The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We're comparing the Cubot X3, a relatively unknown contender, against the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G, a well-established player, to determine which offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers. Given the lack of detailed specs for the Cubot X3, we'll focus on relative positioning within its price bracket and brand reputation for build quality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a reliable brand, a bright display, and decent performance, the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and 1012 nits peak brightness provide a smoother experience and better visibility than the Cubot X3 likely offers, despite the latter's potentially lower price.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, March | 2023, April 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March | Available. Released 2023, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Zinc alloy frame and rear | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 53.8 x 53.8 x 13.5 mm (2.12 x 2.12 x 0.53 in) | 162.1 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm (6.38 x 3.06 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 94.6 g (3.35 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~381 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.73 inches | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | No | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 25W wired |
| Type | 900 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Lime Green, Blue gradient, Dark red |
| Models | - | SM-A245F, SM-A245F/DS, SM-A245F/DSN, SM-A245M, SM-A245M/DS, SM-A245N |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
Cubot X3
- Potentially lower price point
- May offer unique features not found on Samsung
- Could have a larger battery capacity (speculation)
- Unknown specifications and performance
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially lower build quality
Samsung Galaxy A24 4G
- Bright 1012 nits display
- Efficient Mediatek Helio G99 chipset
- Reliable Samsung brand and software support
- Higher price compared to Cubot X3
- May lack some niche features
- Charging speed isn't the fastest in the market
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G boasts a measured peak brightness of 1012 nits, a significant advantage for outdoor visibility. While the Cubot X3's display specifications are unknown, it's reasonable to assume it won't reach this level, potentially impacting usability in bright sunlight. Samsung's display technology typically offers better color accuracy and viewing angles, though without direct measurements for the Cubot X3, this remains speculative. The A24's larger display size (likely 6.6 inches, typical for this segment) also provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G features a photo/video camera system, but specific sensor details are missing. It's common for phones in this segment to include a primary sensor (likely 50MP) and supporting lenses, potentially including an ultrawide and macro. The Cubot X3's camera specifications are entirely unknown. However, Samsung's image processing algorithms are generally more refined, resulting in better dynamic range and color accuracy. The A24's camera is likely to perform better in low-light conditions due to its more advanced image processing capabilities.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G is powered by the Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This chipset provides a solid mid-range performance, capable of handling everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The 6nm process node contributes to improved thermal efficiency compared to older 12nm or 14nm chips often found in this price range. The Cubot X3's processor is unknown, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful chipset, potentially resulting in slower app loading times and reduced multitasking capabilities. The A24's GPU will also offer a more fluid gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G has an endurance rating of 141 hours, indicating excellent battery life. Coupled with 25W wired charging, users can expect a reasonable recharge time. The Cubot X3's battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. However, given its likely lower price point, it may feature a smaller battery or slower charging, potentially requiring more frequent charging cycles. The A24's optimized chipset and software contribute to its impressive endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X3 if you need a secondary device, are comfortable with a less-established brand, and prioritize absolute lowest cost. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G if you prefer a trusted brand with a proven track record, a brighter and more vibrant display, and a more consistently optimized software experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G99 in the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G99 is a relatively efficient chipset built on a 6nm process. While it can get warm during extended gaming, it's unlikely to overheat significantly due to Samsung's thermal management and software optimizations. Expect some performance throttling after an hour of intensive gaming, but it shouldn't be a major issue for casual gamers.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones are limited in their usefulness. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. While it can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-quality macro photography. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely impactful camera component.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A24 4G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates?
The Samsung Galaxy A24 4G can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps or higher) at maximum settings may be challenging. You'll likely need to balance graphics settings to achieve a smooth and playable experience. Expect to play at medium settings for optimal performance.
