In the bustling world of smartphones, the Cubot KingKong X stands tall - quite literally - as a rugged champion. This beast of a phone is designed for those who laugh in the face of danger and scoff at the idea of a protective case.
Falling into the midrange segment, the KingKong X is built for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a device that can withstand the harshest environments. If you're someone who prioritizes sleek design and feather-light devices, this phone might not be your best match. But if durability, performance, and an extensive feature set are your top priorities, read on.
Body
The KingKong X's body dimensions (170.9×82.2×18.7 mm) and substantial weight (388 g) underscore its ruggedness. Encased in a robust shell, this phone is built to survive everything - whether you're hiking, climbing, or just prone to the occasional fumble. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| General |
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| Dimensions | H: 170.9 mm (6.73″), W: 82.2 mm (3.24″), D: 18.7 mm (0.74″) |
| Mass | 388 g (13.69 oz) |
| Colors | Black |
When it comes to the body of the KingKong X, it's clear that Cubot prioritized durability over sleekness. Those dimensions and the hefty weight immediately set this phone apart from the slim, lightweight designs that dominate the market.
Holding the KingKong X for extended periods can be a bit taxing due to its substantial weight and size. It's definitely not the kind of phone you'd comfortably cradle in your hand for hours on end. This phone is designed for rugged use, and its bulk reflects that purpose. If you're out in the wild or working in tough conditions, you might appreciate the solid feel. However, for casual, long-term use, it might not be the most comfortable option.
Using the KingKong X with one hand is the same story. Its large size and weight make one-handed operation cumbersome, especially if you have smaller hands. Reaching across the screen or accessing the side buttons might require some hand gymnastics.
Fitting the KingKong X into your pocket might be a challenge, especially in tighter pants. Its thickness and weight make it more suitable for carrying in a bag or a specialized holster. If you often carry your phone in your pocket, be prepared for a noticeable bulge and some added weight.
The design of the Cubot KingKong X is a trade-off between practicality and durability. It's built like a tank, and with that comes a sacrifice in portability and comfort. For users who need a rugged phone that can withstand harsh environments, these trade-offs are worth it. The added bulk and weight are a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your phone can survive drops, water, dust, and whatever else life throws at it.
In summary, while the Cubot KingKong X is not the most ergonomic or portable device, its rugged build and durability are its main selling points. If you're an adventurer, a construction worker, or someone who needs a phone that can take a beating, the KingKong X is designed with you in mind. For everyday users who prioritize comfort and sleek design, it might be better to look elsewhere.
If we compare the KingKong X with the predecessor KingKong 9, there's been little change in dimensions and weight. The KingKong 9 was 172×81.6×17.7 mm and 390 g.
IP Rating and MIL-STD Compliance
(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)
The Cubot KingKong X is not just resistant to water and dust with its IP68/IP69K rating, but it's also compliant with the MIL-STD-810H military standard, ensuring it can endure drops from up to 1.5 meters onto concrete.
In the world of electronics, IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The first digit (6 in this case) refers to the device's protection against solid objects like dust. An IP rating of 6 means the KingKong X is dust-tight, ensuring no harmful particles can infiltrate its internals.
The second digit (8 in IP68) signifies its resistance to water. An IP68 rating indicates that the phone is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. So, whether it accidentally takes a plunge into a puddle or gets caught in a rainstorm, your Cubot KingKong X will emerge unscathed, ready for action.
The digit 9 and the letter K in IP69K hold special significance. The combination 9K means the device has undergone high-pressure, high-temperature water spray tests. In the case of the Cubot KingKong X, it can withstand powerful, high-temperature water jets (up to 80 °C) aimed at it from different angles. This rating ensures that even in the most intense conditions, where water jets resembling a strong, focused steam of water are present, the phone remains resilient and functional.
The MIL-STD-810H compliance takes the KingKong X's durability to a whole new level. This standard, established by the US Department of Defense, outlines a series of stringent tests that a device must pass to be deemed 'military-grade' tough.
