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Cubot KingKong Power 5 Review: Rugged, Durable, and Budget-Friendly

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Need a reliable, rugged, and capable smartphone for tough job sites, outdoor adventures, or long-distance travel? Then it’s time to take a closer look at today’s review subject: the Cubot KingKong Power 5.

The rugged smartphone market is evolving rapidly – new models with bold designs and unique features appear almost every month. Admittedly, it’s a fairly niche segment, but one with undeniable appeal. After all, what does the average user want today? A device that’s not just smart and capable, but also durable, impact-resistant, and – increasingly important – power-efficient. That last point is becoming more relevant with every passing year.

We’re living in an era where slim bodies and sleek designs often take precedence over practicality. In the race to shave off millimeters, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for manufacturers to fit a high-capacity battery into an ultra-thin frame. Against that backdrop, a 6000 mAh battery starts to feel almost like science fiction.

And this is exactly where rugged smartphones come into play. They don’t try to be elegant – and that’s their strength. Instead, they focus on what matters: a thick, durable body, a large battery, and resistance to drops, water, dust, and even extreme temperatures. These phones are built for people who prioritize reliability over appearance.

One of the most recognizable brands in this niche is Cubot. The company consistently releases affordable devices that aren’t just built to withstand harsh conditions – they often surprise with their functionality as well.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

If you’re hiking off the grid, camping far from civilization, or dealing with rough weather, a typical smartphone won’t cut it. In those conditions, you need a device built to handle adversity. Enter the Cubot KingKong Power 5 – a rugged, well-protected, and affordable smartphone designed for real-world challenges. It’s resistant to drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures. Most importantly, it keeps you connected in places where other devices would’ve already given up.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

In this review, we’ll take a close look at all aspects of the Cubot KingKong Power 5 – from its technical specs to real-world usage. So let’s start with the essentials: what this phone is capable of, and what you get in the box.

Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG POWER 3 Rugged Smartphone Review

Cubot KingKong Power 5 specifications

Before continuing with the review, let’s take a look at the full specifications of the Cubot KingKong Power 5:

  • Display: 6.88″, 1640×720, 260 ppi, IPS, 120 Hz, Gorilla Glass
  • Display/body ratio: 73%
  • Operating system: Android 15
  • Processor: Helio G100, 2.2 GHz processor frequency, 8 cores
  • GPU: ARM Mali-G57 MC2
  • RAM: 6 GB, LPDDR4X
  • Permanent memory: 128 GB
  • Memory card slot: microSD
  • Max card capacity: 1024 GB
  • Main camera: 3 modules, 64MP main lens, 0.3MP secondary lens, 2MP macro lens, Full HD (1080p) 30fps, 4K 30fps, flash
  • Front camera: 16 megapixels, Full HD (1080p) 30 fps
  • Connectivity: 4G (LTE)
  • SIM card type: nanoSIM
  • Number of SIMs: SIM + SIM/microSD
  • Communications: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth v 5.2. NFC
  • Connection ports: USB-C
  • Features and capabilities: side fingerprint scanner, gyroscope, full flashlight, light sensor
  • Navigation: aGPS, GPS module, GLONASS, Galileo, digital compass
  • Battery capacity: 15300 mAh
  • Fast charging: Power Delivery
  • Charging power: 33 W
  • Moisture protection: IP68/IP69K
  • Impact protection: MIL-STD-810
  • Frame/cover material: plastic
  • Dimensions (H×W×T): 182.85×83.90×24.60 mm

Positioning and price

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 is your personal Swiss Army knife in the world of smartphones. Its large battery offers impressive battery life, reliable connectivity, and the ability to stay in touch even in remote locations. Built-in utility tools come in handy everywhere – from mountain trails to dusty backroads. What you’re getting with this device is a mix of reliability, practicality, and peace of mind.

