The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 8 and Nokia C01 Plus aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing basic connectivity and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if uninspiring, smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Nokia C01 Plus edges out the Cubot Note 8. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, while still entry-level, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Mediatek MT6739WW in the Cubot Note 8, resulting in a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward operation
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Outdated quad-core processor
- Slower performance compared to the Nokia C01 Plus
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Nokia C01 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- More modern Cortex-A55 architecture
- Better multitasking capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Camera performance likely similar to Cubot Note 8
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a stunning visual experience. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display quality. Specific display specs (resolution, brightness, panel type) are not provided, but given the price bracket, we can assume both feature basic LCD panels. The Nokia C01 Plus benefits from the more modern processor, which *could* translate to slightly better image processing for display output, but this is unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, and generally poor. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both feature basic cameras suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff; its image quality will be severely limited. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc SC9863A *might* offer slightly better noise reduction and color accuracy, but the overall camera experience will be heavily dependent on software optimization, which is often lacking in this price segment.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Cubot Note 8’s Mediatek MT6739WW features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. This is an older architecture known for its power efficiency but limited performance. Conversely, the Nokia C01 Plus boasts the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. The Cortex-A55 architecture is a significant improvement over the A53, offering better performance per watt. The higher core count and clock speeds of the SC9863A will result in noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking, even if both are still constrained by limited RAM (spec not provided, but likely 1-2GB).
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the power-efficient processors and likely limited display demands, both should be able to provide at least a full day of light use. Charging wattage is also unknown, but we can expect slow charging speeds. The Unisoc SC9863A’s improved efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but this will be heavily influenced by usage patterns and battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 8 if you need a phone primarily for static tasks like listening to the radio or as a secondary device where performance isn't critical. Its lower price point might be attractive for these limited use cases. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and using basic apps. The octa-core processor offers a tangible improvement in usability, making it a better choice for those who want a slightly more fluid experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Nokia C01 Plus is better equipped to handle the demands of social media apps compared to the quad-core Mediatek MT6739WW in the Cubot Note 8. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, you should expect a more responsive and less laggy experience when browsing and using these apps.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 8 a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for making calls and sending texts?
The Cubot Note 8 is a viable option if your primary needs are basic communication. The Mediatek MT6739WW processor is sufficient for these tasks. However, be aware that the phone may feel sluggish when attempting anything more demanding, and the overall user experience will be less refined than the Nokia C01 Plus.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither the Cubot Note 8 nor the Nokia C01 Plus are suitable for playing demanding modern mobile games. The processors lack the graphical power and RAM to provide a playable experience. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings, but don't expect to run titles like PUBG or Genshin Impact.
