The rugged smartphone market is heating up, offering durable devices for outdoor enthusiasts and demanding work environments. We pit the compact and affordable Cubot KingKong Mini 3 against the more established Nokia XR20, a phone known for its 5G connectivity and software support, to determine which offers the best blend of toughness, performance, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing affordability and a truly pocketable form factor, the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 delivers solid performance for the price. However, the Nokia XR20 wins for those needing 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and the promise of longer software support, justifying its higher price point.
| 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, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 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 | 2022 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131 x 58.1 x 13.4 mm (5.16 x 2.29 x 0.53 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 | 149 g (5.26 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 | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 480 x 1170 pixels (~281 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 45.9 cm2 (~60.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769CZ Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | 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 | 20 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
15W wireless |
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Red | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
Cubot KingKong Mini 3
- Extremely compact and pocketable design
- Affordable price point
- Decent performance for basic tasks
- Likely lower battery life
- No 5G connectivity
- Limited software support
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Wireless charging for added convenience
- Longer software support from Nokia
- Higher price compared to the Cubot Mini 3
- Larger size may not appeal to all users
- Charging speed isn't class-leading
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Details regarding panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and resolution are missing for the Cubot KingKong Mini 3, suggesting a standard LCD. The Nokia XR20’s display specs are also limited, but its larger size (6.67 inches vs. the Mini 3’s 5.45 inches) offers more screen real estate. The Mini 3’s smaller size will appeal to those wanting maximum pocketability, while the XR20 provides a more immersive viewing experience. Both likely prioritize durability over color accuracy, but the XR20’s larger size may allow for slightly higher peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia XR20’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. The inclusion of 5G also hints at potentially faster image uploads and cloud integration. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3 likely relies on software enhancements to compensate for potentially lower-quality hardware. It’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions, and the often-included 2MP macro lenses on both are unlikely to deliver significant detail.
Performance
The chipset choice is the core differentiator here. The Cubot KingKong Mini 3 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G85, a 12nm processor geared towards gaming on a budget. Its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) provides decent performance for everyday tasks. The Nokia XR20, however, features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, built on a more efficient 8nm process. While both CPUs have a similar peak clock speed (2.0 GHz for the prime cores), the Snapdragon 480’s architecture (Kryo 460) and the smaller node size translate to better power efficiency and sustained performance under load. This means the XR20 is less likely to throttle during extended gaming sessions or demanding applications. The 5G modem in the XR20 is a significant advantage for future-proofing and faster data speeds.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the Cubot KingKong Mini 3, but given its compact size, it’s likely smaller than the Nokia XR20’s. The XR20 offers 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, providing flexibility. The Helio G85 in the Mini 3, being less power-efficient, will likely require more frequent charging. While the XR20’s charging isn’t particularly fast by modern standards, the wireless charging option is a significant convenience factor absent in the Mini 3. The XR20’s larger battery and more efficient chipset will translate to longer real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 if you need an extremely compact, durable phone for basic tasks and don't require 5G. It's ideal for users who prioritize portability and affordability above all else. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a slightly larger screen, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and the added convenience of wireless charging, alongside a commitment to software updates and a more premium build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 480 isn't a flagship processor, it's capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action, but the 8nm process and improved thermal management compared to the Helio G85 in the Cubot Mini 3 will result in more consistent performance over longer gaming sessions.
❓ How durable is the Cubot KingKong Mini 3 compared to the Nokia XR20? Are both truly 'rugged'?
Both phones are marketed as rugged, but the XR20 has undergone more rigorous testing (IP68 and MIL-STD-810H) and boasts a more premium build quality. The Mini 3 likely offers basic drop and water resistance, but the XR20 provides a higher level of protection against the elements and accidental damage.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect from Nokia for the XR20?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates. The XR20 is guaranteed to receive at least three years of security updates and two major Android OS upgrades, ensuring your phone remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period than the Cubot KingKong Mini 3, which typically receives limited software support.
