Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Cubot KingKong X
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 170.9 × 82.2 × 18.7 mm | The S21 5G is significantly smaller and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. The KingKong X is much bulkier, impacting portability but suggesting greater robustness. |
| Weight | 169g | 388g | The S21 5G is substantially lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. The KingKong X's heft is noticeable and makes it less convenient for everyday carry, but it also feels more rugged. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.58" | The KingKong X offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming, while the S21 5G is more compact and pocket-friendly. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both displays are very similar in resolution, so no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 421 | 401 | The S21 5G's slightly higher pixel density results in marginally sharper text and images, but the difference isn't drastically noticeable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED on the S21 5G provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially in dark mode. The IPS LCD on the KingKong X offers good quality, but is not as vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making daily tasks and gaming more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits (Not specified) | The S21 5G's significantly higher brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of brightness information for the KingKong X is a major omission but it can be inferred the phone may not have good visibility in bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The S21 5G’s chipset, though older, is fabricated on a smaller process, offering better performance in CPU-intensive tasks and efficiency. The Dimensity 7050 is newer, but has lower overall power. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 545,000 | The S21 5G has significantly higher benchmark scores, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and generally better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The S21 5G’s GPU is significantly more powerful, providing better performance in demanding graphical tasks like gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 100MP, f/1.89, 1/1.8", 0.61µm | While the KingKong X boasts a 100MP sensor, the S21 5G has larger pixels and a slightly larger sensor which may result in better overall image quality in various lighting scenarios, especially low light, but its still difficult to determine with the available information. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | N/A | The S21 5G offers a dedicated telephoto lens with optical zoom for better zoomed pictures, whereas the KingKong X lacks such a dedicated lens. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | The KingKong X has a higher resolution sensor and slightly larger sensor size, indicating better details in selfies. However, it is difficult to ascertain without testing. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | The KingKong X offers a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait mode, which the S21 5G does not. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | The KingKong X offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, which the S21 5G lacks, though this can also be performed with the ultrawide on the S21. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | The S21 5G has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing wider scenes, which the KingKong X does not. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | The S21 5G supports significantly higher video resolutions and frame rates, offering greater flexibility for videography. |
| DxOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | N/A | The S21 5G’s official DxOMark scores suggest better overall camera performance, although this was tested quite a while ago. No DxOmark score is available for KingKong X |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 10200mAh | The KingKong X has a substantially larger battery capacity, likely offering significantly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 33W fast charging | The KingKong X offers slightly faster-wired charging speed, but may take much longer due to the higher capacity. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | None | The S21 5G offers additional features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which the KingKong X does not have. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers significantly better contrast, color vibrancy, and viewing angles, combined with much higher brightness.
- Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides better benchmark scores and smoother overall performance in daily tasks and graphically intensive applications.
- Better Camera: Features a more versatile camera system with a dedicated telephoto, wide angle lens, better quality sensors, and higher video recording capabilities (8K video). Also has a DxOMark score indicating higher camera quality overall.
- Premium Features: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and better audio features such as Dolby Atmos.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle, carry, and pocket due to its thinner and lighter design.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers better screen protection.
Cubot KingKong X Advantages:
- Massive Battery: Its much larger battery capacity is likely to provide significantly longer battery life.
- More RAM: 16 GB of RAM, beneficial for heavy multitasking and demanding applications.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 14, offering a more modern and feature-rich experience (though the S21 can upgrade to 15).
- More Storage Options: Offers higher storage capacity (512 GB variant), which will be beneficial if you have many apps and high-resolution media.
- Rugged Design: While not officially stated it appears to be built for more rugged environments and is much thicker and more dense.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Smaller battery life, and is more delicate, which may not be ideal for users needing ruggedness.
- Cubot KingKong X: Significantly heavier and bulkier, lower performance, and display quality, and missing key camera features, making it unsuitable for heavy multimedia consumption and creative needs.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Users who prioritize display quality and camera performance for capturing photos and videos.
- Users who value smooth performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Users who prefer a sleek, lightweight design for comfortable everyday use.
- Users who appreciate premium features like wireless charging and reverse charging.
Ideal User for Cubot KingKong X:
- Users who need exceptional battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Users who require a more rugged and robust device for outdoor or demanding environments.
- Users who prioritize having more RAM and storage for their applications and files.
- Users who are not too concerned about the display quality or camera features.
Specific Use Cases:
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Content creators or social media enthusiasts who need high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who stream movies, or play high fidelity games on their device.
- Professionals who require a lightweight and compact device for mobile productivity.
Cubot KingKong X:
- Outdoor enthusiasts or individuals working in rugged environments where durability and long battery life are crucial.
- Users who need long battery life for multi-day outdoor activities.
- Users who do not want to constantly charge their device and use lots of apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case? (e.g., photography, gaming, ruggedness, media consumption)
- How important is battery life? (Do I need multiple days on a single charge?)
- Do I prioritize display quality and performance over battery and storage? (Do I prefer vibrant visuals and fast performance or long battery and higher storage.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Quality Media & Performance: If your primary use is capturing high-quality photos and videos, playing graphic-intensive games, or watching movies on your device, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its superior display, camera, and performance.
- Scenario 2: Extended Battery Life & Ruggedness: If you need extremely long battery life and a durable phone for outdoor activities or tough working conditions, the Cubot KingKong X is more appropriate despite its lower performance and lack of high-quality camera features.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you want good performance for daily tasks with an emphasis on a good camera, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the balanced choice, as the KingKong X is not meant for high quality media and display.
My Choice and Why:
Given my preference for a good display, solid performance, and a good camera experience, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the KingKong X offers an impressive battery capacity, the lack of a high quality display, a weaker camera system, and the bulky build do not align with my needs. The S21 5G's AMOLED display, superior camera capabilities, and sleek design, combined with the good performance, provide a far superior user experience overall for my usage patterns.