To achieve MIL-STD-810H compliance, the Cubot KingKong X underwent a battery of tests that simulate the harshest conditions it might encounter in real-world scenarios. These tests include the following:
- High-Temperature Test: The phone was exposed to scorching temperatures to ensure it doesn't falter even in the hottest environments.
- Low-Temperature Test: On the flip side, the KingKong X was subjected to freezing temperatures to guarantee it remains operational in icy conditions.
- Drop Test: The phone faced drops from heights of up to 1.5 meters, simulating real-world accidents. Its ability to survive these falls showcases its durability, protecting it from everyday slips and tumbles.
- Vibration Test: The Cubot KingKong X was shaken vigorously to mimic the vibrations it might endure during transportation, ensuring its internal components remain intact and functional.
- Humidity Test: Humidity can be a silent killer for electronics. The KingKong X was tested in high humidity environments to guarantee it won't succumb to moisture, even in tropical climates.
- Salt Fog Test: This test replicates exposure to salty sea air, making sure the KingKong X won't corrode when used near the ocean or in coastal areas.
By passing these tests, the Cubot KingKong X has proven its mettle, assuring users that it can withstand the toughest challenges thrown its way. So, whether you're scaling mountains, working on a construction site, or embarking on wild adventures, this phone has proven it can handle the pressure, literally! It's not just a smartphone; it's a robust, battle-tested device ready for any mission you undertake.
For comparison, the predecessor KingKong 9 had the same IP rating, but lacked the MIL-STD compliance and an official drop-to-concrete resistance.
Display
(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)
Sporting a 6.58-inch IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, the KingKong X offers smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. The 1080×2408 resolution ensures crisp images and sharp text. Additionally, the secondary 1.85-inch touchscreen display on the back is a unique feature, offering quick access to essential functions and notifications without having to wake up the main display.
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Size |
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| Type |
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| Resolution (px) |
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The Cubot KingKong X's IPS LCD display stands out with its vibrant colors and robust performance. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs are renowned for their superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles compared to traditional LCDs. This technology aligns liquid crystals in parallel, which enhances color reproduction and provides consistent color and contrast even when viewed from an angle. This makes the KingKong X's display ideal for outdoor use and group viewing, where off-axis viewing is common.
IPS displays are generally more durable and can withstand rougher handling compared to OLED displays, which aligns perfectly with the rugged nature of the KingKong X.
The 120 Hz refresh rate is a standout feature for this rugged phone. A higher refresh rate means smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and an overall more responsive experience. Whether you're gaming, browsing, or watching videos, the 120 Hz refresh rate enhances the visual experience by reducing motion blur and making interactions feel more immediate and natural.
With a Full HD+ resolution of 1080×2408 pixels, the KingKong X offers a pixel density of approximately 401 PPI (pixels per inch). This high pixel density ensures that images and text are sharp and clear. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides a good balance for watching videos, playing games, and multitasking, giving you more screen real estate to work with.
The 1.85-inch touchscreen on the back is an innovative feature that adds practicality. It allows quick access to essential functions like notifications, calls, and messages without activating the main display. This is particularly useful when you're on the go and need to check information quickly.
In conclusion, the main display of the Cubot KingKong X brings together durability, vibrant visuals, and smooth performance. The 6.58-inch IPS LCD with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 1080×2408 px resolution offers a compelling mix of clarity, color accuracy, and responsiveness. While the phone's rugged build might not be for everyone, its display ensures that those who choose it don't have to compromise on visual quality and user experience.
For comparison, the predecessor KingKong 9 featured a similar main display, along with a circular secondary display on the back.
Networks
(Related: Cellular networks explained.)
The Cubot KingKong X supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, ensuring reliable connectivity for calls and data.
GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality.
SIM
The Cubot KingKong X supports hybrid dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).