Like Cubot’s earlier models, this phone will likely appeal most to those who live life to the fullest – travelers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who spends serious time off the beaten path. But its benefits aren’t limited to adventurers alone. It’s a solid option for anyone looking for a no-nonsense, dependable smartphone.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

This smartphone will also appeal to users for whom long battery life is absolutely critical – drivers, field technicians, volunteers, or anyone working in remote areas without constant access to a power outlet. It’s a practical choice for experienced users who value reliability, a rugged build, ample storage, and smooth multitasking performance.

And, of course, there’s a separate category altogether: military personnel in active combat zones. For them, a smartphone’s durability and battery life aren’t just conveniences – they’re essential.

The KingKong Power 5 comes equipped with a massive 15,300 mAh battery, paired with 33W fast charging support – so despite the size, it charges relatively quickly. According to the manufacturer, it can deliver up to 121 hours of talk time and an impressive 1,824 hours on standby.

What’s notable is that despite this enormous battery, the phone is actually lighter and thinner than some of its predecessors. It still retains the brand’s signature large display, a built-in LED flashlight, and a modern chipset – making it a solid update in both form and function.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 is a rare case where appearance does matter. It features a large 6.88-inch IPS display protected by durable Corning Gorilla Glass. The HD+ resolution (720×1640 pixels) looks decent, especially considering the smoothness brought by a 120 Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the screen can reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which theoretically makes it usable even under direct sunlight.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The main camera here is a 64 MP sensor (OmniVision OV64B40, f/1.8), capable of capturing fairly sharp photos in various lighting conditions. It’s complemented by a 2 MP macro lens for close-up shots of small details. The front-facing camera is 16 MP, based on a Samsung S5K3P3 sensor (f/2.25), which is more than adequate for video calls and selfies.

Another pleasant surprise is the powerful 5-watt speaker on the back. It can reach up to 136 dB, delivering clear and strong sound that doesn’t get lost even in rain or windy weather. This makes it ideal for those who work or relax outdoors.

Beneath its rugged exterior, the Cubot KingKong Power 5 houses quite modern hardware. It’s powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 (MT6789H) chipset – an 8-core processor with a maximum clock speed of 2.2 GHz, paired with a Mali-G57 GPU. This setup handles most everyday apps and even some games smoothly, without noticeable lag.

The phone comes with 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM running at 2133 MHz, which can be virtually expanded up to 10 GB, providing enough headroom for multitasking and comfortable use. Storage stands at 128 GB (UFS 2.2), with microSD support available if you need additional space.

The phone features a hybrid slot that can accommodate either two SIM cards or one SIM card plus a microSD memory card. Both SIM slots support 4G connectivity, which is especially useful for travelers or those working in the field.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 runs on Android 15, offering a clean, bloat-free experience. It supports all essential connectivity options, including NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Cast Display. The phone has a USB Type-C port, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a bright LED flashlight with a dedicated button, an extra programmable button for quick access to functions, and even a powerful camping lantern – handy for outdoor trips.

For navigation, it supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou, providing accurate positioning even outside urban areas. The device is well-protected with IP68, IP69K ratings, and MIL-STD-810H certification, making it resistant to water, dust, dirt, drops, heat, and cold.

This isn’t just a “brick with buttons” – it’s a versatile tool built for real-world conditions and genuine challenges.

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 will soon be available on shelves in Ukrainian electronics stores. For now, you can purchase the 6/128 GB version on AliExpress for around $254 / €220.

Read also: Cubot KingKong Star 2 5G Smartphone Review: Stylish and Rugged

Complete set, first impressions

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 comes packaged in a standard flat, rectangular box in a dark teal color. The box features an image of the device itself, along with the brand name and model designation.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Inside the box, you’ll find the smartphone itself, a 33W charger, a cable, various paper documents, a carabiner, and a SIM card ejector tool. It’s worth noting that the screen already comes with a protective film applied. Overall, it’s a sufficient package for a phone of this type.

