The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive, with manufacturers vying to offer the most features for the least amount of money. We pit the Cubot U1 against the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core, two devices aimed at first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. While the Cubot U1’s specifications remain largely unknown, we can analyze its position relative to the well-defined Samsung Galaxy A01 Core, powered by the Mediatek MT6739.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known brand and a guaranteed (albeit basic) Android experience, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is the safer bet. Its Mediatek MT6739 chipset provides a baseline level of performance, while the Cubot U1’s unknown specifications introduce significant uncertainty. However, the U1 *could* offer better value if priced significantly lower.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, February | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 49.8 x 42.4 x 11.4 mm (1.96 x 1.67 x 0.45 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 43.8 g (1.55 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 288 pixels (~194 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.93 inches | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 300 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Pink | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Cubot U1
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer slightly better specifications (unknown)
- Could include features not found on the A01 Core
- Unknown brand reliability
- Uncertain software support
- Lack of publicly available specifications
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Recognizable Samsung brand
- Android Go Edition for optimized performance
- Known chipset performance (Mediatek MT6739)
- Limited processing power
- Basic camera system
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the Cubot U1, we can only compare based on the typical characteristics of this price segment. The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core features a 6.5-inch PLS TFT LCD. While not a high-end panel, PLS TFT offers better viewing angles than traditional TFT LCDs. Both devices likely utilize similar resolutions (around 720p+), and neither is expected to offer high brightness or color accuracy. The absence of any mention of protective glass on either device suggests both rely on basic scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core features an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera. While image quality won’t be exceptional, the 8MP sensor is adequate for basic photography in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. The Cubot U1’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume it will feature a similar or slightly better sensor configuration to compete. However, image processing algorithms play a crucial role, and Samsung’s software optimization could give the A01 Core an edge.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. This chipset is designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The 28nm node is relatively inefficient compared to modern chipsets, potentially leading to noticeable heat under sustained load. The Cubot U1’s chipset is unknown, but given its price point, it’s likely to be in a similar performance bracket, potentially utilizing a similar architecture or an older Mediatek or Unisoc processor. The A01 Core’s performance will be limited by its 2GB of RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core packs a 3000mAh battery. Coupled with the power-efficient Mediatek MT6739 and the Android Go Edition software, it should provide all-day battery life for light users. Charging speeds are likely slow, given the lack of fast charging support. The Cubot U1’s battery capacity is unknown, but a similar capacity would be expected. Without knowing the charging wattage, it’s difficult to assess the 0-100% charging time, but it’s unlikely to be significantly faster on either device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot U1 if you need a potentially cheaper alternative and are comfortable with a less established brand, potentially accepting compromises in software support and long-term reliability. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prefer the peace of mind that comes with a recognizable brand, a guaranteed Android Go Edition experience optimized for low-end hardware, and a predictable level of performance from the Mediatek MT6739 chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core sufficient for running popular social media apps?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739 is capable of running most popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. The Android Go Edition software helps mitigate performance issues by using less memory and storage.
❓ What kind of storage options does the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core offer, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core typically comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. Crucially, it includes a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage up to 512GB. This is essential given the limited internal storage and the size of modern apps.
❓ Given the Cubot U1's unknown specifications, what are the biggest risks of purchasing it?
The primary risks with the Cubot U1 are related to brand reliability and software support. Cubot is a less established brand, meaning there's a higher chance of encountering hardware issues or receiving infrequent software updates. Without detailed specifications, you're relying on potentially optimistic marketing claims.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast data speeds where available. However, it does not support 5G, which is not a significant limitation at this price point.
