The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 9 and Ulefone Note 9P aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Cubot Note 9 prioritizing power efficiency with a Unisoc chipset, while the Ulefone Note 9P opts for a slightly more powerful, though less efficient, MediaTek Helio P22. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a slightly smoother experience, the Ulefone Note 9P is the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, offers a performance edge over the Cubot Note 9’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. However, expect slightly shorter battery life with the Ulefone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 153 x 77 x 11 mm (6.02 x 3.03 x 0.43 in) | 166 x 76.7 x 9.2 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | Unspecified | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | 16 MP, f/2.2, AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5900 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Aurora Blue, Midnight Green, Black |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Note 9
- Potentially longer battery life due to the efficient Unisoc chipset.
- Lower price point is likely.
- Simpler software experience may appeal to some users.
- Slower performance compared to the Ulefone Note 9P.
- Less responsive user interface.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Ulefone Note 9P
- More powerful MediaTek Helio P22 chipset for smoother performance.
- 10W wired charging with reverse wired charging.
- Better suited for occasional gaming and multitasking.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
- May run slightly warmer under load.
- Slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type and resolution are not provided. However, the focus should be on usability. Both likely feature similar LCD panels. The absence of information regarding PWM dimming rates makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain, but users sensitive to flicker should research further before purchasing either device.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests image stabilization will rely solely on software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, as the image quality from such sensors is typically underwhelming. Focusing on the main sensor specifications (if available) would be crucial for discerning real-world image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Ulefone Note 9P’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) offers a clear advantage over the Cubot Note 9’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm fabrication process is significantly more efficient, allowing for higher clock speeds (1.8GHz vs 1.6GHz) without excessive heat generation. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Helio P22’s architecture translates to a more responsive user experience, particularly when multitasking. The Unisoc chip, while adequate for basic tasks, will likely exhibit more noticeable lag under heavier loads. The Ulefone's CPU clock speeds of 4x1.8 GHz and 4x1.5 GHz suggest a more aggressive performance profile than the Cubot's 4x1.6 GHz and 4x1.2 GHz configuration.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the Ulefone Note 9P’s 10W wired charging and reverse wired charging capability provide a tangible benefit. The reverse charging feature allows the phone to act as a power bank for smaller devices, a useful addition. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Cubot Note 9 is inherently more power-efficient, potentially leading to longer battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity. The 12nm process of the Helio P22 will consume more power, even during idle states.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 9 if you need a phone that prioritizes battery longevity and are primarily focused on basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset is designed for efficiency. Buy the Ulefone Note 9P if you prefer a phone that can handle slightly more demanding tasks, such as occasional gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, and you appreciate the convenience of 10W reverse wired charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 9P's Helio P22 chipset overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio P22 is more powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A, it's still a budget chipset. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming, potentially leading to reduced frame rates. It's unlikely to overheat to the point of causing damage, but sustained peak performance isn't guaranteed.
❓ Is the reverse wired charging on the Ulefone Note 9P useful for everyday use?
The 10W reverse wired charging is primarily useful for topping up smaller devices like Bluetooth earbuds or smartwatches in emergencies. It won't rapidly charge a smartphone, but it provides a convenient way to share power when needed.
❓ How much of a performance difference will I notice between the two phones for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For basic tasks, the difference will be subtle but noticeable. The Ulefone Note 9P will feel snappier when switching between apps and loading web pages due to the Helio P22's superior processing power. The Cubot Note 9 will handle these tasks adequately, but may exhibit occasional lag.
