The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We're comparing the Cubot X1, a relatively unknown contender, against the well-established Xiaomi Redmi 6A to determine which offers the best blend of features and performance for the price-conscious consumer. Given the limited information available on the Cubot X1, we'll focus on contextualizing its position within the broader budget smartphone landscape.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a known brand and guaranteed performance, the Xiaomi Redmi 6A is the safer bet. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset provides a predictable experience, while the Cubot X1's specifications remain largely unknown, making it a riskier purchase despite potentially offering similar value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May | 2018, June. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 52.7 x 44.5 x 14.2 mm (2.07 x 1.75 x 0.56 in) | 147.5 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm (5.81 x 2.81 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 145 g (5.11 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Tempered glass | - |
| Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (~304 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.13 inches | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | Unspecified | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure, barometer, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 850 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray | Black, Grey, Blue, Gold, Rose Gold |
| Models | - | M1804C3CG, M1804C3CH, M1804C3CI |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.66 W/kg (head) 1.52 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 61660 (v7)
GeekBench: 2450 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 3.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Cubot X1
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer unique features not found on Redmi 6A (speculation)
- Could have a larger battery capacity (speculation)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Limited brand recognition and support
- Potential software update issues
Xiaomi Redmi 6A
- Reliable Mediatek Helio A22 performance
- Established brand reputation (Xiaomi)
- Good software support and community
- Basic camera performance
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited processing power for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Cubot X1, we can only assume it targets a similar LCD panel to the Redmi 6A. The Redmi 6A features a 5.45-inch IPS LCD. The key consideration here isn't resolution (both likely 720p+), but panel quality and color accuracy. Xiaomi's experience in display calibration likely gives the Redmi 6A an edge in color reproduction, though both will struggle with outdoor visibility. The absence of display specs for the Cubot X1 makes a direct comparison impossible, but it's unlikely to surpass the Redmi 6A in this area.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. The Redmi 6A typically features a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. While the 2MP sensor adds a bokeh effect, its image quality is limited. The Cubot X1's camera specifications are unknown, but it likely features a similar configuration. Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Xiaomi's software optimizations generally provide better results in terms of dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of OIS on either device means low-light performance will be challenging.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi 6A is powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 chipset built on a 12nm process. This chipset is designed for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The 12nm fabrication process offers reasonable power efficiency. The Cubot X1's processor is unknown, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a similar or slightly older Mediatek or Unisoc chipset. The Helio A22's architecture is optimized for Android Go, meaning it can run a streamlined version of Android efficiently. Without knowing the Cubot X1's chipset, it's difficult to assess its performance relative to the Redmi 6A, but the Redmi 6A's known performance profile provides a benchmark.
Battery Life
The Redmi 6A packs a 3000mAh battery. Given the Helio A22's power efficiency, users can expect all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are slow, typically around 2-3 hours for a full charge with a 5W charger. The Cubot X1's battery capacity is unknown, but it likely falls within the 3000-4000mAh range. Without knowing the charging wattage, it's difficult to compare charging times. However, given the budget nature of both devices, fast charging is unlikely to be supported.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X1 if you're comfortable with a less-established brand and are seeking a potentially higher-value proposition, willing to accept the risk of limited software support and potentially lower resale value. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 6A if you prioritize brand reliability, a known chipset performance profile, and a more established user community, even if it means paying a slight premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio A22 in the Redmi 6A powerful enough for basic gaming?
The Helio A22 can handle very light gaming, such as older 2D titles or simple puzzle games. However, it will struggle with more demanding 3D games, resulting in low frame rates and lag. It's best suited for casual gaming rather than intensive gaming sessions.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Xiaomi Redmi 6A?
The Redmi 6A originally launched with Android 8.1 Oreo and received updates to Android 9 Pie. While major Android version updates are unlikely at this point, Xiaomi typically provides security patches for a reasonable period. However, update support is diminishing as the device ages.
❓ Given the lack of information on the Cubot X1, what should I look for in user reviews?
Focus on reviews that specifically mention battery life, real-world performance (app loading times, multitasking), and camera quality. Pay attention to any reports of software bugs or issues with build quality. Look for consistent themes across multiple reviews to get a reliable picture of the device's strengths and weaknesses.