From the very first moment, it’s clear you’re not dealing with just any smartphone – this is a true rugged fighter. Its thick, bulky body, fully sealed ports, and a built-in projector on the top panel immediately signal that this device wasn’t designed for café selfies. It’s meant for a traveler’s backpack, an off-road vehicle’s glove compartment, or even tucked inside a tactical vest.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

It’s definitely heavy – and if you’re used to ultra-thin “mirror-like” phones, the difference is immediately noticeable. But the weight isn’t a drawback; it’s a feature. It reinforces the feeling that you’re holding not just a smartphone, but a reliable tool built to withstand whatever you throw at it. And honestly, that’s a reassuring sensation – especially knowing this “brick” can survive conditions that other devices wouldn’t even endure in theory.

Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO Rugged Smartphone Review

Cubot KingKong Power 5 design

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 looks exactly how a rugged smartphone should – no thin frames or glossy finishes, just pure functionality, armor, and confidence in every millimeter. Its design is typical for the rugged category but thoughtfully executed: curves, textures, and accents come together to create a look that’s both practical and appealing – something that feels built to withstand an apocalypse.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The body features a nano-armored frame made of reinforced polycarbonate and metal. TPU bumpers on top help absorb shocks and improve grip. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass (generation unspecified), while the back is even tougher, with military-grade impact-resistant coating protecting the cameras.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Protection against the elements is top-tier: IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD-810H certified. The phone is built to withstand dust, rain, hot water, drops from up to two meters onto concrete, temperatures as low as -30°C on Carpathian slopes, and intense summer heat.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The dimensions and weight are substantial. Weighing over half a kilogram at 553 grams and measuring 24.6 mm thick, it feels like a solid, reliable tool in hand – not a delicate device. The height is 182.85 mm and the width is 83.9 mm, reinforcing its robust, work-ready presence.

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The color scheme is a deep black with orange accents that add a touch of dynamism to the overall look.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The display is large, covering nearly the entire front panel. It’s protected by glass and comes pre-applied with a factory screen protector. The bezel around the screen is raised slightly – ensuring the display won’t touch the ground if the phone falls. The top bezel measures 5 mm, the bottom 6.5 mm, and the side bezels are 2 mm each. The front camera is set into a V-shaped notch, with proximity and light sensors nearby, along with an LED indicator.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

For navigation, you can choose between gesture controls or the classic navigation bar – offering flexibility to customize the experience to your preference.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The most interesting features are on the back panel. There’s a large circular speaker capable of reaching up to 136 dB, protected by a mesh and frame – designed to withstand dust and moisture. Nearby are two cameras and an LED flash, while below them sits a hexagonal-shaped camping lantern, a handy tool for outdoor use. Further down, you’ll find the Cubot logo and a built-in carabiner mount – carabiner included. Everything about this design screams mobile survival.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

On the top edge, there are two powerful LEDs which, together with the rear lantern, make up what Cubot calls the “dual tactical lighting system.” It’s more than just a way to light your path – it can also serve to deter unwanted visitors.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The USB Type-C port is protected by a sealed cover, ensuring water and dust resistance. The slot for SIM cards and microSD is also located under a protective flap on the left side of the device.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Next to the SIM slot is a customizable button. On the right side, you’ll find the volume rocker, a power button with an integrated fingerprint scanner, and a dedicated button for controlling the lanterns.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Read also: Cubot KingKong ES Review: Rugged Budget Phone at Reasonable Price

Cubot KingKong Power 5 screen

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 features a 6.88-inch IPS display with an HD+ resolution of 720×1640 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass and comes with a factory-applied protective film. While the manufacturer claims a peak brightness of up to 1000 cd/m², our measurements recorded a maximum brightness of about 527 cd/m².

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The Display menu offers a wide range of settings for fine-tuning both the screen and the overall interface. I’ll cover these in more detail in the software section.

