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Cubot has already released quite a few rugged smartphones, and we have reviews of several of them on our website. Last year, the manufacturer released the Cubot KingKong 9, which rightfully can be called the flagship of the series. It’s quite expressive both in terms of design and reliability. But time moves on, and the manufacturer doesn’t stand still, so recently we got the review unit of its younger brother – the Cubot KingKong AX smartphone, which was announced a month ago, with a global launch scheduled for April 15th. It seems that these two smartphones are very similar. However, there are still differences! Today, let’s talk about what makes this “ultra-thin rugged device with the strength of King Kong” stand out among other representatives of the rugged class.
Read also: Cubot Tab Kingkong rugged tablet review
Specifications
- Display: IPS; 6.58″; FHD+ resolution (1080×2408); aspect ratio 20:9; refresh rate 120 Hz; pixel density 400 PPI
- Processor: Helio G99 (MT6789) Octa-Core, 6nm process
- RAM: 12 GB, with expandable function up to 12 GB
- Storage: 256 GB UFS 2.1
- Memory card support: microSD up to 1 TB
- Main camera: 3 modules, main module 100 MP, additional 0.3 MP, macro 5 MP. Additionally: HDR support, LED flash. Maximum video recording resolution Full HD (1920×1080)@30FPS
- Front camera: 32 MP; teardrop notch; maximum video recording resolution HD (1280×720)@30FPS
- Battery: 5100 mAh, 33W charger, fast charging
- Operating system: clean Android 14.0
- Communication standards: 2G, 3G, 4G (VoLTE)
- Wireless technologies: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11abgn/ac); Bluetooth 5.2
- Location services: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- SIM card slot: hybrid dual (2×Nano-SIM or 1×Nano-SIM/microSD)
- Sensors: accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor, light sensor, NFC, OTG, etc.
- Dimensions: 172.0×80.9×12.7 mm
- Weight: 296 g
- Package contents: smartphone, charger, USB-C cable, SIM card tray pin, protective glass for the display, documentation
- Additionally: dust and water resistance rating of IP68 and IP69K, protection against shocks and drops.
Package contents
The Cubot KingKong AX arrived in a beautiful flat dark gray box with a texture reminiscent of fiber.
On the top part of the box, the model name is printed. Inside, the device lies to the right of the charger and USB cable along with several other accessories.
Included are additional protective glass, documentation, and a tool for extracting the SIM card. Nothing surprising, as usual. So, we won’t dwell on this for long.
Read also:
- Cubot KingKong 8 Review: А Worthy Rugged Budget Phone 3-in-1
- Cubot KingKong Star review: A rugged smartphone with an extra screen
Design and materials
The Cubot KingKong AX boasts a rather attractive design, simultaneously rugged and elegant. The device is predominantly made of metal, evidenced by its weight – almost 300g. However, it is still comfortable enough for one-handed use and is advertised by the manufacturer as “ultra-thin,” which holds true for a phone of this category and degree of protection.
The top part of the back surface of the smartphone is covered with textured TPU. Following it is the display module and cameras, while the rest is covered with transparent Panda Glass, creating a glossy rear panel with red accent lines and the Cubot logo.
The model is protected against water, dust, mud, sand, moisture, and falls according to IP68 and IP69K standards. As previously noted, the width measures 80.9mm, the height is 172mm, and the thickness is only 12.7mm. Achieving such thickness required sacrificing a bit of battery capacity (compared to 10,600mAh in the Cubot KingKong 9) – but it’s still a decent 5,100mAh.
Read also: DOOGEE V30 Pro review: rugged smartphone with 200 megapixel camera
Display
On the front, the KingKong AX is equipped with a 6.583-inch display, protected by Panda Glass. On the rear panel, there is a large module with a camera and display. The display supports refresh rates of 120Hz, 90Hz, and 60Hz.
The additional display is circular in shape and occupies the center of the module. To the left of it is the main camera and LED flash. The macro camera and depth sensor are positioned to the right. In the bottom left corner of the rear panel, there is a single speaker, and on the right side, there is a microphone opening. The USB Type-C port is located on the bottom frame.
The additional display is touch-sensitive and allows checking the battery status, controlling the music player, checking the number of steps taken, receiving notifications and alerts, previewing images from the camera, and taking photos using the front and/or rear camera(s).
“MiniScreen” is the name of the menu that controls the rear display of the device.
From here, you can select one of several watch face designs, set the screen timeout and brightness level, check pedometer data, choose a music application, and activate the option to take photos using the front and/or rear camera(s) using voice commands.
