1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Cubot KingKong X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2024-07-23 | The Cubot is a significantly newer device (approx. 3.5 years). |
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 170.9 x 82.2 x 18.7 mm | The Cubot is noticeably larger, wider and much thicker, potentially making the Samsung more pocketable and comfortable for extended use. |
| Weight | 200g | 388g | The Cubot is substantially heavier, which could make the Samsung more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.58" | The Samsung has a slightly larger screen, offering a bit more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Both phones have very similar sharpness levels. |
| PPI | 394 | 401 | Both have similar pixel density, meaning a comparable visual detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The Samsung's AMOLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes, leading to a better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | The Samsung has significantly better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. The Cubot has no available brightness specification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The Exynos chipset is generally better performing, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance based on benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 545,000 | The Samsung scores higher, meaning snappier overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Samsung has a more powerful GPU, which is advantageous for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 10200mAh | The Cubot has a much larger battery, potentially offering significantly longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Cubot charges slightly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless Charging | Non-removable | The Samsung offers convenient wireless charging, and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly. No charger included in-box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 100MP, f/1.89, 1/1.8", 0.61µm | The Cubot has much higher megapixel count for detail capture in optimal conditions. The Samsung has larger pixel size and a slightly larger sensor, performing better in lower light. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | Not Available | The Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens allowing for zoomed in photos with better quality. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | The Cubot has a higher-resolution selfie camera and larger sensor, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | The Cubot has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.12µm | The Cubot offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | Not Available | The Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle lens, for fitting more in the picture. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | The Samsung can record higher-resolution videos with advanced features, which can be useful for content creators. |
| DxOMark | 111 (Mobile) | Not Available | The Samsung has a professionally tested camera system, providing more assurance of quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 14 | The Cubot ships with a newer Android version, offering more recent features and security updates at launch. The Samsung may have Android 15, but support may be limited by its age. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both offer modern WiFi standards, with Cubot having MIMO and Samsung dual-band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | The Cubot has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. Samsung has additional audio profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5, E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Samsung supports dual-band GPS, leading to more precise location data. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | The Samsung offers the flexibility of using an eSIM, useful for travel or switching carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | The Cubot offers more base internal storage capacity. |
| RAM | 8GB | 16GB | The Cubot has more RAM, providing better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage via microSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Basic | The Samsung offers a superior audio experience with enhanced features and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Cubot provides a more modern side-mounted sensor for easier access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | The Samsung has better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Samsung has additional environmental sensors, for more accurate altitude readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher brightness for better visuals, especially outdoors.
- Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU, leading to snappier performance and better gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens, higher video recording quality, better low-light performance with larger sensor and pixel size on main sensor, and professional testing scores.
- Premium Audio: Offers immersive sound experience with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers convenient wireless and reverse charging capabilities, which can be used to charge other devices.
- More Precise GPS: Dual-band GPS for more accurate location tracking, useful for navigation.
- Better Build Quality: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection.
Practical Implications for Samsung: Better for users who prioritize visual quality, performance, photography/videography, and overall premium feel.
Cubot KingKong X Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: Much longer battery life, crucial for users who are away from power outlets for extended periods.
- More RAM & Storage: 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage offer better multitasking and ample space for media files.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 14 for the latest software features and security.
- Higher-Resolution Cameras: High megapixel count on standard and selfie cameras for detailed images in optimal conditions.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Allows for versatility in photography with extra lenses not on the Samsung
- Faster Charging: Slightly faster charging to get you back to full power more quickly.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient access.
Practical Implications for Cubot: Better for users who prioritize long battery life, ample storage, and newer software, and those who want more versatile photography options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung sacrifices battery life and some modern camera features for superior display, performance and premium build.
- The Cubot sacrifices premium features and performance for long battery life, expandable storage and a more modern OS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Content Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos and require a high-quality display.
- Gamers: Users who play graphics-intensive games.
- Photography/Videography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with advanced features.
- Professionals: Users needing reliable performance, fast processing and premium build quality.
- Users who value a premium feel and design
- Users who want advanced features like wireless charging and reverse charging
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Streaming high-quality videos on-the-go
- Playing graphic-intensive games with smooth performance
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos with advanced features.
- Using demanding apps and multitasking with ease
- Having a premium device with good build quality and brand trust
Ideal User for Cubot KingKong X:
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Users who need a phone with long battery life for hiking, camping etc.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who are away from power sources for extended periods.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Value-oriented buyers who want more storage, RAM, and battery life for less.
- Users that prioritize newer software and updated features
- Users who want more lens choices when taking photos
Use Cases for Cubot KingKong X:
- Long trips or outdoor activities with limited access to charging.
- Extensive use of multiple apps without lag or slowdown.
- Capturing photos and videos with more versatile camera options.
- Storing large amounts of photos, videos, and other media.
- Users who prioritize value over premium features.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Samsung, while older, still offers a premium experience. The Cubot provides a lot of battery and storage for the price. The better value choice depends on individual priorities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority, battery life or performance/display quality?
- How important is camera quality and advanced camera features?
- Do you prioritize having the most up-to-date software, or is it less critical?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium Experience: If you want a high-quality display, top performance, and a feature-rich camera, and don't mind charging more frequently, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Long Battery Life: If you need a phone that can last for days without needing a recharge, the Cubot KingKong X is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a more modern Android experience.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you are a photography enthusiast, the Samsung has more to offer with its telephoto, wide-angle, and superior low-light performance, as well as 8K video. However, if a wide array of lenses is desired, the Cubot is worth considering.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the Cubot offers an appealing combination of battery life and storage, my personal use cases typically prioritize display quality, performance, and camera capability. The Samsung's superior AMOLED display, more powerful chipset, advanced camera features including telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and superior audio experience make it a better fit for my needs, and the fact that it may receive the Android 15 upgrade makes it a better long-term choice, even though it is an older device. Even though the battery life is not as good as the Cubot, the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging is a big benefit in my daily life. While the Cubot has a newer version of Android, that is not a large concern in my day-to-day usage.
