Cubot X90 vs. KingKong 5 Pro: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

Cubot offers two distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market with the X90 and KingKong 5 Pro. The X90 prioritizes modern processing power with the Helio G99, while the KingKong 5 Pro focuses on durability and a more basic, cost-effective chipset in the Helio P22. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Cubot X90 is the clear winner. Its Helio G99 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the KingKong 5 Pro’s Helio P22. While the KingKong 5 Pro may appeal to those seeking extreme durability on a tight budget, the X90 offers a superior overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot X90 Cubot KingKong 5 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 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, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2024, May2021
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2021
Body
Dimensions162.2 x 74 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.37 in)165.8 x 81.4 x 18.8 mm (6.53 x 3.20 x 0.74 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207 g (7.30 oz)319 g (11.25 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~286 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.01 inches, 88.7 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1500 nits (peak)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 14Android 11
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 16GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash
Triple100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.8", PDAF 16 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)48 MP, (wide), AF 5 MP (macro), AF Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Selfie camera
Single32 MP25 MP
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
35mm jackNoUnspecified
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired-
Type5100 mAh8000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, BlackBlack
PriceAbout 290 EUR-

Cubot X90

  • Significantly faster processor (Helio G99)
  • More efficient 6nm process
  • Faster 33W charging
  • Better multitasking capabilities

  • May lack the extreme ruggedness of the KingKong 5 Pro
  • Potentially higher price point

Cubot KingKong 5 Pro

  • Rugged design for enhanced durability
  • Lower price point
  • Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
  • Potentially longer battery life with light usage

  • Outdated and slow Helio P22 processor
  • Inefficient 12nm process
  • Limited gaming and multitasking performance
  • Slower charging speeds

Display Comparison

Display specifications are not provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the X90’s focus on modern features, it likely features a higher resolution and potentially a higher refresh rate panel than the KingKong 5 Pro. The KingKong 5 Pro, being a rugged device, may prioritize screen durability over color accuracy or peak brightness. Expect the X90 to offer a more visually appealing experience, assuming similar panel technologies.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the X90’s more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The KingKong 5 Pro’s P22 chipset will likely limit its ability to process images effectively, especially in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro cameras on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic tools.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot X90’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the KingKong 5 Pro’s Helio P22 (12nm). The G99 utilizes more modern Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) alongside Cortex-A55 cores (6x2.0 GHz), while the P22 relies on older Cortex-A53 cores (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz). The 6nm process node of the G99 is significantly more efficient, leading to better thermal management and battery life. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the X90. The P22 will struggle with graphically intensive games and may exhibit noticeable lag with multiple apps open.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified. However, the X90’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over what is typically found on devices with the Helio P22. The G99’s superior efficiency also means it will consume less power during operation, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity. Expect the X90 to charge significantly faster and potentially offer comparable or better battery life despite any capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X90 if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and benefit from a more efficient processor. This is the choice for users who want a phone that feels responsive and won't struggle with everyday tasks. Buy the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro if you prioritize extreme ruggedness and are willing to compromise on performance. This phone is ideal for outdoor workers or those prone to dropping their devices, and who primarily use basic phone functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Cubot KingKong 5 Pro struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
Yes, the Helio P22 chipset in the KingKong 5 Pro is likely to exhibit noticeable lag and slowdown when running demanding apps like TikTok and Instagram, especially when multitasking. The older processor and limited RAM will struggle to handle the resource-intensive nature of these applications.
❓ Is the Helio G99 in the Cubot X90 capable of playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G99 in the Cubot X90 is capable of playing PUBG Mobile, but expect to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, the G99 provides a significant improvement over the P22 and allows for enjoyable gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Cubot X90's faster charging significantly reduce the overall charging time?
Yes, the 33W charging on the Cubot X90 will drastically reduce charging times compared to the KingKong 5 Pro. While exact 0-100% times are unavailable, expect the X90 to charge from empty to full in significantly less time, potentially under 2 hours.