Read also: Cubot TAB 50 Review: An Affordable Assistant for Everyday Tasks
Software
The Cubot KingKong AX runs on almost stock Android 14, with some changes in security settings. In everything else, it feels and behaves like Android 13, and also features Quick Share and Android Auto onboard. My test device Cubot KingKong AX scored 429,989 points in AnTuTu 10. This result is average for the Helio G99 chip and corresponds to the performance of Snapdragon 695, Snapdragon 750G, Snapdragon 730G, and Dimensity 700 chipsets.
By default, the device has an app drawer activated, where apps are arranged alphabetically, and at the top, there is a search bar and four recently used apps.
The Cubot KingKong AX comes with a basic set of preinstalled applications. Additionally, it features a kids’ mode, allowing you to create a password-protected space safe for children, where you can control which apps and content the child has access to.
Digital well-being and parental controls are standard Android options for managing your and your children’s screen time.
Memory extension is a separate menu for enabling the expansion of virtual RAM up to 12 GB. To apply the changes, a device restart is required. Additionally, there is an option to assign an action or program to the physical button located on the left frame.
The Cubot KingKong AX features a hybrid slot with two trays for two NanoSIM cards or one NanoSIM card and a microSD memory card. The slot is located at the top of the left frame. Both NanoSIM cards support 4G connectivity and the following network bands: 2G GSM, 2.5G, 3G WCDMA, 4G FDD-LTE, and 4G TDD-LTE. Wireless connectivity includes NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Cast Display. The smartphone operates with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou.
According to the manufacturer’s claims, the Cubot KingKong AX is equipped with 20 sensors, including an accelerometer, magnetic field sensor, orientation sensor, gyroscope, light sensor, proximity sensor, gravity sensor, linear acceleration sensor, rotation vector sensor, game rotation vector sensor, step counter, step detector, significant motion sensor, geomagnetic rotation vector sensor, uncalibrated magnetic field sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope, tilt sensor, wake gesture sensor, and device orientation sensor.
In addition to this, the smartphone also features a side capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button on the right frame. It swiftly creates a fingerprint identifier and unlocks the screen.
The sensor can also be assigned additional functions to expand interaction capabilities – touching it can return to the previous screen, while holding it can go to the home screen, switch to the previous task, take a photo/video, or answer a call, which is certainly a very convenient feature given the device’s size.
Read also:
- Oukitel WP27 Review: Solid Rugged Budget Phone
- KOSPET Tank M1 smart watch review: Military grade protection
Cameras
Cubot KingKong AX is equipped with three rear cameras. The main camera utilizes a 108-megapixel Samsung S5KHM2 sensor with a 1/1.52″ optical format and a pixel size of 0.7µm. It is paired with a 6-element lens with an aperture of f/1.89.
The main camera records video at a resolution of 2K (2560×1440 pixels) at 30 frames per second. The second rear camera is a macro lens OmniVision OV5670 with a resolution of 5 MP. It is accompanied by a 0.3-megapixel depth sensor. Below in the gallery, I have provided examples of photos taken with the main and macro cameras.
The front camera of the Cubot KingKong AX utilizes a 32-megapixel sensor Sony IMX616 with an optical format of 1/2.80″ and a pixel size of 0.8μm. It works in tandem with an f/2.0 lens and can record video in FHD format at 30 frames per second. Such a camera application is used by most models of Ulefone, Oukitel WP30 Pro, and many others.
There is a Night mode that utilizes the main camera and supports HDR, as well as a Beauty mode that also uses the main camera, supports HDR, and works with the LED flash. It allows adjusting the degree of background blur and enables some features to enhance appearance. The interface of the front camera is identical, and when you select a mode that is not supported by the selfie camera, the device simply switches to the corresponding rear camera.
The camera settings are also the same as those for the rear cameras. There’s not much to say about the quality of photography because it’s obvious that this phone is designed more for other purposes, such as survival and extreme tourism, rather than city walks.
Battery life
The Cubot KingKong AX is equipped with a 5100mAh lithium-polymer battery with support for 33W fast charging. In this regard, the device differs from its lineup siblings with larger batteries ranging from 10,000 to 15,000mAh. However, it is not as bulky. Therefore, you always have the choice.
My KingKong AX battery fully charged in 1 hour and 46 minutes using the USB cable and charger included in the package. However, it’s worth noting that the charging was very fast until the battery reached 70% capacity, after which the process slowed down.
It took me quite a long time to fully discharge it, even with the brightness turned up to maximum. Overall, the smartphone’s battery should definitely last a day of very active use or several days of moderate usage.
Conclusions
The Cubot KingKong AX bears many similarities to the KingKong 9, albeit with a smaller battery, that’s true. The device boasts an attractive design, fits well in the hand, takes decent photos, has a pleasant display, and is equipped with a genuinely useful additional screen on the rear panel.
All of this is housed in a body that can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its beautiful appearance.
Overall, this model has all the necessary features to become a favorite among users looking for an affordable, reliable rugged smartphone.
Where to buy
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