The Cubot A30: A Big Screen on a Budget That Makes Compromises You’ll Feel
Let’s get one thing straight: the Cubot A30 isn’t here to win spec sheet battles. At €83 (or €115 in parts of Europe), it’s aiming for the “I just need a phone that works” crowd. But here’s the real question: does it feel like a phone you’d want to use every day? Let’s break it down like we’re sitting at a diner, sipping coffee and dissecting this thing.
The Screen: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
That 6.75-inch display sounds impressive until you realize it’s a 720p LCD panel. Imagine stretching a bedsheet over a trampoline – things get fuzzy. Text looks slightly soft, and while YouTube videos are watchable, don’t expect vibrant colors or inky blacks. The 90Hz refresh rate is a nice surprise at this price, though. Scrolling through TikTok feels smoother than you’d expect, but it’s like putting racing tires on a scooter – fun, but held back by the engine (more on that later).
The Performance: A Workhorse… If You Don’t Push It
The Unisoc T616 chipset is the equivalent of a reliable but underpowered hatchback. Basic apps like WhatsApp or Google Maps? No problem. But try switching between Instagram and a Chrome tab with 10 recipes open? You’ll notice stutters. Gaming? Mario Kart Tour runs fine, but Genshin Impact will chug like a college student at a frat party. That “cooling system” Cubot touts? It’s basically a copper heat spreader – better than nothing, but don’t expect gaming phone-level thermal magic.
The Camera: A Lesson in “Good Enough”
Here’s the setup: a 48MP main sensor (decent in daylight), a laughable 0.3MP depth sensor (why even bother?), and a 16MP selfie cam. Daylight shots are passable if you’re posting to Facebook, but low-light photos look like they’ve been smeared with Vaseline. The lack of optical stabilization means shaky videos, and that “slow motion” mode? It’s just 30fps footage slowed down – pure marketing fluff.
Battery Life: The One True Win
With a 5100mAh battery, this thing is a marathon runner. Two days of casual use? Easily doable. But here’s the catch: charging it feels like watching paint dry. The 10W “fast charging” takes nearly 3 hours for a full top-up. It’s like having a fuel-efficient car that takes forever to refuel – great for road trips, annoying on busy mornings.
The Quirks You’ll Either Love or Hate
- No NFC: Forget tap-to-pay. You’re digging out your wallet like it’s 2010.
- Plastic Build: It feels like a toy, but at 214g, it’s a heavy toy. Your pinky finger will protest during long Netflix binges.
- Software: Android 14 is here, but Cubot’s update track record is spotty. Don’t count on Android 15.
Who Should Buy This Phone?
Consider it if: You want a cheap backup phone, need something for your tech-wary parent who just wants big buttons and YouTube, or you’re a minimalist who only uses WhatsApp and Maps.
Avoid it if: You care about photography, play demanding games, or want a “future-proof” device. The lack of 5G and NFC also makes it a poor choice for travelers or urban dwellers.
My Take: A Budget Phone That Knows Its Place
Here’s the thing: the Cubot A30 isn’t pretending to be a flagship killer. It’s the automotive equivalent of a used Toyota Corolla – unexciting but gets you from A to B. For €83, you’re paying for that massive screen and battery life, with compromises everywhere else.
Would I use it? As my main phone? No. The sluggish performance and camera limitations would drive me nuts. But as a rugged backup for hiking trips or a kid’s first phone? Absolutely. It’s like a Swiss Army knife – not great at any one thing, but handy in a pinch.
The real magic here is the price. For context, €83 is less than a decent Bluetooth speaker. If your expectations are rock-bottom and your budget is tighter than a jar lid, the A30 delivers. Just don’t expect it to spark joy – unless your joy comes from not worrying about breaking an expensive device.
