The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X20, featuring the older Mediatek Helio P23, and the Infinix Note 7, powered by the newer Helio G70, represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Infinix Note 7 is the clear winner. Its Helio G70 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers significantly better performance than the Cubot X20’s Helio P23. While the X20 may offer a slightly lower price point, the Note 7’s improved processing power and 18W charging justify the small premium.
| 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, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2020, April 06. Released 2020, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 157.1 x 74.6 x 8.1 mm (6.19 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) | 173.4 x 79 x 8.8 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 240 g (8.47 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 720 x 1640 pixels (~258 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6763 Helio P23 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, XOS 6.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
2 MP, f/1.8, (dedicated video camera) - 128/6 model only
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", AF
8 MP, 125˚ (ultrawide)
20 MP, (depth), 1/2.78" | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.06" | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gold, Black | Forest Green, Aether Black, Bolivia Blue |
| Models | - | X690B, X690 |
Cubot X20
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May offer expandable storage (market dependent)
- Outdated Helio P23 chipset
- Likely slower performance
- Less efficient power consumption
- No fast charging
Infinix Note 7
- More powerful Helio G70 chipset
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Improved CPU architecture for better responsiveness
- More efficient power consumption
- Slightly higher price
- May not include a headphone jack (market dependent)
- Still a budget device with potential compromises in build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs for the Cubot X20 makes a direct comparison difficult. The Infinix Note 7’s display benefits from the more modern chipset’s image signal processor, potentially leading to slightly more accurate color reproduction. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a precise camera comparison is challenging. However, the Helio G70’s improved ISP in the Infinix Note 7 will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The X20’s older chipset may struggle with noise reduction and dynamic range. It’s reasonable to assume both phones include a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors, but the quality of these secondary sensors is likely to be minimal on both devices. The G70’s processing power allows for more sophisticated computational photography features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 7’s Mediatek Helio G70 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Cubot X20’s Helio P23 (16nm). The G70 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A75 cores alongside A55 cores – compared to the X20’s all-Cortex-A53 setup. This translates to a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and gaming. The G70’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores provide significantly more single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences are paramount.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Cubot X20, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Infinix Note 7’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Helio P23’s less efficient 16nm process likely means the X20 will consume more power for the same tasks, potentially requiring more frequent charging. The 18W charging on the Note 7 will significantly reduce charging times, offering a more convenient user experience. Even with a similar battery capacity, the G70’s efficiency will likely translate to longer real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X20 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Infinix Note 7 if you prefer a smoother user experience, enjoy mobile gaming, or value faster charging capabilities. The Note 7 is the better choice for anyone who wants a phone that can handle more than just the basics.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G70 in the Infinix Note 7 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G70 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. The improved GPU and CPU architecture compared to the Helio P23 in the Cubot X20 make a significant difference in gaming smoothness.
❓ Is the lack of detailed display specs on the Cubot X20 a major concern?
For most casual users, no. However, it suggests the display is likely a standard IPS LCD panel with average color accuracy and brightness. If you prioritize display quality, the Infinix Note 7, benefiting from the G70’s ISP, is likely to offer a slightly better viewing experience.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Infinix Note 7 compared to a standard 5W charger?
The Infinix Note 7’s 18W charging is significantly faster. A standard 5W charger could take 3-4 hours to fully charge the battery, while the 18W charger can achieve a full charge in approximately 2 hours, depending on battery capacity and usage.
❓ Does the Cubot X20 support software updates, and for how long?
Cubot’s software update track record is generally less consistent than Infinix. Expect limited software support and potentially delayed Android version updates on the X20. The Infinix Note 7 is more likely to receive at least one major Android update and regular security patches.
