The Cubot Note 40 and Blackview A85 represent a growing segment of ultra-affordable Android smartphones. Both devices center around the Unisoc T606 chipset, making a direct comparison crucial for budget-conscious buyers. This analysis will dissect their differences, focusing on how the subtle variations impact real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview A85 emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Unisoc T606 processor, the A85’s 18W charging significantly reduces downtime, making it ideal for those who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. The Cubot Note 40 remains a viable option for users prioritizing absolute lowest cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 16 | 2022, November 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 16 | Available. Released 2022, November 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.8 x 10.1 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.40 in) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 222 g (7.83 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~272 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.5 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, Doke OS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, 120˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | Yes, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 4480 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Green, Blue | Black, Blue, Sky |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Cubot Note 40
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Unisoc T606 provides adequate performance for everyday use
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely lower build quality
- Limited camera capabilities
Blackview A85
- Faster 18W charging
- More convenient for frequent users
- Unisoc T606 provides adequate performance for everyday use
- Slightly higher price point
- Likely similar build quality to Cubot Note 40
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither Cubot nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications beyond the panel type. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. Without knowing the resolution or peak brightness, it’s difficult to assess visual quality. However, the absence of high refresh rate technology is expected, focusing on power efficiency. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Expect adequate performance in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
Both the Cubot Note 40 and Blackview A85 are powered by the Unisoc T606 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means CPU performance will be virtually identical between the two. The 12nm process node suggests moderate thermal efficiency; sustained heavy workloads may lead to some throttling. RAM configurations are not specified, but both will likely offer sufficient RAM for basic multitasking. The GPU performance will also be the same, limiting demanding gaming experiences.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the key differentiator lies in the charging capabilities. The Cubot Note 40 supports 10W wired charging, while the Blackview A85 boasts 18W wired charging. This difference is significant. 18W charging will substantially reduce the time required to reach a full charge, offering a more convenient experience for users who frequently need to top up their battery. While a larger battery capacity on the Cubot Note 40 could partially offset the slower charging, the faster charging of the A85 is a more impactful benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 40 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. Buy the Blackview A85 if you prioritize quicker top-ups and value the convenience of faster charging, even if it means a slightly higher initial investment. Both are suited for users who need a secondary device or a reliable backup phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Blackview A85 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is capable of running common applications like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. It’s designed for everyday tasks and light multitasking, making it suitable for these popular apps. However, expect longer loading times compared to phones with more powerful processors.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the Blackview A85 with the 18W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, it’s difficult to provide an exact time. However, 18W charging will likely take between 2 to 3 hours for a full charge, assuming a battery capacity around 4000-5000mAh. This is significantly faster than the Cubot Note 40’s 10W charging, which could take 4+ hours.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
PUBG Mobile is playable on both devices, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Unisoc T606’s GPU is not powerful enough for smooth gameplay at higher settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and lag, even on the lowest settings. These phones are not ideal for serious mobile gaming.
❓ What type of SIM cards do the Cubot Note 40 and Blackview A85 support?
Based on typical specifications for phones in this price range, both the Cubot Note 40 and Blackview A85 likely support dual SIM cards (Nano-SIM). However, it's crucial to verify this information with the retailer or manufacturer before purchasing, as configurations can vary.
