The budget tablet market is heating up, with options like the Cubot Tab KingKong S and Ulefone Tab A7 vying for attention. While both aim to deliver affordable Android experiences, they take drastically different approaches to processing power and efficiency. This comparison dissects the core differences, helping you determine which tablet best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Cubot Tab KingKong S is the superior choice. Its significantly more powerful Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset and faster 33W charging provide a smoother, more responsive experience and reduce downtime. The Ulefone Tab A7 remains a viable option for extremely basic tasks, but struggles to keep pace.
| 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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September | 2021, May 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | Available. Released 2021, May 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.4 x 164.4 x 15.6 mm (9.70 x 6.47 x 0.61 in) | 243.6 x 162.4 x 7.9 mm (9.59 x 6.39 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 912 g (2.01 lb) | 566 g (1.25 lb) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, PDAF | 13 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 15300 mAh | Li-Po 7680 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Space Gray |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 36:59h endurance, 1400 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class G | - |
| Free fall | Class A (208 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class C | - |
Cubot Tab KingKong S
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 33W charging for reduced downtime
- Potentially better battery longevity with 1400 charge cycles
- Likely higher price point than the Ulefone Tab A7
- No specific details on display quality
Ulefone Tab A7
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks like e-reading
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow and inefficient processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device provides display specifications, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on internal performance, as display quality is unlikely to be a differentiating factor. Expect standard 1080p resolutions at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent for both devices. Given the target market, expect basic camera setups focused on functionality rather than quality. It's safe to assume both tablets will feature a primary rear camera and a front-facing camera for video calls. Image processing will likely be minimal, and low-light performance will be limited on both.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference between these tablets. The Cubot Tab KingKong S boasts the Unisoc Tiger T616, a 12nm octa-core processor featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance boost over the Ulefone Tab A7’s Unisoc SC9863A. The SC9863A, built on a dated 28nm process, utilizes four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. The A75 cores in the KingKong S offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. The 12nm fabrication process of the T616 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the 28nm SC9863A, meaning less heat and potentially sustained performance for longer periods.
Battery Life
The Cubot Tab KingKong S claims an impressive 36:59 hours of endurance and supports 33W wired charging. While the Ulefone Tab A7’s battery capacity is unknown, its 10W charging is a clear disadvantage. The faster charging on the KingKong S translates to significantly less downtime, allowing users to quickly replenish the battery and get back to their tasks. The 1400 charge cycles advertised for the KingKong S also suggest a focus on long-term battery health, potentially extending the device's lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Tab KingKong S if you need a tablet capable of handling multitasking, streaming high-resolution video, or light gaming. Its robust processor and faster charging are ideal for users who demand more from their device. Buy the Ulefone Tab A7 if your primary use case is simple e-reading, basic web browsing, and infrequent app usage, and you prioritize absolute affordability over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T616 in the Cubot Tab KingKong S handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the T616 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights, but it's a far more playable experience than the Ulefone Tab A7 would offer.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Cubot Tab KingKong S with the 33W charger?
While a full 0-100% charge time isn't specified, 33W charging should bring the Cubot Tab KingKong S from 0% to 50% in approximately 30-45 minutes, and a full charge in under 2 hours. This is a significant improvement over the much slower 10W charging of the Ulefone Tab A7.
❓ Is the Ulefone Tab A7 suitable for video conferencing?
The Ulefone Tab A7 can handle basic video conferencing, but the limited processing power may result in occasional lag or dropped frames, especially with multiple participants. The camera quality is also likely to be subpar, impacting the clarity of your video feed.
❓ What type of storage does the Cubot Tab KingKong S use, and is it expandable?
Storage specifications are not provided. However, most tablets in this price range utilize eMMC storage. Expandability via microSD card is likely, but confirmation is needed.
