Smartphone Comparison: Realme 8 vs. Cubot KingKong X
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme 8 | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.6 × 73.9 × 8 mm | 170.9 × 82.2 × 18.7 mm | Cubot KingKong X is significantly larger and bulkier, less pocketable. |
| Weight | 177g | 388g | Realme 8 is much lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.58" | Negligible difference, both are large screens. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Practically identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 401 PPI | Visually similar clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme 8 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Cubot KingKong X provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1000 nits | 0 nits | Realme 8 will be significantly easier to view in bright sunlight; brightness of Cubot KingKong X is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G95 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Cubot KingKong X offers better performance and efficiency due to a newer and more advanced chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 409,874 | 545,000 | Cubot KingKong X is significantly faster in benchmarks, implying smoother app loading and operation. |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Cubot KingKong X's GPU is newer and will offer better performance in demanding games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" | 100MP, f/1.89, 1/1.8" | Cubot KingKong X has higher resolution and a larger sensor potentially capturing more detail, but pixel size is smaller. |
| Front Main | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13" | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | Cubot KingKong X has higher resolution and wider aperture leading to better selfie quality, especially in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.25 | None | Realme 8 allows for wider shots, capturing more of a scene. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4 | Cubot KingKong X can capture portrait photos with better depth effects. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Cubot KingKong X takes higher resolution macro shots. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Realme 8 has a dedicated black and white sensor for artistic photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Realme 8 has additional EIS, 1080@60/120fps. Cubot KingKong X supports only 30 fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 10200mAh | Cubot KingKong X offers significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting multiple days between charges. |
| Charging | 30W | 33W | Both phones have fast charging, the difference is marginal |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Cubot KingKong X offers significantly more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 16 GB | Cubot KingKong X has significantly more RAM, which allows for much smoother multitasking, especially with many background apps open. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both have no microSD expansion slots. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Cubot KingKong X has a more up-to-date OS with more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Cubot KingKong X supports Wi-Fi 6 for potentially faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | 5.1 LE, A2DP | Realme 8 has additional Bluetooth features (EDR, HID). |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Hi-Res Audio | Basic Audio | Realme 8 has higher quality audio playback. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Cubot KingKong X offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Cubot KingKong X has a Compass; Realme 8 has a Magnetometer |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 8 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency.
- Better Outdoor Visibility: Much higher brightness for clear visibility in sunlight.
- More Compact and Lighter: Significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio output for better listening experience.
- Wider Angle Lens: Ability to capture more of a scene in photos.
- More Video Recording Options: Additional EIS, 1080@60/120fps.
Cubot KingKong X Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Newer chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu scores mean smoother app loading and gameplay.
- Much Larger Battery: Significantly better battery life, potentially lasting multiple days.
- More Storage: Much more internal storage for media and apps.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM for heavy multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Cameras (Front/Rear): Potentially higher detail photos and selfies.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Much smoother scrolling and animations.
- More Modern OS: Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient fingerprint sensor.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Realme 8: Loses out on battery life, performance, storage and the smooth display of Cubot KingKong X.
- Cubot KingKong X: Sacrifices the superior display technology of the Realme 8 and outdoor visibility for much better battery life, performance, and storage, and comes at a significant increase in size and weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme 8 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos and browsing content.
- Users Who Prefer a Lighter and More Compact Phone: Those who want a phone that's comfortable to hold and carry.
- Casual Gamers: Those who do not require cutting edge performance.
- Users who need good photo quality, particularly in daylight: Users who prefer a more flexible camera setup with the wide angle.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prefer the better price-to-value ratio of Realme 8.
Use Cases for Realme 8:
- Watching movies and videos on the go.
- Browsing social media and the web.
- Taking photos and videos in daylight.
- Everyday tasks and light gaming.
Cubot KingKong X Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who need maximum performance for demanding games and apps.
- Frequent Travelers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who need a phone with extended battery life.
- Users Needing Maximum Storage: Those with extensive photo, video, and app libraries.
- Users who prioritize a smooth display and the latest OS: Those who prefer a high refresh rate display and the latest version of android.
- Users who need excellent camera quality, particularly in low light: Users who prioritize a sharper and more detailed selfie.
- Users who do not mind a heavier phone: Those who don't mind a heavier phone.
Use Cases for Cubot KingKong X:
- Playing intensive mobile games.
- Extended travel without frequent charging.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Multitasking with multiple apps open simultaneously.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize display quality and outdoor visibility, or battery life and performance? (Realme 8 excels in display; Cubot KingKong X excels in battery/performance.)
- Do you prioritize a lighter, more compact phone or a device with a large battery and display? (Realme 8 is more portable; Cubot KingKong X is much bigger and bulkier.)
- Do you need a very large internal storage and the latest software? (Cubot KingKong X has much more storage and is using android 14.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You primarily use your phone for social media, web browsing, and watching videos indoors. You want a good-looking screen and a lightweight phone. Recommendation: Realme 8.
- Scenario 2: You are a gamer, need a phone that lasts all day (or multiple days), and require a lot of storage. You don't mind a heavier phone. Recommendation: Cubot KingKong X.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone for travel and outdoor adventures. You need a device with a large battery, and a good camera that performs well in all conditions. Recommendation: Cubot KingKong X.
- Scenario 4: You want the latest android, and good performance at a better price point. Recommendation: Cubot KingKong X.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Cubot KingKong X. While the Realme 8 has a better screen and is more portable, the Cubot's advantages are more in line with my priorities:
- Battery Life: The massive battery is a game-changer, particularly when I don't want to worry about constantly charging.
- Performance: The performance boost from the Dimensity 7050 chip makes a noticeable difference in day-to-day usage, especially with many apps open in the background.
- Storage: I prefer to have the maximum internal storage possible, because i am a heavy user of my phone's camera, and i like to keep many files on my phone.
- Latest Android: Android 14 offers the latest features and security updates.
- 120hz Refresh Rate: The 120hz refresh rate offers a smooth user experience.
Although the Realme 8's display is superior, the benefits of better battery life and performance, for me, outweigh the downsides of its screen. The additional weight of the Cubot KingKong X is something I could tolerate for the performance and battery benefits.
