Cubot Tab KingKong vs Nokia XR20: A Deep Dive into Rugged Tablet Performance

The rugged tablet market is heating up, offering durable devices for demanding users. We pit the Cubot Tab KingKong, a budget-focused option, against the Nokia XR20, known for its 5G connectivity and software support, to determine which tablet provides the best blend of toughness, performance, and value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and a more efficient processor, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. While the Cubot Tab KingKong offers a compelling price point, the Snapdragon 480's 8nm process and integrated 5G outweigh the MT8788's raw core count in real-world usage.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Tab KingKong Nokia XR20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands-2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, July 192021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, August 07Available. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions251.2 x 170.2 x 15.6 mm (9.89 x 6.70 x 0.61 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight820 g (1.81 lb)248 g (8.75 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 619
OSAndroid 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flashZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single16 MP, AF8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.25.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyroFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired 15W wireless
Type10600 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
Price-About 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Cubot Tab KingKong

  • More affordable price point
  • Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
  • Rugged design for durability

  • Less efficient Mediatek MT8788 chipset
  • No 5G connectivity
  • No wireless charging

Nokia XR20

  • More efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 chipset
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Wireless charging for added convenience

  • Higher price point
  • Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
  • Rugged design may not be as robust as the Cubot

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price point of the Cubot Tab KingKong, it likely utilizes an IPS LCD panel. The Nokia XR20, being a more premium offering, may feature a slightly more advanced IPS panel with potentially better color accuracy and viewing angles. Both tablets are likely to prioritize durability over display fidelity, meaning expect thicker bezels and potentially lower peak brightness compared to standard tablets.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both tablets prioritize practicality over photographic excellence. The Nokia XR20, given its positioning, likely features a more refined image processing pipeline and potentially a larger main sensor. The Cubot Tab KingKong will likely focus on providing a functional camera for basic documentation. The absence of details suggests neither device will challenge flagship smartphone camera performance.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot Tab KingKong's Mediatek MT8788 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. While the core count appears higher, the older 12nm process and the architecture of the cores are less efficient than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 (8nm) in the Nokia XR20. The Snapdragon 480 utilizes Kryo 460 cores, built on a more modern architecture, resulting in better single-core and multi-core performance, especially in sustained workloads. The 8nm process also translates to improved thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended use. This benefits users engaging in gaming or demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. The Nokia XR20 gains an advantage with the inclusion of 15W wireless charging, providing added convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging. Battery capacity isn't specified, but the Snapdragon 480's superior power efficiency will likely translate to longer real-world battery life for the Nokia XR20, even if the Cubot Tab KingKong has a slightly larger battery capacity. The 8nm process allows the XR20 to accomplish more per watt.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Tab KingKong if you need a highly affordable, durable tablet for basic tasks like media consumption and light productivity, and 5G isn't a priority. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more future-proof device with 5G, a more efficient processor for sustained performance, and the added convenience of wireless charging, even if it comes at a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Mediatek MT8788 in the Cubot Tab KingKong struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
The MT8788 is a capable chipset for basic tasks, but its older architecture and 12nm process may result in noticeable frame drops and throttling during extended gaming sessions in demanding titles like PUBG. Lowering graphics settings will be necessary for a playable experience.
❓ Does the Nokia XR20's 5G connectivity require a special SIM card or plan?
Yes, to utilize the Nokia XR20's 5G capabilities, you'll need a 5G-compatible SIM card and a data plan that includes 5G access from your mobile carrier. Without these, the device will fall back to 4G LTE.
❓ How durable is the Nokia XR20's ruggedization compared to other rugged tablets?
The Nokia XR20 boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and is MIL-STD-810H certified, meaning it's been tested against a range of environmental conditions including drops, extreme temperatures, and humidity. While not the most extreme ruggedization available, it provides a high level of protection for everyday use.