The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 40 and the Realme C53 (India variant) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. This comparison focuses on the core differences – the Unisoc chipsets and charging capabilities – to help you determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C53 (India) emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance edge in everyday tasks and light gaming. The 18W charging also significantly reduces downtime compared to the Cubot Note 40’s slower 10W charging.
| 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, October 16 | 2023, July 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, October 16 | Available. Released 2023, July 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 75.8 x 10.1 mm (6.53 x 2.98 x 0.40 in) | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 222 g (7.83 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 108 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Purple, Green, Blue | Gold, Black |
| Models | - | RMX3762 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Cubot Note 40
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Functional for essential smartphone tasks
- Slow 10W charging
- Less powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Likely basic camera performance
Realme C53 (India)
- Faster Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slightly higher price than Cubot Note 40
- Still limited by budget components
- May not support all network bands depending on region
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on the chipsets, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. Expect 720p+ resolution. The Realme C53 may have a slight advantage due to Realme’s generally better display calibration, but without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to quantify. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s safe to assume both phones rely on budget image sensors. The Realme C53, benefiting from Realme’s image processing algorithms, will likely produce more visually appealing photos, even with a similar sensor. Expect a primary camera around 13-50MP, paired with a depth or macro sensor (the usefulness of the latter is minimal). OIS is highly unlikely on either device. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C53’s Unisoc Tiger T612 features 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, while the Cubot Note 40 uses the Unisoc T606 with 2x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This 200 MHz clock speed increase on the A75 cores translates to a tangible performance boost for the Realme C53, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. While both are 12nm chips, the T612’s architecture is optimized for slightly better efficiency. Both devices likely feature similar RAM configurations (3-4GB), and LPDDR4X is the expected standard, limiting overall memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Both phones likely house batteries around the 5000mAh mark, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Realme C53’s 18W charging is a significant advantage over the Cubot Note 40’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time – potentially under 2.5 hours for the Realme C53 versus over 4 hours for the Cubot Note 40. This difference is crucial for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 40 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic communication and light usage, and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost above all else. Buy the Realme C53 (India) if you want a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and quicker charging, even if it means spending a little more. The C53 is better suited for users who occasionally play mobile games or multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T612 in the Realme C53 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T612 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Balanced or Low) and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming powerhouse, but it's capable of casual gaming sessions.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the Realme C53 compared to the Cubot Note 40's 10W charging?
The 18W charging on the Realme C53 will reduce charging times by approximately 40-50%. A full charge will likely take around 2-2.5 hours, while the Cubot Note 40 could take over 4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Does the Realme C53 (India) support VoLTE on all carriers?
VoLTE support can vary depending on your carrier. It's crucial to check with your mobile provider to ensure compatibility with the Realme C53's supported bands before purchasing, especially if you're outside of India.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for social media uploads?
Both phones can capture acceptable photos for social media in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect exceptional detail or low-light performance. The Realme C53 will likely produce slightly more pleasing results due to Realme's image processing.
