The Cubot Note 7 and Blackview A7 Pro represent a fiercely competitive segment of the smartphone market: ultra-budget devices aiming to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price. Both phones utilize the Mediatek MT6737 chipset, making a direct comparison of their subtle differences crucial for potential buyers seeking the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic smartphone tasks, the Cubot Note 7 edges out the Blackview A7 Pro. Its marginally faster 1.4 GHz CPU, while seemingly small, translates to slightly smoother app loading and multitasking, making it the better choice for everyday use within this price bracket.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2017. Released 2017 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) | 143 x 71 x 9.5 mm (5.63 x 2.80 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 144 g (5.08 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6737 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T720MP1 | Mali-T720 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDHC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP
third unspecified camera | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | 2800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue, Green | Champagne Gold, Chocolate Black, Cream White, Jelly Blue |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Cubot Note 7
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.4 GHz)
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Competitive price point
- Limited RAM (likely 2GB/3GB)
- Basic camera capabilities
Blackview A7 Pro
- Affordable price
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life
- Slower CPU clock speed (1.3 GHz)
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Cubot nor Blackview provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding brightness (nits) suggests neither will excel in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority, and both will likely exhibit standard sRGB coverage.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. However, detailed sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality. The 2MP macro cameras often found in this segment are unlikely to deliver significant detail and are primarily for marketing purposes. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
Both the Cubot Note 7 and Blackview A7 Pro are powered by the Mediatek MT6737, a 28nm chipset featuring a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU. However, the Cubot Note 7 boasts a clock speed of 1.4 GHz, while the Blackview A7 Pro is clocked at 1.3 GHz. This 0.1 GHz difference, while seemingly minor, can impact CPU-bound tasks like app launching and web browsing. The GPU within the MT6737 is a Mali-T720 MP2, adequate for basic 2D gaming but struggling with more demanding 3D titles. RAM configurations are not specified, but both are likely to feature 2GB or 3GB, limiting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will likely be passive, relying on the phone's chassis to dissipate heat, potentially leading to throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. Given the MT6737's efficiency and the target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely limited to 5W or 10W, resulting in relatively slow charging times. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 7 if you need a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light messaging. Its marginally faster processor provides a small but noticeable advantage. Buy the Blackview A7 Pro if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are willing to accept a very slight performance trade-off; it remains a functional device for basic communication and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While technically capable of launching PUBG Mobile, neither the Cubot Note 7 nor the Blackview A7 Pro will provide a smooth gaming experience. The Mali-T720 MP2 GPU struggles with demanding 3D games, and the limited RAM will likely cause stuttering and lag, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with?
These phones typically ship with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Given the operating system and pre-installed apps, usable storage will be significantly less. Both devices likely support microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity.
❓ Are these phones dual SIM capable?
Based on market trends for devices in this price range, both the Cubot Note 7 and Blackview A7 Pro are highly likely to support dual SIM functionality, allowing users to utilize two SIM cards simultaneously. However, confirm this with the retailer before purchasing.
