Cubot Tab KingKong vs. Ulefone Power Armor 13: A Deep Dive into Rugged Android Tablets

The rugged tablet market caters to a specific niche: users needing durability and reliability in challenging environments. Both the Cubot Tab KingKong and the Ulefone Power Armor 13 aim to deliver on this promise, but they diverge significantly in their internal specifications, creating distinct performance and usability profiles. This comparison dissects these differences to help you choose the right tool for the job.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 is the better choice. Its Helio G95 chipset offers a noticeable performance uplift over the KingKong’s MT8788, and the inclusion of 33W wired and wireless charging is a significant convenience. However, the KingKong remains a viable option for basic tasks and users on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot Tab KingKong Ulefone Power Armor 13
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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat12 600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, July 192021, July 22
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, August 07Available. Released 2021, July 26
Body
Dimensions251.2 x 170.2 x 15.6 mm (9.89 x 6.70 x 0.61 in)183.7 x 85.4 x 20.8 mm (7.23 x 3.36 x 0.82 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight820 g (1.81 lb)492 g (1.08 lb)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.2m MIL-STD-810G compliant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT8788 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Mali-G76 MC4
OSAndroid 13Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashQuad-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Penta-48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single16 MP, AF-
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single8 MP16 MP, f/2.2
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.25.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C, OTG-
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, gyroFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, baroceptor, coulombmeter
 -Infrared distance measure (error range: 1~20m, ±10mm; 20~40m, ±25mm)
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired 15W wireless 5W reverse wireless
Type10600 mAhLi-Po 13200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackBlack
Price-About 300 EUR
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 296h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1306:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.3 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 294194 (v8), 351678 (v9) GeekBench: 1610 (v5.1) GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Cubot Tab KingKong

  • More affordable price point
  • Rugged design for durability
  • Acceptable battery life for basic tasks

  • Less powerful processor
  • Slower charging speeds
  • Limited camera information

Ulefone Power Armor 13

  • Faster and more efficient processor
  • Faster wired and wireless charging
  • Higher display brightness for outdoor use

  • Higher price tag
  • Rugged design may add bulk
  • Camera details are still limited

Display Comparison

Both tablets share a contrast ratio of 1306:1, suggesting similar image quality in terms of black levels. However, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 boasts a measured peak brightness of 401 nits, which is crucial for outdoor visibility – a key requirement for rugged devices. While the KingKong’s display specifications are not provided, the Armor 13’s higher brightness gives it a clear advantage in direct sunlight. The lack of information on the KingKong’s panel type (IPS, TFT) makes a detailed comparison difficult, but the Armor 13’s brightness is a tangible benefit.

Camera Comparison

Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This suggests a focus on basic functionality rather than photographic excellence. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess the camera performance of either tablet. However, given the Armor 13’s overall positioning as a more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume a slightly more capable camera system, potentially with better low-light performance. The absence of details makes a definitive comparison impossible.

Performance

The Ulefone Power Armor 13’s MediaTek Helio G95 chipset represents a significant step up in performance compared to the Cubot Tab KingKong’s MT8788. The G95 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, while the MT8788 employs four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores. The A76 architecture is demonstrably more efficient and powerful than the A73, resulting in faster application loading times and smoother multitasking. The G95 also benefits from a more modern GPU, enhancing gaming performance. While both chipsets are fabricated on a 12nm process, the architectural improvements in the G95 provide a clear advantage.

Battery Life

Both tablets share an endurance rating of 296 hours, indicating similar battery life under comparable usage scenarios. However, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 offers a significantly more versatile charging solution. Its 33W wired charging is more than double the KingKong’s 18W, resulting in faster recharge times. Furthermore, the Armor 13 includes 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, adding convenience and the ability to charge other devices. While the KingKong’s battery life is comparable, the Armor 13’s charging capabilities provide a substantial usability advantage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot Tab KingKong if you need a basic, affordable rugged tablet for light tasks like media consumption and simple productivity. It’s ideal for users who prioritize cost-effectiveness over raw power. Buy the Ulefone Power Armor 13 if you require a more responsive experience for demanding applications, faster charging speeds, and the convenience of wireless charging. This tablet is geared towards professionals and enthusiasts who need a reliable and capable device in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Helio G95 in the Ulefone Power Armor 13 get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the MT8788?
The Helio G95 is a more powerful chipset and will generate more heat under load. However, the Ulefone Power Armor 13’s rugged design likely incorporates more robust thermal management solutions to mitigate this, potentially including larger heat spreaders. While it may get warmer, the increased performance should outweigh the thermal concerns for most users.
❓ What type of USB-C port do both tablets use – is it USB 2.0 or USB 3.0/3.1 for faster data transfer?
Neither device explicitly states its USB-C version. However, given the MT8788 chipset’s limitations, the Cubot Tab KingKong likely utilizes USB 2.0. The Ulefone Power Armor 13, with its more modern chipset, *may* support USB 3.0 or 3.1, but this is unconfirmed. Expect slower data transfer speeds on the KingKong.
❓ Can the Ulefone Power Armor 13 wirelessly charge other devices using its reverse wireless charging feature, and how quickly will it charge a smartphone?
Yes, the Ulefone Power Armor 13 supports 5W reverse wireless charging. While convenient, 5W is a relatively slow charging speed. Expect a smartphone to charge very slowly, primarily serving as a top-up rather than a full charge. It's best suited for emergencies or charging small accessories like earbuds.