Doogee V Max vs Cubot KingKong 8: A Deep Dive into Rugged Smartphone Performance
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Doogee V Max is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 1080 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Cubot KingKong 8’s MT8788V, making it better suited for gaming and demanding applications. However, the KingKong 8 remains a viable option for basic use cases at a potentially lower price point.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Doogee V Max | Cubot KingKong 8 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 13 | 2023, October 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 13 | Available. Released 2023, October 23 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 178.5 x 83.1 x 27.3 mm (7.03 x 3.27 x 1.07 in) | 169.9 x 80.2 x 20 mm (6.69 x 3.16 x 0.79 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 382 g (13.47 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.4 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT8788V/WA (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | - |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Triple | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 20 MP, f/1.8, (night vision), 2 infrared night vision lights 16 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (ultrawide) | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) 0.3 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP |
| Video | 1440p, 1080p | Yes |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Unspecified |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired Reverse wired | Wired Reverse wired |
| Type | 22000 mAh | 10600 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Sunshine Gold, Classic Black, Moonshine Silver | Black, Red, Green |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Doogee V Max
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 1080)
- More efficient 6nm process for better battery life and reduced throttling
- Faster 33W charging
- Likely superior camera image processing
- Potentially higher price point
- May require more frequent software updates
Cubot KingKong 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Rugged design for durability
- Reverse wired charging
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower and less efficient processor (MT8788V)
- Older chipset may limit future software updates
- Slower charging speed
- Potentially inferior camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the V Max's positioning, it likely features a higher resolution and refresh rate panel than the KingKong 8. The MT8788V chipset in the KingKong 8 suggests a more basic display configuration. Users should investigate panel type (IPS vs AMOLED) and peak brightness when making a decision, as these impact outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, the chipset difference suggests the V Max will have a more capable image signal processor (ISP), enabling better image processing and potentially superior low-light performance. The MT8788V is an older chipset, and its ISP will likely be less advanced. Users should focus on reviews that provide real-world camera samples to assess image quality, rather than relying on megapixel counts alone.
Performance
The Doogee V Max’s Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6nm) represents a substantial leap in performance over the Cubot KingKong 8’s MT8788V (12nm). The Dimensity 1080 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.6 GHz, compared to the KingKong 8’s Cortex-A73 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The 6nm process node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. Gamers and power users will find the V Max a far more responsive and enjoyable experience.
Battery Life
Both devices offer wired and reverse wired charging, but the Doogee V Max’s 33W charging is faster than the KingKong 8’s unspecified charging speed. While battery capacity isn’t provided for either device, the Dimensity 1080’s 6nm efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery size in the V Max, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The faster charging of the V Max will be a significant benefit for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee V Max if you need a rugged phone capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior chipset and faster charging will appeal to power users. Buy the Cubot KingKong 8 if you prioritize affordability and require a durable phone for basic communication, navigation, and light media consumption. It’s a solid choice for those on a tight budget who still want a rugged device.