Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and the Cubot KingKong X. On paper, they might seem like they're in the same ballpark, but when we dig into the details, it's clear they're targeting different users with very different needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs mean for you in the real world:
Feature | Xiaomi Redmi 10 | Cubot KingKong X | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 162 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm, 181g | 170.9 x 82.2 x 18.7 mm, 388g | Redmi 10 is significantly slimmer and lighter; KingKong X is bulkier and more rugged. Big difference in pocketability and long-term comfort |
Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | Unknown screen protection | Redmi 10 has added screen protection against scratches and minor impacts, KingKong X screen protection is unknown. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Negligible difference in screen size; both are suitable for media consumption and general use. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer sharp visuals, no real difference in daily use |
PPI | 405 | 401 | Pixel density is almost the same so both will look similar in terms of detail. |
Technology | - | IPS LCD | Cubot KingKong X will have better colour accuracy and viewing angles. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Cubot KingKong X will feel slightly smoother and more responsive in daily use, especially when scrolling. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones will be less visible under direct sunlight |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | KingKong X’s 6nm chip will offer significantly better performance and power efficiency. |
AnTuTu Score | 253,600 | 545,000 | KingKong X scores more than double the Redmi 10, indicating significantly better performance, faster app loading, gaming capability. |
GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G68 MC4 | KingKong X has a more powerful GPU which will handle graphically intensive games and apps better. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | 100MP (f/1.89, 1/1.8") | KingKong X has higher resolution and larger sensor, which will result in better detail and low-light performance. |
Front Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.25, 1/2.8") | KingKong X will take higher resolution and detailed selfies and be better for video calls. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | - | Redmi 10 has the capability of taking wide angle photos which is lacking in KingKong X. |
Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4, 1/3.4") | KingKong X has slightly higher resolution for enhanced portrait depth effects. |
Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 5MP (f/2.4, 1/3.4") | KingKong X will capture slightly more detailed close up photos. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | KingKong X can shoot in 4K, offering significantly better video quality. Both phones support 120 fps slow motion. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 10200mAh | KingKong X has double the battery capacity so it will last significantly longer. |
Charging | 18W fast charging | 33W fast charging | KingKong X charges faster and has a huge battery capacity, reducing downtime. |
Features | Reverse charging, 9W reverse wired | - | Redmi 10 can act as a power bank for other devices, while the KingKong X cannot. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | KingKong X has a newer OS and may have extended software support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | KingKong X supports newer Wi-Fi, offering faster speeds and better connection stability. |
Bluetooth | 5.1, APT-x | 5.1 | Both have bluetooth 5.1, Redmi 10 has better audio capabilities. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | KingKong X offers much more storage. |
RAM | 4GB/6GB | 16GB | KingKong X has much more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither of the phones supports external storage. |
Audio | Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Xiaomi Redmi 10 will offer a more immersive audio experience. |
Security | |||
Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic security. |
Sensors | Biometric, Motion, Proximity | Biometric, Motion, Proximity, Geomagnetic | The Redmi 10 uses an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor, while the KingKong X has a dedicated proximity sensor for accurate operation. |
2. Key Insights
- Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Strengths: Lightweight design, Gorilla Glass protection, stereo speakers, reverse charging and a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Competitive Advantages: Better portability and enhanced audio, along with reverse charging capabilities, making it a better day-to-day device for casual users
- Trade-offs: Weaker chipset, lower benchmark scores, less internal storage, less RAM, smaller battery, and older OS.
- Cubot KingKong X:
- Strengths: Rugged build (although unknown screen protection), much better performance, huge battery, better main, front cameras and 4K video, newer Android OS and has more storage.
- Competitive Advantages: The KingKong X's massive battery and excellent performance give it a significant edge for heavy users and gamers and will last longer than the Redmi 10.
- Trade-offs: Much heavier and bulkier design, lacking wide angle camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi 10:
- Ideal For: Casual users who prioritize a lightweight, portable phone for everyday tasks and media consumption. Good for users who need reverse charging to top up other devices. Those who want a wide angle camera at the expense of other camera features should go with this phone.
- Use Cases: Browsing, social media, light gaming, listening to music, and watching videos.
- Cubot KingKong X:
- Ideal For: Power users, gamers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a phone with a long-lasting battery, excellent performance and durability. Users who prioritize battery life above all else should choose this phone.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, intensive multitasking, long hours away from power outlets, and vlogging.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To make the best decision for your needs, ask yourself:
- What is more important to me, portability or battery life and performance? If you value a light and slim device, the Redmi 10 is your go-to. If battery and performance take precedence, go with KingKong X.
- What am I using my phone for? If you're mostly into basic tasks, the Redmi 10 may be enough, but the KingKong X is better for gaming, videos and content creation.
- Do I want better main and front camera performance or a wide angle lens? The KingKong X offers much better performance in the main and front camera while the Redmi 10 gives a wide angle lens.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Casual User/Budget Conscious: If your priority is affordability and basic functionality, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 will serve you well.
- Power User/Gamer: The Cubot KingKong X is the clear choice for its superior performance and battery life, if the bulkiness is not a problem.
- Outdoor Enthusiast: The Cubot KingKong X has the rugged design and the massive battery to handle long days outdoors.
My Choice
If it were me choosing, I would go for the Cubot KingKong X. While the Redmi 10's lightweight and familiar design is appealing, I value performance and battery life above all else. The KingKong X's massive battery, superior chipset, newer OS, and enhanced camera system are major selling points for me. Even though it is a bulkier device, the increased performance and battery life are significant enough advantages to justify the extra weight. As a tech journalist, I do a lot of demanding tasks such as filming, editing videos and taking high-quality photos, and the KingKong X delivers on all those fronts. The addition of 4K video recording is a big plus too for recording videos for my reviews.