Cubot KingKong X

Cubot KingKong X Review: A Tank with a Battery to Match

I've spent the last couple of weeks putting the Cubot KingKong X through its paces, and "unconventional" is definitely the word that comes to mind. This isn't your sleek, everyday smartphone; it's a different breed entirely. Weighing in like a hockey puck and built like one too, the KingKong X at around $200 is aimed squarely at those who prioritize durability and battery life above all else. After lugging this brick around and testing its limits, I've got some solid insights into who this phone is really for.

Market Context: Rugged and Ready

Let's be honest, the KingKong X isn't going to win any beauty contests, but that's entirely the point. Cubot is carving out a niche in the rugged phone market, and this device is a testament to that strategy. In a world of increasingly fragile glass sandwiches, the KingKong X stands out as a defiant, almost rebellious, piece of tech. Its price point firmly places it in the budget-friendly category, but it's competing more with other rugged devices than your typical mid-range contenders. For someone constantly working outdoors, engaging in extreme sports, or simply prone to dropping their phone, the asking price starts to look incredibly appealing.

Design & Hardware: Built Like a Fortress

Picking up the KingKong X for the first time is an experience. At 388 grams and nearly 19mm thick, it’s substantial, to say the least. It feels less like a smartphone and more like a piece of industrial equipment. The robust rubberized edges and visible screws scream durability, and in my hands, it felt reassuringly solid. You definitely won’t mistake this for a delicate piece of technology. While I wouldn't exactly call it ergonomic for one-handed use, especially with my average-sized hands, the sheer confidence the build inspires is hard to ignore. It’s the kind of phone you wouldn't hesitate to toss in a backpack or have rattling around in a toolbox.

Display: Functional and Smooth

Despite its rugged exterior, the KingKong X doesn't skimp entirely on the display. The 6.58-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate is surprisingly pleasant to use. Scrolling through social media feeds felt smooth, and the 1080 x 2408 resolution delivered a sharp enough image for everyday tasks and media consumption. While it lacks the vibrant punch of an OLED, the brightness was adequate for outdoor use, though direct sunlight could still pose a challenge. Gaming felt responsive thanks to the higher refresh rate, though the phone's bulk could make longer sessions a bit tiring. It’s not the most immersive display experience out there, but it's certainly functional and a step up from what you might expect in a phone this focused on toughness.

Performance: A Capable Workhorse

Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chip paired with a generous 16GB of RAM handled my daily tasks with ease. Navigating between apps, browsing the web, and watching videos were all smooth experiences. I even put it through a few rounds of graphically intensive games, and while it’s not going to rival dedicated gaming phones, it held its own with respectable frame rates and minimal stuttering. Multitasking was a breeze thanks to the ample RAM, allowing me to switch between several apps without any noticeable slowdown. Interestingly, despite its robust build, I didn't experience significant heat build-up even during extended gaming sessions. There were no glaring performance quirks during my testing, just consistent and reliable operation.

Camera System: Surprising Strengths and Expected Weaknesses

The camera setup on the KingKong X is a bit of a mixed bag, as is often the case with phones in this category. The 100MP main sensor performed admirably in good lighting conditions, capturing images with decent detail and sharpness. I managed to grab some surprisingly nice landscape shots during a recent hike. However, as expected, low-light performance is where it falters. Images became noticeably softer, and noise crept in. The 5MP macro and depth sensors felt like afterthoughts, offering limited utility in real-world scenarios. Video recording maxes out at 4K 30fps, which is acceptable, but the stabilization is nothing to write home about.

The real surprise for me was the 32MP front-facing camera. Selfies came out surprisingly sharp and detailed, even in less-than-ideal lighting. While the processing can lean towards oversaturation for my taste, the overall quality was a pleasant surprise and definitely above par for a rugged phone. If you’re someone who relies heavily on their phone camera, the KingKong X might not be your primary choice, but the selfie camera does offer a decent option for quick snaps and video calls.

Battery & Charging: Endurance Champion

The standout feature of the KingKong X, without a doubt, is its massive 10,200mAh battery. In my testing, this phone consistently delivered two full days of moderate to heavy use on a single charge. I'm talking about a mix of social media browsing, streaming music, making calls, and even some GPS navigation. It truly lives up to the "marathon runner" description. When it finally came time to plug in, the 33W fast charging got the phone back to full in a reasonable amount of time, though it’s definitely not the fastest charging on the market. For anyone who frequently finds themselves away from power outlets for extended periods, the battery life alone could be a compelling reason to consider this phone. Power management seemed efficient, with the phone sipping power when idle.

Software: Clean and Functional

The Cubot KingKong X runs on Android 14, and from my experience, it’s a relatively clean and bloatware-free experience. The interface is familiar and easy to navigate, and I didn't encounter any major software glitches or annoyances during my testing. While Cubot's update policy isn't something they heavily advertise, the current software experience is functional and provides access to all the standard Android features. It’s a no-frills approach, focusing on providing a stable and reliable platform for the phone's core functionalities.

Value Analysis: A Tough Choice for a Specific User

Priced around $200, the Cubot KingKong X presents a compelling value proposition for a very specific type of user. If you absolutely need a phone that can withstand significant abuse and offers exceptional battery life, then this device is a strong contender. It undercuts many other rugged phones in terms of price while still delivering solid performance and a surprisingly good selfie camera.

However, if your priorities lie in having a sleek design, a top-tier camera system, or a cutting-edge display, then you'll likely be better served by looking elsewhere. The lack of a microSD card slot is a minor drawback, especially considering the large media files some users might accumulate. Compared to mainstream smartphones at this price point, you're trading premium features for ruggedness and battery life.

Conclusion: A Resilient Recommendation

The Cubot KingKong X is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that's perfectly fine. It’s a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose, and it excels at that purpose. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, a construction worker, or simply someone who's tired of babying fragile smartphones, the KingKong X is a phone I can confidently recommend. It’s a tough, reliable workhorse with a battery that just keeps going. Just be prepared for its considerable heft and understand that you're prioritizing durability and endurance over sleek aesthetics and flagship camera capabilities. For the right person, the KingKong X offers exceptional value and peace of mind.