Cubot offers two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space: the X90 and the P40. While both aim to provide essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choice impacts real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Cubot X90 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the P40’s Helio A22, making it suitable for more demanding tasks and offering a smoother overall experience. The faster 33W charging is also a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May | 2020. Released 2020 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 74 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.37 in) | 155 x 73 x 10 mm (6.10 x 2.87 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC |
| Internal | 256GB 16GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Triple | 100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.8", PDAF
16 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro) | 12 MP, (wide), 1/2.9", PDAF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 32 MP | 20 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5100 mAh | 4200 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Blue, Black, Green |
| Price | About 290 EUR | - |
Cubot X90
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 33W charging for quicker top-ups
- More efficient 6nm chipset for potentially better battery life
- Likely higher price point than the P40
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end phones
Cubot P40
- Extremely affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic communication tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow and sluggish performance with modern apps
- Very slow 10W charging
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither Cubot provides display specifications beyond the basic existence of a screen. Given the price point, expect both to utilize LCD panels. However, the X90’s more powerful chipset suggests a higher probability of supporting a higher refresh rate, even if it’s only 60Hz versus a potential 30Hz on the P40. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, and color accuracy will be basic, prioritizing power efficiency over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the X90’s superior processing power will likely result in better image processing, even if both phones share similar sensor resolutions. Expect the P40 to produce noticeably slower image capture times and potentially lower-quality results in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the G99 chipset will be a key differentiator.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Cubot X90’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) is a significant leap over the P40’s Helio A22 (12nm). The G99’s octa-core configuration (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides substantially more processing power than the A22’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. The 6nm process node of the G99 also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling during sustained workloads. This means the X90 will handle multitasking, app loading, and even light gaming far more smoothly. The P40 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the X90’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. The P40’s 10W charging will take significantly longer to replenish the battery, potentially requiring several hours for a full charge. The G99’s improved power efficiency may also contribute to slightly better battery life on the X90, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the P40.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot X90 if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a responsive experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Cubot P40 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and very light web browsing – and you prioritize absolute affordability over performance. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Cubot X90 be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G99 chipset in the X90 is powerful enough to run most social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer the same performance as flagship devices, it provides a much smoother experience than the P40’s Helio A22, especially when multitasking between apps.
❓ Is the Cubot P40 suitable for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The P40 excels at basic communication tasks. Its Helio A22 chipset is sufficient for making calls, sending texts, and using simple apps. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Cubot X90 with the 33W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, 33W charging typically takes around 60-90 minutes to fully charge a smartphone battery. This is a substantial improvement over the P40’s 10W charging, which could take several hours.
❓ Can the Cubot X90 handle any mobile games?
The Cubot X90 can handle light to medium mobile games at lower settings. The Helio G99 has a capable GPU, but don't expect to play graphically intensive titles like Genshin Impact at high frame rates. It's better suited for less demanding games like PUBG Mobile at medium settings.
