The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 8 and the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware suggest vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) is the clear winner. Its Helio G25 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Cubot Note 8’s aging MT6739WW. While the Cubot may offer slightly better value in some regions, the Infinix delivers a smoother, more modern experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, August 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) | 172.6 x 77.7 x 8.7 mm (6.80 x 3.06 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 202 g (7.13 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 440 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Tranquil Sea Blue, Miracle Black |
| Models | - | X6823C, X6823 |
| Price | - | About 100 EUR |
Cubot Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly longer battery life if battery capacity is significantly larger
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset leading to potential overheating
- Outdated hardware
Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- More future-proofed platform
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera performance likely similar to Cubot Note 8
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive the display; the more capable Helio G25 in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus will likely handle UI animations and video playback with greater fluidity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Cubot Note 8 may include a 2MP macro lens, but these are often of limited practical use. Image processing will be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. The Helio G25’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) *could* offer a marginal improvement in image quality on the Infinix, but this is unlikely to be dramatic.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) truly shines. The Mediatek Helio G25 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot Note 8’s MT6739WW (28nm). The 12nm process offers improved power efficiency, reducing heat and potentially extending battery life. More importantly, the Helio G25’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) provides substantially more processing power than the Cubot’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The Cortex-A53 architecture is present in both, but the sheer number of cores and higher clock speeds give the Infinix a clear advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio G25’s 12nm process efficiency gives the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) an advantage in battery life. While the Cubot Note 8 might have a slightly larger battery, the more efficient chipset will likely result in longer screen-on time. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are expected to ship with basic 5W or 10W chargers, resulting in relatively slow charging speeds – likely exceeding 3 hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 8 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. Buy the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) if you prioritize a more responsive user interface, smoother multitasking, and a slightly more future-proofed platform, even if it means spending a little extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) be able to handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without lag?
Yes, the Helio G25 chipset in the Infinix Smart 6 Plus is significantly more capable than the MT6739WW in the Cubot Note 8. It should handle Facebook, Instagram, and other common social media apps with a much smoother and more responsive experience, even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing the web and checking email?
Absolutely. The octa-core processor and more efficient manufacturing process of the Helio G25 will result in faster web page loading times, quicker app launches, and a generally more fluid experience when browsing and checking email compared to the Cubot Note 8.
❓ Can the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) handle any mobile games?
While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Infinix Smart 6 Plus (India) is better equipped for light gaming. It can likely handle less demanding titles at lower settings. The Cubot Note 8 will struggle with even basic games due to its weaker processor.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both devices are expected to use a Micro-USB port for charging, which is standard for phones in this price range. Do not expect fast charging capabilities; charging times will be relatively slow.