The smartphone market offers choices at every price point, but finding the right balance between affordability and durability can be challenging. We pit the Cubot Quest, a budget-focused device, against the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2, a ruggedized phone designed for harsh environments, to determine which offers the best value for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing cost-effectiveness, the Cubot Quest offers a more modern chipset architecture. However, the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 wins for those needing extreme durability and the convenience of Qi wireless charging, despite its older processor and slower charging speeds.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2018, November. Released 2018, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157 x 73.7 x 8.8 mm (6.18 x 2.90 x 0.35 in) | 150.2 x 73.4 x 13.5 mm (5.91 x 2.89 x 0.53 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 243 g (8.25 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 2m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant
Push-to-talk button |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~441 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~67.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~62.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 508 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.9", PDAF
2 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, AF
8 MP (ultra wide; dedicated video camera) |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/i/r/k, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Wireless (Qi) |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 312 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 21 h (3G) |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3240 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red/Black, Black | Black |
| Price | - | About 400 EUR |
Cubot Quest
- More modern 12nm chipset for potentially better efficiency.
- Likely lower price point.
- Potentially more RAM/storage for the price.
- Lacks ruggedization features.
- No wireless charging.
- Potentially less durable construction.
Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2
- Ruggedized design for enhanced durability.
- Qi wireless charging support.
- Proven reliability in harsh environments.
- Older 14nm chipset.
- Slower 10W wired charging.
- Potentially higher price.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2's rugged focus, it likely prioritizes screen protection and visibility in bright sunlight over color accuracy or high refresh rates. The Cubot Quest, being a budget device, likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. The absence of details like resolution or brightness makes a definitive statement impossible, but the DuraForce Pro 2's construction suggests a more robust, albeit potentially less visually appealing, display.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the market positioning suggests the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 likely prioritizes image quality in challenging conditions, focusing on reliable performance rather than high megapixel counts. The Cubot Quest, as a budget device, may rely on software processing to enhance images, potentially resulting in less natural-looking photos. The absence of OIS information for either device suggests image stabilization will be primarily digital, impacting low-light performance.
Performance
The Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 (14nm) and 2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 cores offer a slight clock speed advantage over the Cubot Quest’s Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm) and 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Helio P22 benefits from a more modern manufacturing process (12nm vs 14nm), potentially leading to better power efficiency. While both utilize the Cortex-A53 architecture, the Snapdragon 630’s Adreno 508 GPU is likely to provide a more consistent gaming experience than the Helio P22’s PowerVR GE8320. The Snapdragon 630’s larger L3 cache also contributes to smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 offers the convenience of 10W wired *and* Qi wireless charging, a significant advantage for users who prefer cable-free power-ups. The Cubot Quest lacks wireless charging. While the Snapdragon 630’s 14nm process is less efficient than the Helio P22’s 12nm, the DuraForce Pro 2’s battery life will depend heavily on its capacity and software optimization. The 10W charging speed on the Kyocera is significantly slower than what is becoming standard, but the wireless charging option adds versatility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Quest if you need a functional smartphone for everyday tasks and light gaming, and are willing to trade ruggedness for a newer processor. Buy the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 if you work in a demanding environment, frequently drop your phone, or require wireless charging and a proven track record of durability, even if it means sacrificing some processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 630 in the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 powerful enough for modern apps?
The Snapdragon 630 is a capable processor, but it's several years old. It can handle most everyday tasks and less demanding apps without issue. However, it may struggle with graphically intensive games or heavy multitasking compared to newer chipsets.
❓ How does the ruggedization of the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 affect its size and weight?
The ruggedized construction of the DuraForce Pro 2 adds significant bulk and weight compared to standard smartphones. It's designed to withstand drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures, which necessitates a thicker chassis and reinforced materials.
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P22 in the Cubot Quest struggle with multitasking?
The Helio P22 is an entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic multitasking, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously may result in slowdowns or lag. It's best suited for users who primarily use one app at a time.
❓ Does the Kyocera DuraForce Pro 2 receive regular software updates?
Kyocera's update track record has historically been slower than some other manufacturers. While the DuraForce Pro 2 likely received updates during its lifespan, it may not be running the latest version of Android or have ongoing security patches.
