Cubot X90 vs Samsung Galaxy A53 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The smartphone market offers a dizzying array of choices, particularly in the mid-range. We're pitting the newcomer Cubot X90, powered by the Mediatek Helio G99, against the established Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with its Exynos 1280 chipset. This comparison focuses on identifying which device offers the best balance of features and performance for the price-conscious consumer.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a reliable brand, software support, and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G remains the safer bet. However, the Cubot X90 delivers surprisingly competitive performance thanks to the Helio G99 and offers faster charging, making it a compelling option for gamers and those seeking maximum value.

PHONES
Phone Names Cubot X90 Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
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, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands-2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V
Launch
Announced2024, May2022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, MayAvailable. Released 2022, March 24
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions162.2 x 74 x 9.4 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.37 in)159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight207 g (7.30 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1500 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G99 (6 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC2Mali-G68
OSAndroid 14Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 16GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 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
Triple100 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.8", PDAF 16 MP, 117˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single32 MP32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -No
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging33W wired25W wired
Type5100 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsGreen, BlackBlack, White, Blue, Peach
Models-SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
PriceAbout 290 EUR$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR-0.75 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.89 W/kg (head)     1.60 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 113h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Cubot X90

  • Faster 33W charging
  • Potentially better thermal management for gaming
  • More affordable price point

  • Less established brand
  • Likely lower display brightness and quality
  • Camera performance likely inferior to A53

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Stronger brand reputation and software support
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Slower 25W charging
  • Higher price
  • Exynos 1280 may throttle under sustained load

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 830 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility. While the Cubot X90’s display specs are not provided, it’s likely to be lower, potentially impacting usability in direct sunlight. Samsung’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a strong AMOLED panel, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors, a contrast to what is expected from the Cubot X90’s likely LCD panel. The A53’s display is a clear advantage for media consumption and general use.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Cubot X90. The Galaxy A53 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s established image processing algorithms and potentially OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on its main sensor, resulting in sharper images and smoother videos. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A53 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Without specific details on the X90’s camera setup, it’s difficult to assess its image quality, but it’s unlikely to match the A53’s overall photographic capabilities.

Performance

The Exynos 1280 (5nm) in the Galaxy A53 5G and the Helio G99 (6nm) in the Cubot X90 represent different approaches to mobile processing. The Exynos 1280, with its Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, offers a theoretical CPU performance edge over the G99’s 2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores. However, the 6nm process of the G99 may offer better power efficiency. Both CPUs share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The A53’s advantage in raw processing power will be noticeable in demanding tasks like video editing, while the X90 will likely excel in sustained gaming performance due to potentially better thermal management.

Battery Life

Both the Cubot X90 and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Cubot X90’s 33W wired charging significantly outpaces the A53’s 25W charging. This translates to faster top-ups, reducing downtime. While the A53’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the similar endurance rating suggests it’s optimized for efficiency, but the X90’s faster charging is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to recharge.

Buying Guide

Buy the Cubot X90 if you need a phone primarily for gaming on a budget, prioritize fast charging, and are comfortable with a less established brand. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a well-known brand with guaranteed software updates, a brighter and more color-accurate display, and a more refined overall user experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, such as extended gaming. While not severe, users may experience a slight drop in performance after prolonged use. The Cubot X90’s Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, may offer better thermal efficiency, potentially leading to more consistent performance during gaming.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on smartphones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. While it can be used for novelty shots, don't expect professional-quality macro photography from the A53's 2MP sensor.
❓ Can the Cubot X90 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (90fps)?
The Helio G99 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings, but achieving a consistent 90fps may depend on the specific game settings and the phone's thermal management. While the G99 is a capable chipset, it may require some optimization to maintain high frame rates during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Cubot X90 with the 33W charger?
With 33W charging, the Cubot X90 should be able to charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly faster than the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G's 25W charging, which typically takes around 90-120 minutes.