On a pure white background, the display reaches a maximum brightness of 526.7 cd/m², with a typical value around 480 nits. On a pure black background, brightness drops to 7.07 cd/m². With a mixed 50/50 white and black image, the display measures 476.2 cd/m² for white and 6.92 nits for black.

These results are typical for IPS panels – higher brightness on uniform images and lower brightness on mixed content. The contrast ratio ranges between 1800:1 and 1900:1. The white point temperature measures between 8500 K and 8800 K, giving the whites a slightly cooler tone.

Our brightness uniformity tests show that the KingKong Power 5’s display isn’t perfectly even. The top third of the screen averages around 478.3 nits with a variable white point temperature between 8300 K and 8900 K. The middle third is the brightest, averaging 523.3 nits with a white point near 8600 K. The bottom third measures about 468.7 nits, with a white point temperature around 8700 K.

The CIE diagram indicates that the display attempts to cover almost the entire sRGB color space, but with some nuances. Light shades of green, yellow, and orange appear more vibrant, while darker greens, blues, reds, and pinks are less saturated. The accuracy of the darkest blues and purples remains good.

The panel uses a standard RGB subpixel layout with vertical stripes, which is typical for IPS displays.

Honestly, the display on the Cubot KingKong Star 2 is a weak point for the device. Throughout my usage, I consistently found the brightness insufficient – outdoors on a sunny day, the screen is barely visible. Colors appear dull, and the overall color reproduction leaves much to be desired. While the advertised 144 Hz refresh rate sounds impressive, in practice it feels more like marketing than a real advantage. The interface runs smoothly enough, but the screen itself doesn’t add any visual enjoyment.

There are no image profiles available, and you can’t adjust the color temperature. I’d actually advise against using the “Vivid Colors” mode, as it makes the picture look unnatural – colors end up resembling cheap advertising visuals.

Unfortunately, it’s best not to expect much from this display. It’s just an average IPS panel that gets the basic job done, and that’s about it. Surprisingly, in 2025, this screen feels more like something from 2019.

Read also: CUBOT A20 Review: Inexpensive Phone with Two Screens

Lighting and sound – a serious approach to survival

The built-in LED flashlight on the Cubot KingKong Power 5 deserves special – and rightly so – attention.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

This isn’t just a simple keyhole light – it’s a full-fledged tactical flashlight with multiple modes, including a strobe function. This can be used both for signaling and for disorienting a potential “enemy.”

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The maximum brightness of the flashlight reaches up to 1200 lumens, which is genuinely powerful. Whether you’re in a forest, a cave, or a campsite, it lights up your surroundings as effectively as a headlamp.

But Cubot didn’t stop there – they introduced their proprietary Night Conqueror System. This dual tactical lighting setup isn’t just about illumination; it’s designed with survival in mind.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

There’s also a soft, warm light mode – essentially a digital campfire you can sit by in the evening.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

It also includes a programmable SOS signal feature – designed for those who truly understand what spending a night in the mountains or wilderness means.

Another feature that stands out is the 5-watt speaker located on the back of the device. To be honest, it’s not just a simple speaker – it’s more like a compact outdoor speaker.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The sound is loud, rich, and features strong bass. Cubot calls it the “Thunder Speaker,” and the name fits. In outdoor settings, it’s not just for music or videos – it also serves as a safety feature. You’ll be heard clearly even in windy, rainy conditions or over the roar of a river.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Overall, the Power 5 is more than just a smartphone. It’s a survival tool, a reliable companion at night, and a means of emergency communication. Not designed for the office – built for action.

Read also: Cubot MAX 5 Review: An Affordable Gaming Smartphone

Performance

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 (MT6789H) chipset, which is essentially a rebranded version of the well-known Helio G99 (MT6789). Both have identical specifications; the only difference is the name. Built on a 6nm manufacturing process, this processor offers improved energy efficiency and maintains moderate heat levels even under load.

