The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 9 and Doogee X95 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a more compelling experience for most users. This comparison breaks down those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Cubot Note 9 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Doogee X95 Pro’s quad-core Helio A22, despite the latter’s more efficient 12nm process.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, January 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, January |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153 x 77 x 11 mm (6.02 x 3.03 x 0.43 in) | 167 x 77.4 x 8.9 mm (6.57 x 3.05 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | Unspecified | 540 x 1200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761V/WE Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8300 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP, (telephoto)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5900 mAh, removable | 4350 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Blue, Green |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Cubot Note 9
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- Potentially smoother user experience.
- More capable for light gaming.
- Less efficient 28nm process.
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
Doogee X95 Pro
- More efficient 12nm process.
- 10W charging for conservative power users.
- Potentially longer battery life with basic usage.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Slower performance in demanding applications.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specs, we can assume both utilize basic IPS LCD panels. However, the chipset powering the Cubot Note 9 may allow for slightly more efficient display rendering. The Doogee X95 Pro’s focus on efficiency suggests a potentially longer-lasting display experience, but at the cost of visual fluidity. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The larger sensor (if any) will be the determining factor, but without that data, it's impossible to declare a winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Note 9’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), offering significantly more processing power than the Doogee X95 Pro’s MediaTek Helio A22 (quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). While the Helio A22’s Cortex-A53 cores are clocked higher, the sheer number of cores on the Unisoc chip provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The 28nm process of the SC9863A is less efficient than the Helio A22’s 12nm, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption, but the performance gains are likely worth the trade-off for most users. RAM configurations are unknown, but are likely limited on both devices, further emphasizing the CPU’s importance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Doogee X95 Pro’s 10W wired charging suggests a focus on conservative power management. The Helio A22’s 12nm process contributes to better energy efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity. The Cubot Note 9, with its more powerful chipset, will likely consume more power, but the difference may not be substantial enough to significantly impact real-world battery life, especially with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 9 if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, enjoy occasional light gaming, and value a smoother overall user experience. Buy the Doogee X95 Pro if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize maximizing battery life over performance, or if the 10W charging is a critical factor for your usage patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Doogee X95 Pro struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio A22 chipset in the Doogee X95 Pro is designed for basic tasks. While it can run apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or when the apps are performing complex operations like loading videos or scrolling through image-heavy feeds. The limited processing power can lead to a less fluid experience.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 9 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Cubot Note 9 is capable of handling *light* mobile gaming. Don't expect to play demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact at high settings. However, simpler games and older titles should be playable at lower settings. The octa-core processor provides a performance boost over the Doogee X95 Pro, making it the better choice for casual gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Doogee X95 Pro with its 10W charging?
With 10W charging, a full charge from 0% will likely take between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the battery capacity (which is unspecified). This is significantly slower than modern fast-charging solutions, but it's a common trade-off for budget smartphones prioritizing efficiency and potentially extending battery lifespan.
