Today, we have an unusual rugged smartphone for review – the CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3. Of course, the device features all the typical elements of “armored” phones: a rugged design, a high-capacity battery, and appropriate protection standards. However, this time, CUBOT has gone above and beyond.
I was particularly interested in reviewing the CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 because, at first glance, it’s clear that this new model stands out from its counterparts in the segment. What makes this smartphone appealing to potential buyers? And is it worth considering a rugged option in 2024, when the market is flooded with other ultra-modern models? Today, we’ll find out.
Price and positioning
For about $217/€202, you get a phone with several advantages: LED effects, a 10,200 mAh battery, and a rugged design. A new feature is the speakers, which can function as a portable speaker.
The price may vary slightly depending on the storage capacity. The 12/256 GB version, which we are reviewing, costs $217/€202. Meanwhile, the version with less storage, 6/256 GB, will be priced around $169/€157. The smartphone will be available in a single black color option.
Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO Rugged Smartphone Review
Specifications of Cubot KingKong Power 3
- Display: 6.72″, 2408×1080 (20:9), 393 ppi, IPS, 120 Hz
- Display/body ratio: 75%
- Operating system: Android 14
- Processor: Helio G99, 2.2 GHz processor frequency, 8 cores
- Graphics processor: ARM Mali-G57 MC2
- RAM: 6/12 GB, LPDDR4X
- Permanent memory: 256 GB
- Memory card slot: microSD
- Main camera:
- main lens 100 megapixels
- auxiliary lens 0.3 megapixel
- 5 megapixel macro lens
- Full HD (1080p) 30 fps shooting, flash
- Front camera: 32 megapixels
- Connectivity: 4G (LTE)
- SIM card type: nano-SIM
- Number of SIMs: SIM + SIM/microSD
- Communications: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11) a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
- Connection ports: USB Type-C, OTG
- Sensors: side fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, digital compass
- Navigation: aGPS, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS
- Battery capacity: 10200 mAh
- Fast charging Power Delivery 33 W
- Protection against moisture: IP68/IP69K
- Protection against shock: MIL-STD-810
- Frame/cover material: plastic
- Dimensions and weight: 175.3×82.7×20.0 mm, 425 g
Package contents
The packaging is standard – inside the large blue box, you’ll find a 33W charger, a cable, documentation, a screen protector, and a SIM card ejector tool. The screen already comes with a protective film applied.
Design and ergonomics of the Cubot KingKong Power 3
The phone truly belongs to the category of “giants,” as it is large (175.3×82.7×20.0 mm) and heavy (425 g). Overall, the front panel is similar to other rugged models, featuring symmetrical bezels and a selfie camera. The right side includes the volume button and power button, which also serves as the fingerprint scanner for unlocking the smartphone.
On the left side, there is an orange button that can be customized to suit your needs (for quick app access, turning on the flashlight, activating SOS, or taking a screenshot), two additional microphones, and a SIM card tray. By the way, if 256 GB of storage isn’t enough, you can sacrifice one SIM card slot to insert an additional memory card.
The back immediately shows why the phone is called “rugged.” The rubberized details are noticeable right away, along with the large speaker in the center that delivers immersive sound, and the overall sturdiness of the design.
The cameras are located on the sides, and below them is an LED panel that can light up in different colors when SMS messages are received or music is playing. Unfortunately, this part of the body tends to get dirty quickly, so it’s a good idea to clean it from time to time.
The phone is likely not suitable for women, children, or older individuals due to its large size and weight. It is also uncomfortable to use with one hand. The entire body is made of rubber, and every component is protected from water and dust ingress, thanks to the IP68/IP69K protection standards.
Read also: Огляд смартфона Cubot KingKong Star 2 5G: Cтильний та захищений
Display and LED panel
The CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 features a 6.72″ IPS display, making it comfortable for watching videos, gaming, reading, and using apps. The image is clear and sharp, with wide viewing angles, and the smartphone is easy to use even in bright sunlight.
The maximum screen refresh rate is 120Hz, ensuring smooth motion. This is particularly noticeable when scrolling through social media or playing games. You can choose between three options: 60Hz, 120Hz, or automatic adjustment, which adapts the refresh rate based on the content displayed on the screen.
The only thing I noticed is the lack of contrast and depth; I would have preferred a more vivid image on the screen. The maximum brightness of the backlight was approximately 497 nits.
The screen settings are familiar: dark and light modes, adjustment of element sizes, and the ability to choose wallpapers and styles.
