.
Battery Life
The Cubot KingKong ES dominates in battery endurance with a reported 53:11h of usage, coupled with an impressive 1400 charge cycles. This is a significant advantage over the Nokia XR20, which lacks specific endurance figures but offers 18W wired and 15W wireless charging. The ES’s focus on longevity is further reinforced by its high charge cycle count, indicating a battery designed to withstand years of use. While the XR20’s wireless charging adds convenience, the ES’s sheer battery capacity and lifespan are more crucial for users in demanding environments.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong ES if you need a phone that can genuinely last for days on a single charge, and if your priority is maximizing value for money. It’s perfect for construction workers, hikers, or anyone who frequently finds themselves away from power outlets. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you require 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and value Nokia’s software update policy for long-term security and feature enhancements.