Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Cubot KingKong X. These two phones sit at different ends of the smartphone spectrum, with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the specifications and figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Cubot KingKong X | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-07-23 | The KingKong X is newer, meaning it likely benefits from more recent hardware and software improvements. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 | 170.9 x 82.2 x 18.7 | The KingKong X is considerably larger and thicker, making it bulkier and less pocket-friendly than the A04s. |
| Weight | 195g | 388g | The A04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, while the KingKong X is nearly twice as heavy, and may be a strain to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Both have a similarly sized display, with a negligible difference of 0.08", providing ample viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | The KingKong X has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 401 | The KingKong X offers more detail in the display, leading to a more pleasant visual experience with less visible pixelation. |
| Display Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the KingKong X typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD on the A04s. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The KingKong X’s smoother display will make scrolling and animations appear more fluid. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6nm) | The KingKong X's newer, more efficient chipset translates to better performance for gaming, multitasking and daily tasks and better power consumption. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 545,000 | The KingKong X boasts dramatically better performance, meaning faster app loading, better gaming, and smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The KingKong X’s better GPU will handle graphically intensive games much better than the A04s. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 50MP f/1.8 | 100MP f/1.89 | The KingKong X’s higher resolution will capture more detail in photos, potentially useful for cropping and editing. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.25 | The KingKong X has a significantly higher resolution front camera, potentially leading to better selfies and video calls. |
| Depth Lens Resolution | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | The KingKong X has a higher resolution sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 2MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4 | The KingKong X has a higher resolution sensor for better macro shots. |
| Video Resolution | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | The KingKong X can record much higher-resolution video, suitable for those who prioritize video quality. |
| Slow-motion | 34 fps | 120 fps | KingKong X can shoot videos in much higher fps |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Face detection | 4K video, Panorama | The KingKong X has additional 4K video and Panorama features while Samsung A04s additionally provides Digital zoom and Face detection |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 10200mAh | The KingKong X has a much larger battery capacity which will last far longer between charges. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The KingKong X will recharge much faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 with upgrade to 14 | Android 14 | The KingKong X runs the latest version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax | The KingKong X supports faster WiFi, and also the MiMO feature. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | The KingKong X has newer version which allows for better connectivity with devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Samsung A04s supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, with the inclusion of QZSS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | The KingKong X provides much more storage space, excellent for those with lots of apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 16GB | The KingKong X has significantly more RAM, making it better for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones use the side fingerprint sensor, but speed and accuracy may differ between the two. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Cubot KingKong X has a better sensor suite, with a compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s: Strengths
- Lightweight and Slim: It’s much more comfortable to carry around and use for long periods due to its significantly lighter weight.
- Better Satellite GPS Support: It supports more GPS systems like QZSS for more precise location tracking.
Samsung Galaxy A04s: Limitations
- Lower Performance: The weaker processor leads to slower app loading, less efficient multitasking, and poorer gaming performance.
- Lower Display Quality: The lower resolution and inferior display technology result in a less sharp and vibrant screen.
- Basic Camera System: While capable for basic snapshots, the camera is outclassed by the KingKong X in terms of resolution and video capabilities.
Cubot KingKong X: Strengths
- High Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset offers significantly better performance across all aspects, including gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Display: The high resolution and refresh rate, coupled with IPS LCD technology, provide a much better viewing experience.
- Excellent Camera System: High-resolution sensors and 4K video recording mean it excels in both photos and video.
- Massive Battery: The 10200mAh battery offers exceptional battery life.
- Large Internal Storage: With 256/512 GB of storage available, it is suited for users with many large files.
- More RAM: Its large 16GB RAM means it is excellent for multitasking and resource-intensive applications
- Newer OS: Comes with the latest version of Android.
- Better Sensors: Comes with a compass, gyroscope and proximity sensor.
Cubot KingKong X: Limitations
- Bulky and Heavy: Its size and weight may be uncomfortable for some users, and less pocket-friendly.
- No expandable storage: This is something to consider for some users who tend to use microSD cards.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize a lightweight, slim phone for basic tasks like browsing, calling, and texting, and do not need high performance or advanced camera capabilities. Great for those who are on a tighter budget.
- Use Cases: Elderly users, users needing a secondary phone for emergencies, basic social media browsing, and light app usage.
Cubot KingKong X:
- Best Suited For: Users who need a robust, high-performing phone with long battery life, excellent display, and a good camera system. Ideal for gamers, media consumers, and anyone requiring a reliable device for demanding tasks.
- Use Cases: Gamers, outdoor enthusiasts who need a large battery, media consumption, photographers/videographers, and users who need high storage capacity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
Do you prioritize portability and light weight, or battery life and performance?
- If portability is key, the A04s is the better option. If battery life and performance are essential, go for the KingKong X.
How important is display and camera quality?
- If you often watch videos, play games, or take photos/videos, the KingKong X provides a much better experience. For basic use, the A04s is sufficient.
What is your budget?
- The Samsung Galaxy A04s is likely cheaper, if budget is a big constraint, it is a good option. The Cubot KingKong X is more expensive but offers a much better performance and features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious User: If you need a functional smartphone for basic use and your budget is tight, the A04s is a more economical option.
- Heavy User/Gamer: If you use your phone heavily for gaming, multitasking, and watching videos, the KingKong X is the superior choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want a better camera for capturing higher quality photos and videos, the KingKong X is the way to go.
- Outdoor Adventurer: If you need a large battery life for extended outdoor use, the KingKong X is the better option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Cubot KingKong X. While it is certainly bulkier and heavier, the sheer performance advantage, coupled with a far better display, camera system, and massive battery, would significantly improve my daily experience. As someone who values performance and high-quality media consumption, the KingKong X's enhancements are well worth the trade-off in size and weight. While it is bulkier, I am not someone who always keeps their phone in their pocket, so the added weight and size would not bother me as much as the additional features would benefit me. The newer OS is also a big plus, as well as the larger RAM and more storage options. While the Samsung A04s is a solid budget phone, the Cubot KingKong X is simply a much more capable device for my use case.
