The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, particularly in the mid-range. We pit the Huawei nova 5T, a former flagship known for its Kirin 980 chipset, against the Cubot X20 Pro, a more recent device leveraging the Mediatek Helio P60. This comparison isn't about raw specs; it's about understanding where each phone excels and who benefits most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and fast charging, the Huawei nova 5T is the clear winner. Its Kirin 980 chipset delivers a significantly smoother experience, especially in demanding tasks, and the 22.5W charging is a substantial advantage. While the Cubot X20 Pro offers a lower price point, the performance gap is too significant to ignore for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 157.1 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.8 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 240 g (8.47 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Kirin 980 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G76 MP10 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1"
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", AF
8 MP, 125˚ (ultrawide)
20 MP, (depth), 1/2.78" | - |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.06" | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 22.5W wired, 50% in 24 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gold, Black | Black, Crush Blue, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green |
| Models | - | YAL-L21, YAL-L61, YAL-L71, YAL-L61D |
| Price | - | About 340 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 313024 (v7), 395503 (v8)
GeekBench: 10013 (v4.4), 2504 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Cubot X20 Pro
- Lower price point makes it accessible.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- May offer expandable storage (spec not provided).
- Significantly slower performance than the nova 5T.
- Likely inferior camera quality.
- Slower charging speeds.
Huawei nova 5T
- Superior performance thanks to the Kirin 980 chipset.
- Faster 22.5W charging.
- Likely better camera quality and image processing.
- Higher price point.
- May not have expandable storage (spec not provided).
- Older model, potentially fewer software updates.
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the nova 5T's positioning as a former flagship, it likely features a higher-quality panel with better color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness than the X20 Pro. The X20 Pro, being a budget-focused device, likely utilizes a more cost-effective LCD panel. Bezels are also likely slimmer on the nova 5T, contributing to a more premium feel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. However, Huawei historically prioritizes camera performance, and the nova 5T likely features a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially a larger sensor than the Cubot X20 Pro. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the nova 5T, a common feature in its price bracket, would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The X20 Pro likely relies on software-based stabilization, which is less effective. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the X20 Pro is likely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 5T’s Kirin 980 (7nm) is a substantial leap ahead of the Cubot X20 Pro’s Mediatek Helio P60 (12nm). The Kirin 980 utilizes a more advanced architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the P60’s Cortex-A73 – and a smaller fabrication process. This translates to significantly higher CPU and GPU performance. The nova 5T’s CPU configuration (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) is designed for sustained performance, while the P60’s (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) is more suited for everyday tasks. Gamers and multitasking users will overwhelmingly benefit from the nova 5T’s superior processing power.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Huawei nova 5T’s 22.5W wired charging is a significant advantage. The ability to reach 50% charge in just 24 minutes provides a substantial convenience factor. The Cubot X20 Pro likely supports slower charging speeds, meaning longer downtime. Even if the X20 Pro has a slightly larger battery capacity, the faster charging of the nova 5T could result in less perceived downtime for the user.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X20 Pro if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. You're prioritizing affordability above all else. Buy the Huawei nova 5T if you prefer a responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or frequently use demanding applications. The extra investment delivers a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P60 in the Cubot X20 Pro sufficient for playing modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Helio P60 can *run* these games, expect significantly reduced graphics settings and potential frame rate drops. The Kirin 980 in the nova 5T offers a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, allowing for higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ Does the Huawei nova 5T still receive software updates and security patches?
As an older model, the nova 5T's software update support is likely nearing its end. However, it should still receive critical security patches for the foreseeable future. Check Huawei's official support website for the latest information on software updates for your specific region.
❓ How much does the difference in chipset architecture (Kirin 980 vs Helio P60) impact everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The difference is noticeable. The Kirin 980's more efficient architecture results in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and faster overall responsiveness. While the Helio P60 is adequate for basic tasks, the nova 5T provides a more fluid and refined user experience.
