Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Cubot KingKong X. I'm approaching this not just as a tech journalist, but as someone who understands how these specs translate to real-world usage.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Cubot KingKong X | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-16 | 2024-07-23 | The KingKong X is significantly newer, implying more recent tech and possibly better software support. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, not foldable or unique designs. |
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm | 170.9 × 82.2 × 18.7 mm | The KingKong X is considerably larger and thicker, making it less pocketable and heavier. |
| Weight | 190g | 388g | The Edge 20 Pro is significantly lighter, better for extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | The Edge 20 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, good for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness; Both are Full HD+, good for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 385 | 401 | Both displays are very sharp, with the KingKong X having a slight edge. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better color accuracy and power efficiency compared to LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | The Edge 20 Pro is smoother when navigating and gaming, offering a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical; Both may not be ideal for very bright sunlight scenarios. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The Snapdragon 870 in the Edge 20 Pro is known for excellent performance, while the Dimensity 7050 is mid-range, |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 545,000 | The Edge 20 Pro has a significantly higher score, suggesting faster performance and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Adreno 650 is a high-performance GPU; the Edge 20 Pro excels in gaming and demanding graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" Samsung S5KHM2 0.70µm pixel | 100MP, f/1.89, 1/1.8" Omnivision OVA0B40 0.61µm pixel | Edge 20 Pro's main camera has a larger sensor and pixel size, theoretically better low-light performance, while the KingKong X has a slightly wider aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.3, 0.70µm pixel | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616, 0.80µm pixel | KingKong X has slightly better low-light performance with larger pixel size and a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/3.4 | None | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, which the KingKong X lacks. |
| Portrait Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" Omnivision OV5670F, 1.12µm pixel | KingKong X has a dedicated portrait lens for better depth effects, while the Edge 20 Pro relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4" Omnivision OV5670F, 1.12µm pixel | KingKong X includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Edge 20 Pro lacks this. |
| Wide Angle | 16MP, f/2.2 | None | Edge 20 Pro offers wide-angle capabilities, while the KingKong X lacks. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps, multiple EIS options | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | The Edge 20 Pro is superior for video quality and stabilization, while the KingKong X offers standard 4K. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 10200mAh | The KingKong X has more than double the battery capacity, indicating potentially much longer battery life. |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Both offer fast charging, but the KingKong X will likely take longer to fully charge given its larger battery size. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Edge 20 Pro can wirelessly charge other devices, while the KingKong X can not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | The KingKong X has the latest Android version, offering more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6, dual-band, MIMO | WiFi 6, MIMO | Both offer fast Wi-Fi, but the Edge 20 Pro has slightly better compatibility with legacy devices. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1, A2DP, LE | The Edge 20 Pro offers higher quality audio codecs for wireless headphones and speakers. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1,B2), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Edge 20 Pro offers greater accuracy due to the support for dual-frequency GPS. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | The KingKong X offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB | The KingKong X provides more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Edge 20 Pro's screen has a very good protection, while we don't know for the KingKong X. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 offers significantly better performance, ideal for gamers and demanding users.
- Better Display: The OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a far more immersive and fluid visual experience than the IPS LCD of the KingKong X.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers more versatile photography with features like Telephoto and Wide Angle lenses, along with superior video recording.
- Lighter and More Portable: Significantly lighter and slimmer, making it more comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier performance for its time.
- High-quality OLED display for a better viewing experience.
- Stronger camera capabilities with more features.
- Reverse charging feature for convenient power sharing.
- Trade-offs:
- Older Android Version (Android 11) compared to the KingKong X (Android 14).
- Smaller battery than the KingKong X.
- Lacks macro and dedicated portrait lens.
Cubot KingKong X:
- Strengths:
- Massive Battery: The 10,200mAh battery offers incredibly long battery life.
- Latest Android OS: Comes with the latest Android 14 version, offering better security and features.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers 16GB RAM and options for 256 or 512 GB of internal storage.
- Rugged build: Designed to be sturdy with better shock and drop resistance.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Extremely long battery life for heavy users.
- Latest software for better security and features.
- Good for multitasking with 16GB RAM.
- Trade-offs:
- Lower performance compared to the Edge 20 Pro.
- IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, lacking the contrast and vibrancy of OLED.
- Heavier and bulkier, making it less portable and comfortable for smaller hands.
- Camera features are less robust and versatile than the Edge 20 Pro.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize performance, gaming, and high-quality display. Photographers who desire more versatile camera features, and professionals who want a balance of portability, performance and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- High-intensity gaming and media consumption.
- Professional photo and video editing.
- Users who require top-tier performance in everyday tasks and productivity.
- Cubot KingKong X:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize battery life, ruggedness, and the latest Android OS. Outdoor adventurers, users in demanding environments, and people who need a phone that will last for days on a single charge.
- Use Cases:
- Long outdoor activities, hikes, camping, and travel where charging is limited.
- Heavy daily use without the need to recharge.
- Users in construction, manufacturing, or other rugged environments.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three practical questions to help users decide:
- Performance vs. Battery: Do you prioritize top-tier performance or the absolute longest battery life?
- Display Quality: Do you prefer a vibrant OLED display or is an IPS LCD sufficient for your needs?
- Portability vs. Durability: Do you want a lightweight and portable device or a rugged phone that can withstand rough use?
Scenario-based recommendations:
- The Power User: If you need maximum performance for gaming, video editing, or demanding apps, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is the clear choice despite its older software.
- The Battery-Conscious Adventurer: If you need your phone to last for multiple days without recharging, the Cubot KingKong X is the better option with its massive battery.
- The Casual User: If you want a good balance of performance, display quality, and features, the Motorola Edge 20 Pro is still a strong option. However, if battery life is a bigger concern, the KingKong X is a solid alternative.
Which would I choose and why?
Given my preference for performance, display quality, and camera versatility for both personal and professional use, I would choose the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. Despite being older and having a smaller battery, it wins with a better processor, display, and camera system which means better user experience for my needs.
The KingKong X is a great phone for specific needs, but for my daily driver, the superior performance and display of the Edge 20 Pro far outweigh the benefits of the bigger battery and newer software of the Cubot. As a tech journalist, having a versatile camera and faster performance is very important for my productivity. Although the KingKong X is a very strong contender if you need an extremely long lasting battery and a phone that you could abuse for days without damaging it.
