The Cubot Quest Lite and Ulefone Armor X7 Pro represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with slightly different approaches. This comparison dissects their core components, specifically their Mediatek Helio chipsets, to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability and basic usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, no-frills smartphone, the Cubot Quest Lite edges out the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro. Its slightly faster 2.0 GHz CPU, powered by the Helio A22, provides a marginal performance boost over the Armor X7 Pro’s 1.8 GHz Helio A20, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, June 08. Released 2020, June 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 152 x 74 x 8.8 mm (5.98 x 2.91 x 0.35 in) | 150 x 78.9 x 14.6 mm (5.91 x 3.11 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 219.7 g (7.76 oz) | 234 g (8.25 oz) |
| | - | IP68/IP69K dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2 m
MIL-STD-810G compliant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~61.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A20 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red/Black, Black | Black, Orange |
| Price | - | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Quest Lite
- Slightly faster CPU for improved responsiveness
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Simpler, more streamlined software experience (potentially)
- Likely less durable build quality
- Potentially lower battery capacity
Ulefone Armor X7 Pro
- Ruggedized design for enhanced durability
- Potentially better build quality and water resistance
- May appeal to users in demanding work environments
- Slower CPU performance
- Potentially higher price
- Bulkier and heavier design
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. Without specific brightness data, it’s reasonable to assume both offer adequate visibility indoors, but struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution primary sensors paired with auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but suffer significantly in low light. Expect soft details, limited dynamic range, and noticeable noise. The focus should be on capturing memories, not creating professional-quality photographs. Any marketing claims regarding camera capabilities should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Quest Lite’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, with its quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, offers a modest clock speed advantage over the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro’s MT6761 Helio A20 (quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). While both are based on the same 12nm process, the 200MHz difference translates to slightly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Quest Lite. However, neither chipset is designed for demanding games or intensive applications. Both will likely exhibit noticeable lag when running multiple apps simultaneously. The GPU performance will be similarly constrained, limiting graphical capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns. While specific mAh capacities are not provided, both devices likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Given the low-power chipsets and 720p+ displays, both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow, with neither device supporting fast charging technologies. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Quest Lite if you need a smartphone primarily for calls, messaging, and light social media use, and value a slightly snappier user interface. Buy the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro if you prioritize a more rugged build quality and are willing to accept a minor performance trade-off. The Armor X7 Pro’s design caters to users in demanding environments, while the Quest Lite focuses on pure affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A20 in the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A20 can run these apps, expect some lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple conversations or media-rich content. The chipset is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be resource-intensive. The Cubot Quest Lite with the Helio A22 will offer a slightly smoother experience.
❓ Is the Ulefone Armor X7 Pro truly 'rugged'? What level of protection does it offer?
Ulefone markets the Armor X7 Pro as a rugged device, likely featuring reinforced corners and a more durable chassis. However, without specific IP ratings (e.g., IP68), the extent of its water and dust resistance is unclear. It's likely to withstand drops from moderate heights and exposure to splashes, but shouldn't be submerged in water for extended periods.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect a smooth experience with modern 3D titles. The Helio A20 and A22 chipsets lack the graphical power to run demanding games at playable frame rates. Expect significant lag and low graphical settings.
