The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X19, powered by the Mediatek Helio P23, and the Meizu Note 9, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 675, represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and future-proofing, the Meizu Note 9 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 675 chipset, built on a more efficient 11nm process, offers a significant performance advantage over the Cubot X19’s Helio P23, despite the latter’s higher clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2019, March. Released 2019, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 155 x 74.7 x 9.6 mm (6.10 x 2.94 x 0.38 in) | 153.1 x 74.4 x 8.7 mm (6.03 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.93 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~78.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 96.4 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763T Helio P23 (16 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), Flyme 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient, Black | Black, White, Starlight Blue |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
Cubot X19
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Octa-core processor offers multitasking capability
- Less powerful chipset compared to Snapdragon 675
- Less efficient 16nm manufacturing process
- Slower charging speeds likely
Meizu Note 9
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 675 chipset
- 18W fast charging support
- Superior image processing capabilities
- Likely a higher price point than the Cubot X19
- May not include accessories in the box
- Software support may be limited
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type (IPS, AMOLED) and resolution are missing for both, but given the price point, IPS LCDs are likely. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. The Snapdragon 675’s superior GPU will contribute to a more fluid experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even if the raw resolution is similar. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 675’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly more advanced than the Helio P23’s. This means the Meizu Note 9 will likely produce better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, with improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The ISP also enables faster image processing and potentially more advanced features like AI scene detection. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a definitive statement impossible, but the chipset advantage favors the Meizu Note 9.
Performance
The Snapdragon 675 in the Meizu Note 9 represents a substantial leap in performance over the Helio P23 in the Cubot X19. While the P23 features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.5 GHz, its Cortex-A53 cores are less efficient than the Kryo 460 cores found in the Snapdragon 675. Crucially, the 675 utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) for optimized power consumption and performance. The 11nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 675 further enhances efficiency compared to the Helio P23’s 16nm process, resulting in less heat generation and sustained performance. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the Meizu Note 9.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Meizu Note 9’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Cubot X19 likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Snapdragon 675’s superior power efficiency will likely translate to longer battery life in real-world usage. The faster charging of the Meizu Note 9 is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X19 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are operating on a very tight budget. Buy the Meizu Note 9 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value faster charging capabilities, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Meizu Note 9 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a significantly smoother and more stable experience than the Helio P23 in the Cubot X19, which may struggle with consistent performance.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Meizu Note 9 compared to the Cubot X19?
The Meizu Note 9’s 18W charging will drastically reduce charging times. While a precise estimate requires knowing the battery capacity, expect a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, compared to potentially 3-4 hours or more for the Cubot X19 with its likely 5W-10W charging.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Snapdragon 675’s more efficient cores and advanced architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and quicker multitasking. The Cubot X19 may exhibit occasional lag or stuttering during everyday use, particularly with multiple apps open.
