Cubot X30 vs. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: A Detailed Performance and Value Showdown

The smartphone market is flooded with options, but finding the right balance between price and performance can be challenging. We pit the Cubot X30, a budget-focused device, against the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, a former mid-range champion now often found at discounted prices, to determine which offers the best value for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing smooth performance and 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers significantly better processing power and efficiency than the Cubot X30’s Helio P60, justifying the price difference for most.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot X30 Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020. Released 20202021, August 17
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, September 01
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions157.1 x 76.4 x 8.5 mm (6.19 x 3.01 x 0.33 in)159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, panorama, HDR
Penta48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", AF 16 MP, (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lenses-
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
VideoYes4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual Proximity Sensing
Battery
Charging-25W wired
Type4200 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlue, Black, Gradient GreenAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint
Models-SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N
Price-£ 112.98 / € 249.47
SAR-0.72 W/kg (head)
SAR EU-0.88 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 113h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9) GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Cubot X30

  • Significantly lower price point
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks
  • Acceptable battery endurance

  • Outdated Helio P60 chipset
  • Inferior performance compared to the A52s 5G
  • Likely lower-quality camera system

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

  • Powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset
  • Brighter and higher-quality display
  • Faster 25W charging

  • Higher price than the Cubot X30
  • May be nearing end-of-life software support
  • Potentially larger physical size

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 800 nits, compared to the Cubot X30’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED/OLED panels), the A52s 5G’s superior brightness is a tangible advantage. The Cubot X30’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a potentially lower-quality panel overall.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G likely holds an edge due to its more advanced image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 778G. While specific sensor details are missing for both, the A52s 5G benefits from Samsung’s established camera software and processing algorithms. The Cubot X30, being a budget device, likely utilizes a less sophisticated camera system, resulting in lower image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of details regarding OIS on the Cubot X30 further suggests a less refined camera experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Cubot X30’s MediaTek Helio P60 (12nm). The 778G features a more modern CPU architecture – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – versus the Helio P60’s 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 778G also provides superior power efficiency, leading to less thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the A52s 5G will maintain higher performance for longer periods, particularly in gaming.

Battery Life

Both phones share an endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Snapdragon 778G’s superior efficiency means the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G achieves this endurance with potentially a smaller battery capacity. The A52s 5G also supports 25W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Cubot X30’s unspecified charging speed. This faster charging is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X30 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you prioritize a responsive user experience, better camera capabilities, and future-proof 5G connectivity, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Cubot X30 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio P60 chipset in the Cubot X30 is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential lag, especially during intense firefights. The Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G provides a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between these two phones?
Both phones support 5G, but the Snapdragon 778G in the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has a more advanced 5G modem, offering potentially faster and more reliable 5G connectivity. The Helio P60’s 5G modem is less sophisticated and may not support as many 5G bands.
❓ Is the camera on the Cubot X30 suitable for casual photography?
The Cubot X30's camera is adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited dynamic range, softer details, and poorer performance in low light compared to the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. The A52s 5G's camera system is significantly more versatile and capable.
❓ How long will Samsung continue to provide software updates for the Galaxy A52s 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is nearing the end of its major software update cycle. While it will likely continue to receive security patches for some time, don't expect significant new features or Android version upgrades beyond what it currently has. The Cubot X30's update schedule is less predictable.