The Realme 5 Pro and Cubot P30 represent different approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Realme 5 Pro, leveraging Qualcomm's Snapdragon 712, aims for a balance of performance and features. The Cubot P30, powered by the MediaTek Helio P23, focuses on affordability. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme 5 Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 712 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Cubot P30’s Helio P23, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience. While both phones offer 100-hour endurance ratings, the Realme 5 Pro’s 20W charging is a significant convenience.
| 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, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2019, August 20. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.6 x 74.3 x 8.1 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.32 in) | 157 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm (6.18 x 2.92 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186.4 g (6.56 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| | - | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Adreno 616 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", AF
8 MP, 125˚ (ultrawide)
20 MP, (depth), 1/2.78" | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4035 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Green | Crystal Green, Crystal Blue, Chroma White |
| Models | - | RMX1971, RMX1973 |
| Price | - | About 430 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -92.0dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 100h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1875:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 85dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 182765 (v7)
GeekBench: 6106 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 12fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Cubot P30
- Lower price point
- Acceptable battery endurance
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance
- Likely inferior camera quality
- Slower charging speeds
Realme 5 Pro
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 712
- Faster 20W charging
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Potentially higher price
- May not be significantly better in battery life in real-world use
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
Display Comparison
The Realme 5 Pro boasts a display with a measured peak brightness of 512 nits and a 1875:1 contrast ratio. While the Cubot P30’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls behind in both metrics, given its lower price point. The higher brightness of the Realme 5 Pro ensures better visibility outdoors, and the contrast ratio contributes to a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The identical contrast ratio specification suggests similar panel technology, but the Realme's measured brightness is a clear advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. However, given the Realme 5 Pro’s positioning as a feature-rich budget phone, it likely incorporates a more advanced camera system with features like better image stabilization and more sophisticated image processing algorithms. The Cubot P30, focusing on cost reduction, likely utilizes a simpler camera setup. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the Realme 5 Pro is expected to deliver superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 5 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 (10nm) is a significant upgrade over the Cubot P30’s MediaTek Helio P23 (16nm). The Snapdragon 712 utilizes a more efficient 10nm process, resulting in better thermal management and power efficiency. Its CPU configuration – a dual-core Kryo 360 Gold at 2.3 GHz and a hexa-core Kryo 360 Silver at 1.7 GHz – offers a more sophisticated architecture than the Helio P23’s octa-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to noticeably faster performance in demanding applications and games. The Snapdragon 712 also benefits from a more capable GPU, further widening the performance gap.
Battery Life
Both the Cubot P30 and Realme 5 Pro achieve an endurance rating of 100 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Realme 5 Pro’s 20W wired charging capability offers a significant advantage. It can reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes, providing a substantial convenience boost compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the Cubot P30. This faster charging mitigates any potential concerns about battery life, allowing users to quickly top up their device when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot P30 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Realme 5 Pro if you prioritize performance for gaming, streaming, or multitasking, and value faster charging speeds and a more responsive user experience. The Realme 5 Pro is the better option for anyone who anticipates using their phone beyond basic functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 712 in the Realme 5 Pro powerful enough for modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 712 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for most users.
❓ Given both phones have a 100-hour endurance rating, will I notice a real-world difference in battery life?
The endurance rating is based on standardized testing. While both phones should last a full day for moderate users, the Realme 5 Pro’s faster charging allows you to quickly replenish the battery, minimizing downtime. This is a practical advantage even if the overall battery life is similar.
❓ Does the Cubot P30 offer any advantages over the Realme 5 Pro besides price?
The Cubot P30’s primary advantage is its lower price point. However, this comes at the cost of significantly reduced performance, a potentially inferior display, and slower charging. It’s a viable option only for users with extremely limited budgets and minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Is the Realme 5 Pro still a good buy in [current year], or has it been superseded by newer models?
The Realme 5 Pro remains a solid option for budget-conscious buyers, offering a good balance of performance and features for its price. However, newer Realme models offer improved specifications and features. Consider your budget and needs carefully before deciding.
