Cubot KingKong X Pro vs. Nokia XR20: A Rugged Smartphone Showdown

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific need: durability. However, within this niche, priorities diverge. The Cubot KingKong X Pro aggressively targets performance with a flagship-tier chipset, while the Nokia XR20 emphasizes a balance of durability, software support, and a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects these philosophies to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw power and extended battery life, the Cubot KingKong X Pro is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 8200 chipset delivers significantly faster performance than the XR20’s Snapdragon 480. However, the Nokia XR20 remains a compelling option for those valuing long-term software support and a more balanced, reliable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot KingKong X Pro 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
Announced2024, November 012021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, NovemberAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions175.9 x 83.3 x 18.4 mm (6.93 x 3.28 x 0.72 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
Weight392 g (13.83 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
ProtectionMohs level 7Corning 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 (~74.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144HzIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8200 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G610 MC6Adreno 619
OSAndroid 14Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 24GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro), 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 flashZeiss 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
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), 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/6, 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€ 349.95About 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery88:59h endurance, 1400 cycles-
EnergyClass C-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Cubot KingKong X Pro

  • Exceptional performance with the Dimensity 8200 chipset
  • Outstanding battery life (88:59h endurance)
  • Faster 33W wired charging
  • Potentially superior camera image processing

  • Likely higher price point
  • Software update commitment may be shorter than Nokia

Nokia XR20

  • Guaranteed software updates from Nokia
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks
  • Wireless charging support
  • Reputation for reliable durability

  • Significantly slower performance compared to the KingKong X Pro
  • Slower 18W wired charging

Display Comparison

Display specifications are absent from the provided data, but considering the market positioning, we can infer differences. The KingKong X Pro, aiming for higher performance, likely features a higher refresh rate panel (potentially 120Hz) for smoother visuals. The XR20, prioritizing efficiency, likely uses a standard 60Hz panel. Bezels are likely similar given the rugged design constraints. Color accuracy is also unknown, but Nokia typically prioritizes color calibration, potentially giving it an edge in this area.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. However, the chipset difference suggests a significant advantage for the KingKong X Pro in image processing capabilities. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, the XR20’s Snapdragon 480 ISP is less powerful than the Dimensity 8200’s. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims, but the KingKong X Pro is likely to produce sharper, more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. We can assume both will include a standard wide, ultrawide, and potentially a depth or macro sensor, but the KingKong X Pro’s image processing will likely elevate the overall quality.

Performance

The performance gap is substantial. The Cubot KingKong X Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 8200 (4nm) is a flagship-level chipset boasting an octa-core configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A78 prime core (3.1 GHz) and multiple performance cores (3x3.0 GHz). This contrasts sharply with the Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm), which utilizes a more modest octa-core setup with Kryo 460 cores peaking at 2.0 GHz. The 4nm process node of the Dimensity 8200 offers significantly better power efficiency and thermal performance, translating to sustained performance under load. The XR20 will be adequate for basic tasks, but the KingKong X Pro will handle demanding games and applications with ease.

Battery Life

The Cubot KingKong X Pro boasts an impressive 88:59h endurance rating, indicating exceptional battery life. While the capacity isn't specified, this endurance, combined with the efficient 4nm Dimensity 8200, suggests a large battery optimized for longevity. The XR20’s battery life is not provided, but its less powerful chipset and 8nm process will likely result in shorter runtimes. The KingKong X Pro’s 33W wired charging is faster than the XR20’s 18W wired and 15W wireless charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot KingKong X Pro if you need a rugged phone capable of demanding tasks like mobile gaming, video editing, or running resource-intensive applications. Its superior processing power and impressive 88:59h battery endurance make it ideal for power users. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a dependable, long-lasting device with guaranteed software updates and a focus on practical durability for everyday use, even if it means sacrificing some processing speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 8200 in the Cubot KingKong X Pro overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 8200’s 4nm process node is designed for efficiency and thermal management. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, the chipset is less prone to throttling compared to older, less efficient designs. The KingKong X Pro’s rugged build likely incorporates heat dissipation features to further mitigate thermal issues.
❓ How does Nokia’s software update policy compare to Cubot’s for the XR20 and KingKong X Pro, respectively?
Nokia is renowned for its commitment to software updates, guaranteeing at least 3 years of security updates and OS upgrades for the XR20. Cubot’s update policy is less predictable. While they provide updates, the duration and frequency are typically shorter than Nokia’s, making the XR20 a better choice for users prioritizing long-term software support.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Nokia XR20 a practical feature, or is it too slow to be useful?
15W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to modern standards. It's convenient for overnight charging or topping up, but it won't provide a rapid boost like the KingKong X Pro’s 33W wired charging. It's a nice-to-have feature for those who prefer wireless convenience, but not a significant advantage.