Looking for a budget-friendly smartphone? The XOLO Cube 5.0 and Micromax In Note 1 are both contenders, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Micromax In Note 1 is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful chipset, better display, and faster charging make it a superior choice despite potentially a slightly higher price. The XOLO Cube 5.0 is a very basic device for users with minimal needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, June. Released 2015, June | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 143 x 71 x 6.9 mm (5.63 x 2.80 x 0.27 in) | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Oleophobic coating |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582M (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 656 h (2G) / Up to 477 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 26 h (2G) / Up to 10 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Gold | Green, White |
| Models | - | E7746 |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
XOLO Cube 5.0
- Extremely affordable
- Compact size
- Basic functionality
- Outdated chipset
- Low-resolution display
- Poor camera
- Slow charging
- Limited storage
Micromax In note 1
- Powerful Helio G85 chipset
- FHD+ display
- Decent camera
- Fast charging (18W)
- Reverse charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May lack premium features
Display Comparison
The Micromax In Note 1 likely boasts a larger and higher-resolution display (likely FHD+) compared to the XOLO Cube 5.0's likely smaller and lower-resolution screen. Expect better color accuracy and viewing angles on the In Note 1. The Cube 5.0's display will be adequate for basic tasks but won't impress.
Camera Comparison
The Micromax In Note 1 likely has a more capable camera system, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and additional features like a macro lens. Image quality, especially in low light, will be noticeably better. The Cube 5.0's camera will be functional but limited.
Performance
This is where the Micromax In Note 1 shines. The Helio G85 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the MT6582M. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the In Note 1. The Cube 5.0 will struggle with demanding apps and multitasking.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 4000-5000mAh), the Micromax In Note 1's more efficient chipset will result in better battery life. The 18W fast charging on the In Note 1 is also a significant advantage over the Cube 5.0's likely slower charging.
Buying Guide
The XOLO Cube 5.0 is best suited for users who prioritize extreme affordability and basic functionality – calling, texting, and very light app usage. The Micromax In Note 1 is ideal for users who want a smoother experience, better performance for gaming and multitasking, and a more modern feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the XOLO Cube 5.0 good for gaming?
No, the XOLO Cube 5.0's chipset is not powerful enough for smooth gaming. The Micromax In Note 1 is a much better choice for gaming.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
While battery capacities are likely similar, the Micromax In Note 1's more efficient chipset will likely provide better real-world battery life.
❓ What is reverse charging?
Reverse charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices wirelessly or via a cable, a feature available on the Micromax In Note 1.