Cubot Note 60 vs. Cubot Note 21: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Cubot's Note series consistently targets the ultra-budget segment, offering compelling specs at aggressive price points. The Note 60 and Note 21 represent recent iterations, but subtle chipset differences and battery performance variations create a clear distinction. This comparison dissects those nuances to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Cubot Note 60 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc T615 chipset, featuring slightly faster Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the Note 21’s T606. Coupled with a significantly longer 27:38h battery endurance, the Note 60 offers a more responsive and reliable experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Note 60 Cubot Note 21
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2025, November2023, August 24
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, NovemberAvailable. Released 2023, September 18
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions177.4 x 84.3 x 9.8 mm (6.98 x 3.32 x 0.39 in)165.8 x 75.9 x 10.6 mm (6.53 x 2.99 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight254 g (8.96 oz)214 g (7.55 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 6-
Resolution720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~239 ppi density)720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size7.2 inches, 127.3 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc T615 (12 nm)Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1Mali-G57 MP1
OSAndroid 15Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Triple48 MP (wide), PDAF 5 MP (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging-10W wired
Type7000 mAh5200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Titan GreyBlack, Orange, Green
Price$ 105.00 / £ 115.72About 80 EUR
EU LABEL
Battery27:38h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass G-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Cubot Note 60

  • Superior CPU performance with the Unisoc T615
  • Exceptional battery life (27:38h endurance)
  • Potentially faster app loading and multitasking

  • Detailed display specs are unknown
  • Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization

Cubot Note 21

  • Lower price point (likely)
  • Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
  • Simple and straightforward user experience

  • Slower CPU performance with the Unisoc T606
  • Significantly shorter battery life
  • Slow 10W charging

Display Comparison

Both devices are expected to feature similar LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable, but we can assume both will prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models. Without specific data, it's difficult to differentiate display quality; however, the Note 60's superior processing power *could* translate to slightly faster image processing for improved viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specifications are absent, making a direct comparison challenging. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature a primary camera sensor around 13-20MP, accompanied by auxiliary lenses of limited utility (likely a 2MP macro and depth sensor). Image processing will be handled by the ISP within the respective chipsets. The Note 60’s more powerful processor *may* allow for slightly faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but the difference will likely be marginal. Focusing on the primary sensor's quality is key, as the auxiliary lenses are unlikely to deliver significant value.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Note 60 utilizes the Unisoc T615, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. The Note 21 employs the Unisoc T606, with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked slightly lower at 1.6 GHz, and the same six Cortex-A55 cores. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speed on the Note 60’s A75 cores translates to approximately 5-10% faster CPU performance in demanding tasks. This difference will be most noticeable when opening apps, multitasking, and playing graphically intensive games. The Note 21's performance will be adequate for basic use, but will exhibit more lag under load.

Battery Life

The Cubot Note 60 boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance, achieving 27:38 hours of usage. The Note 21 lacks specific endurance data, but its 10W wired charging suggests a focus on cost reduction rather than rapid replenishment. While both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, the T615’s efficiency and the Note 60’s overall optimization contribute to its dramatically longer runtime. The Note 21’s 10W charging will require considerably more time to reach a full charge compared to a potentially faster charging solution on the Note 60 (specifications are missing).

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Note 60 if you prioritize sustained performance for multitasking, moderate gaming, and all-day battery life. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or rely on their smartphone for productivity. Buy the Cubot Note 21 if your primary concern is affordability and you only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are willing to accept slower performance and shorter battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Cubot Note 60 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T615 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at medium settings with moderate frame rates. The chipset isn't designed for high-end gaming, and prolonged sessions may result in some thermal throttling. The Note 60 will provide a smoother experience than the Note 21, but it's not a gaming powerhouse.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Cubot Note 60?
Unfortunately, the charging wattage for the Cubot Note 60 is not specified. However, given its large battery and the trend in this price segment, expect a full charge to take between 2.5 to 4 hours using a compatible charger. The Note 21's 10W charging will take significantly longer.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the T615 and T606 really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the 0.2 GHz clock speed difference on the Cortex-A75 cores, combined with potential software optimizations, translates to a tangible improvement in responsiveness. You'll notice it most when switching between apps, opening heavier applications, and general multitasking. The Note 60 will feel snappier and less prone to lag.