The "hybrid" part means one of the SIM card slots serves a dual purpose. It can either hold a SIM card or a memory card for expandable storage - but not both simultaneously. This means you have to make a choice between expanding your device's storage capacity with a memory card and using two SIM cards.
Chipset - Performance Powerhouse
Powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, the KingKong X delivers a smooth and responsive user experience. The octa-core CPU (consisting of two types of cores) paired with the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU ensures efficient multitasking and reliable performance, whether you're gaming, streaming, or using demanding apps. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 |
The Cubot KingKong X is engineered to deliver robust performance, thanks to its advanced chipset, CPU, and GPU. The heart of the phone is the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, built on a 6-nm manufacturing process. This chipset is designed to provide a balanced mix of performance and power efficiency, making it a solid choice for a midrange rugged smartphone.
The 6-nm process technology ensures lower power consumption and better thermal performance, which is crucial for prolonged outdoor use. Its enhanced AI features improve camera performance, voice recognition, and other smart functionalities.
The CPU in the KingKong X features an octa-core configuration with two distinct types of cores, each serving a specific purpose:
- Performance Cores (2×2.6 GHz Cortex-A78): The two Cortex-A78 cores are designed for tasks that require substantial processing power, such as gaming, video editing, and running demanding applications. They provide a quick burst of speed when you need it, ensuring that resource-intensive tasks run smoothly without significant lag.
- Efficiency Cores (6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55): The six Cortex-A55 cores are optimized for energy efficiency, handling everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and background processes. This ensures that the phone conserves battery life during less demanding activities. These cores also enable better multitasking by efficiently managing multiple background processes without draining the battery quickly.
The combination of these cores allows the KingKong X to balance performance and battery life effectively, providing a seamless user experience whether you're engaged in heavy gaming sessions or just browsing the web.
The Mali-G68 MC4 GPU handles the graphical duties of the KingKong X. This GPU is designed to deliver strong graphical performance while maintaining energy efficiency. It is capable of running most modern games with decent graphics settings, providing smooth and immersive gameplay. It is efficient at rendering high-resolution images and videos, making media consumption a pleasure.
In summary, the Cubot KingKong X's performance is driven by a well-balanced combination of the Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset, an octa-core CPU with both performance and efficiency cores, and the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. This powerful trio ensures that the KingKong X can handle a wide range of tasks, making it a reliable companion for both rugged adventures and everyday use.
For comparison, the predecessor KingKong 9 featured the Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) chipset, housing an octa-core CPU (2×2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU.
Memory and Storage
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Internal Storage Type | UFS 3.1 |
| Memory Card Slot | microSDXC (shares with SIM) |
| Internal Storage Variants | 256 GB, 512 GB |
The Cubot KingKong X comes in two variants, both utilizing the fast UFS 3.1 technology. If you need more space, the microSDXC card slot has you covered, though it uses a shared SIM slot.
For comparison, the predecessor KingKong 9 came in a single variant, offering 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card.
Cameras
The KingKong X is equipped with a versatile triple camera setup, which supports 4K video recording at 30 fps, ensuring high-quality footage. The 32 MP front camera promises clear and vibrant selfies, making it a solid choice for video calls and social media.
Rear Camera
The Cubot KingKong X boasts a versatile and powerful triple camera setup that caters to a variety of photography needs. Let's break down the roles of the three lenses and explore the features that make this camera system stand out. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Number of Cameras | 3 (Triple) |
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 100 MP (wide), 24 MP (night vision, with 2 infrared emitters), 5 MP (macro) |
| Autofocus | PDAF, N/A, N/A |
| Video Recording | 4K at 30 fps, 1080p at 30 fps |
| Other Features | LED flash, HDR |
The 100 MP wide lens is the primary sensor, designed to capture detailed and high-resolution images. Its high megapixel count ensures that even the finest details are preserved, making it perfect for landscape photography, portraits, and general use.