What can be said about the LED panel? It’s an interesting feature, as I haven’t seen anything like it on any other phone before. While it’s not entirely new — for instance, the Infinix GT 20 Pro also has a similar function — the panel lights up in all the colors of the rainbow. However, you can’t select your own colors. Only preset themes for notifications, music, and phone calls are available. It’s a nice touch, but it doesn’t serve any practical function; it simply enhances the design. It looks really good, though — take a look:
Read also: Cubot KingKong Star 2 5G Smartphone Review: Stylish and Rugged
Cubot KingKong Power 3 sound
As I mentioned earlier, the sound on this phone is unusual. It has three speakers that work together to create a speaker-like effect. The sound is truly loud and rich. At maximum settings, the sound pressure level can reach 120 dB. When listening to music, the sound intensifies, accentuating both high and low frequencies, with every note clearly handled by the speakers. This means you can use the phone to meet friends and enjoy your favorite music outdoors or at home. On the left side, there are two microphones that improve sound quality during phone calls.
However, it’s worth noting that when holding the phone in a way that covers the “island of speakers,” the sound becomes quieter and less clear.
Unlocking methods
There are three unlocking methods: PIN code, facial recognition, and the fingerprint scanner located in the side power button. The fingerprint scanner works quickly, recognizing the finger immediately without any false readings. Face ID also functions well, but in low-light conditions, the phone takes longer to recognize the face and may then prompt you to enter the PIN code.
Read also: CUBOT A20 Review: Inexpensive Phone with Two Screens
Performance
The heart of the CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 is the octa-core Helio G99 processor. Instead of focusing on the numbers, let me share my experience. All apps switch between each other fairly quickly, and even newer games ran smoothly. The phone didn’t overheat, even during tests and multitasking. I don’t usually expect top-tier performance from rugged phones, so I wasn’t anticipating high-speed performance, but the KINGKONG POWER 3 didn’t disappoint me.
Software
As with most CUBOT smartphones, we’re greeted with a large clock widget and a familiar, easy-to-understand interface. One of the advantages is the lack of unnecessary skins and third-party apps. The CUBOT phone runs a clean Android 14, which ensures smooth interaction with the interface. The operating system also offers plenty of customization options: you can increase RAM usage, choose your preferred screen refresh rate, adjust brightness, and set up an additional quick-access button for frequently used features.
Read also: Cubot KingKong ES Review: Rugged Budget Phone at Reasonable Price
Wireless connections
CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 has Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC wireless connections for contactless payment. A gyroscope and light sensor optimize the image on the screen. For navigation, aGPS, GPS, Galileo and digital compass are available.
Cubot KingKong Power 3 cameras
What cameras do we have? The main camera is 100 MP, there’s a 0.3 MP auxiliary camera, a 5 MP macro camera, and a 32 MP front camera.
The selfie camera takes good photos in daylight. However, image quality drops significantly in the evening or under artificial lighting, with faces appearing overexposed.
The main camera provides decent photo quality with enough detail in good lighting. However, it lacks a bit of contrast and color depth when shooting indoors. To enable the 100 MP mode, you need to go to the “More” tab, where you can also select additional effects like bokeh, macro, scan, Pro, and HDR. The 100 MP mode produces higher-quality shots compared to the standard camera, but the files take up more storage.
Macro shots can only be taken when you stay still for a few seconds, about 3-4 centimeters away from the subject.
The night mode illuminates objects in the photo, slightly improving the quality and making the shot appear brighter.
What about video recording? On one hand, I can’t say anything bad about the KINGKONG POWER 3’s video capabilities: good detail and optical stabilization enhance video quality. However, it lacks color saturation and smoothness.
Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG X Rugged Smartphone Review
Cubot KingKong Power 3 battery life
The smartphone has a 10,200 mAh lithium-ion battery and a 33W charger. This is a solid combination that provides a long battery life. In my case, the phone lasted almost three days on a single charge. However, with moderate use, you can expect up to 5 days of battery life without recharging. The charging speed isn’t the fastest, taking around two hours to fully charge.
Conclusions
The CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 is a smartphone aimed at users who need a reliable and durable device for everyday tasks and outdoor activities. It runs on a clean version of Android 14, offering a smooth interface, a large display, and a powerful battery that ensures long-lasting performance.
The device also features a few unique aspects that set it apart. It includes an LED strip with various lighting effects and a large speaker that can function as a portable speaker, delivering loud and clear sound.
However, there are some downsides to consider. The Face ID feature doesn’t always work on the first try, and the LED panel tends to get dirty quickly. There’s also room for improvement in photo and video quality, particularly in low light, where contrast and saturation are lacking. Additionally, the device is bulky and heavy.
That said, if you’re looking for a durable and reliable smartphone with unique effects and a straightforward set of features, the Cubot KingKong Power 3 is a solid choice.
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