The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot X30, powered by the Mediatek Helio P60, and the Oppo A74, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662, both aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money, focusing on performance and charging capabilities.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and faster charging, the Oppo A74 is the better choice. While the Cubot X30 offers a comparable CPU core count, the Snapdragon 662’s more efficient 11nm process and optimized architecture provide a smoother experience, especially when multitasking. The 33W charging on the A74 is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.1 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) | 160.3 x 73.8 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 175 g (6.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Penta | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", AF
16 MP, (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 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, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 54% in 30 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Gradient Green | Prism Black, Midnight Blue |
| Models | - | CHP2219 |
| Price | - | About 300 EUR |
Cubot X30
- Potentially lower price point
- Comparable CPU core count
- May offer expandable storage (market dependent)
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Potentially less optimized software
Oppo A74
- Faster 33W charging
- More efficient 11nm Snapdragon 662
- Optimized Qualcomm Adreno GPU
- Potentially higher price
- May lack expandable storage
- Software updates may be less frequent than higher-end Oppo models
Display Comparison
Neither device’s display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is difficult. However, given their price points, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Oppo A74, benefiting from Oppo’s brand focus, may have slightly better color calibration and viewing angles. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither is expected to feature high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is challenging. However, both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. Given Oppo’s camera expertise, the A74 likely employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in better dynamic range and low-light performance. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and apertures makes a definitive statement impossible, but Oppo’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot X30’s Mediatek Helio P60 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU with a mix of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. The Oppo A74’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) also uses an octa-core configuration, but with Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores. The Snapdragon 662’s smaller 11nm process node generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained workloads. While both CPUs peak at 2.0 GHz, Qualcomm’s architecture is typically more optimized for real-world performance. The Snapdragon 662 also benefits from Qualcomm’s Adreno GPU, which is generally superior to the Mali GPU found in the Helio P60, offering a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
The Oppo A74 boasts a significant advantage with its 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 54% charge in just 30 minutes. The Cubot X30’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely considerably slower. While battery capacity isn’t provided for either device, the Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency means the Oppo A74 will likely offer comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The faster charging is a key benefit for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X30 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are comfortable with potentially slower app loading times. Buy the Oppo A74 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value the convenience of significantly faster 33W charging, making it ideal for users on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 662 in the Oppo A74 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Snapdragon 662, paired with its Adreno GPU, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Helio P60 in the Cubot X30 will likely struggle with higher settings and may exhibit more frame drops.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Oppo A74 compared to a standard 10W charger?
The 33W charging on the Oppo A74 is significantly faster. Reaching 54% in 30 minutes demonstrates a substantial improvement over a typical 10W charger, which would take considerably longer to achieve a similar charge level. This is particularly beneficial for users who need a quick power boost before heading out.
❓ Does the Cubot X30 support software updates, and for how long?
Cubot’s track record for software updates is less consistent than Oppo’s. While the X30 will likely receive some security patches, major Android version updates are less guaranteed. Oppo typically provides more frequent and longer-term software support for its A-series devices.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662’s optimized architecture will result in a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. App loading times will be quicker, multitasking will be more fluid, and the overall user interface will feel snappier compared to the Cubot X30’s Helio P60.