The 24 MP night vision camera is equipped with two infrared emitters, which allow it to capture images in extremely low light or complete darkness. This lens is ideal for adventurers and professionals who need to take photos in challenging lighting conditions.
The infrared emitters, also called the infrared night vision lights, illuminate the scene with infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by the camera sensor. This enables clear, monochrome images even in the absence of visible light.
The 5 MP macro lens is designed for close-up photography, allowing you to capture small subjects in great detail. This lens is perfect for photographing intricate textures, small objects, and close-up details of nature. With this lens, you can focus on subjects that are very close to the camera, revealing details that are often missed by standard lenses.
Among the camera features, the PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) technology allows the camera to focus quickly and accurately on subjects, reducing blur and ensuring sharp images even in dynamic scenes. PDAF works by using phase detection sensors to measure the distance to the subject, enabling fast and precise focusing.
The LED flash provides additional lighting in low-light conditions, ensuring that subjects are well-illuminated. It can be used in both photo and video modes to enhance the overall quality of the capture. The flash helps to reduce shadows and highlights details that might otherwise be lost in poor lighting conditions.
And HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature that captures multiple exposures of the same scene and combines them to create a single image with a greater dynamic range of brightness and colors. This results in photos with better contrast and more detail in both the shadows and highlights. HDR is particularly useful in high-contrast scenes, such as landscapes with bright skies and dark foregrounds, ensuring that all parts of the image are well-exposed.
In conclusion, the main camera setup of the Cubot KingKong X is a well-rounded system designed to cater to a variety of photographic needs. The 100 MP wide lens captures stunningly detailed images, the 24 MP night vision camera excels in low-light conditions, and the 5 MP macro lens is perfect for close-up shots.
Features like PDAF ensure fast and accurate focusing, while the LED flash and HDR enhance image quality in challenging lighting conditions. With its versatile camera capabilities, the KingKong X is equipped to handle everything from everyday photography to more specialized requirements, making it an excellent choice for both casual users and photography enthusiasts.
For comparison, the older KingKong 9 featured a similar combination of three lenses. Its feature set included LED flash.
Front Camera
The selfie camera sits inside a centered, waterdrop notch on the top of the display. Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 32 MP |
| Video Recording | Yes |
For comparison, the predecessor KingKong 9 featured a similar selfie camera.
Battery and Charging
(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | Non-removable |
| Capacity | 10200 mAh |
| Wired Charging | 33 W, PD |
One of the standout features of the KingKong X is its massive 10200 mAh battery, which promises extended usage without frequent recharging. When you do need to recharge, the 33W PD fast charging ensures you're back in action quickly.
For comparison, the older KingKong 9 came with a 10600 mAh battery, with 33 W wired charging support.
Sound
(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)
Here are the relevant specs:
| Specification | Cubot KingKong X |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| Headphone (3.5 mm) Jack | Unspecified |
For comparison, the predecessor Cubot KingKong 9 also featured a single loudspeaker.
Connectivity
With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, the Cubot KingKong X ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.
The KingKong X boasts Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming and LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.
With support for GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS, you can navigate seamlessly in any environment.
The Cubot KingKong X features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.
Last but not least, the trusty USB-C - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.
Sensors
The Cubot KingKong X comes equipped with the following sensors:
- Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the KingKong X.
- Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
- Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
- Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.
At its price point, the Cubot KingKong X offers remarkable value for those needing a durable, high-performance smartphone. Its rugged design, powerful specs, and extensive feature set make it a worthy investment for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.
While it may not suit those looking for a slim and lightweight device, the KingKong X's durability and performance justify its price tag. Whether you're scaling mountains or navigating urban jungles, this phone is ready to be your steadfast companion.
Feature (top) image credit: Cubot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Cubot KingKong X release date?
The Cubot KingKong X has been announced on the 28th June, 2024. It is expected to release on the 23rd July, 2024.
What is Cubot KingKong X price?
The Cubot KingKong X is priced starting from USD 333.32 for the 16 GB / 256 GB variant.