MediaTek also includes its HyperEngine technology, which aims to optimize the distribution of CPU, GPU, and memory resources based on current workload. While it helps maintain relatively stable performance, it’s not a game-changer.

Inside, there’s an eight-core CPU featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz, paired with six energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. The graphics are handled by a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU running at up to 1 GHz. This setup is sufficient for everyday tasks and casual gaming. Titles like Genshin Impact are out of reach, but games such as PUBG Mobile, Asphalt, and Call of Duty Mobile run smoothly at medium settings.

The phone comes with 6 GB of LPDDR4X RAM running at 2133 MHz, with the option to virtually expand it by up to 10 GB using storage space. However, as usual, this virtual RAM is only a temporary boost – true multitasking performance still relies on the physical RAM.

Storage stands at 128 GB UFS 2.2, offering decent speed for this category. There’s also support for microSD cards, so you won’t have to worry about space for photos and videos. After the initial setup, about 109 GB of free storage is available, which is quite generous.

When it comes to tests and benchmarks, the smartphone delivers results typical for its hardware. Below are the scores recorded in Geekbench 6, PCMark, 3DMark, AnTuTu Benchmark, AiTuTu Benchmark, and the CPU Throttling Test.

The smartphone feels genuinely fast – responsive and lively in everyday use. Apps switch instantly without noticeable lag or sluggishness. During my time with the device, I rarely encountered any stutters; everything runs smoothly and predictably.

One thing that stands out is how well the KingKong Power 5 manages heat during regular tasks – it stays cool or just slightly warm to the touch. However, when running more demanding activities like video editing, long streaming sessions, or heavy gaming, the device does start to warm up noticeably. Still, this is nothing unusual for smartphones in this category and doesn’t impact overall comfort significantly.

Mobile gaming performance is quite decent. The Helio G100 holds its own against competitors in this segment. Less demanding games like Asphalt 9: Legends, Free Fire, and Real Racing 3 run smoothly at maximum graphics settings, maintaining a stable frame rate.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Playing Diablo Immortal on the Cubot KingKong Power 5 is a smooth experience – the game runs with high graphics settings, and the gameplay is fluid without noticeable stuttering. As for Genshin Impact, the situation is as expected: you’ll need to lower the graphics settings to medium to avoid frame drops. Even then, the game remains playable, especially if you’re not aiming for ultra-high visuals.

Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG X Rugged Smartphone Review

Networks and connections

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 features a hybrid tray on the left side that accommodates two Nano-SIM cards. It’s straightforward – no need to guess where to insert each card. Both SIM slots support 4G connectivity, and the phone covers a wide range of bands: 2G GSM (B2, B3, B5, B8), 3G WCDMA (B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B8, B19), 4G FDD-LTE (up to B66), and even TDD-LTE (B34-B41). This ensures reliable network access whether you’re in Ukraine or abroad.

The modem supports high-speed 4G LTE Cat-13 with 4×4 MIMO, 256QAM, and global IMS services. While this sounds technical, the takeaway is simple: the connection remains stable even in crowded areas, and the internet signal holds up where other devices might struggle. An interesting feature from MediaTek called “Elevator Mode” helps the phone quickly regain signal after leaving “dead zones” like elevators or basements. This functionality really works – tested and confirmed.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Wireless connectivity is solid across the board. The phone supports NFC for contactless payments, and Bluetooth 5.2 offers a stable, energy-efficient connection without dropouts. Wi-Fi is handled via 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), including support for Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot functionality, and screen casting through Cast Display. All of these work smoothly, with no noticeable delays or connectivity issues.

For location services, the device supports all major satellite navigation systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou. During testing, it connected to multiple satellites at once, delivering stable positioning with accuracy down to about one meter. This makes it well-suited for reliable navigation in various environments.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 runs on Android 15, and the improvements are noticeable. It includes features like Quick Share for fast file transfers and supports Android Auto for seamless integration with car infotainment systems. The USB Type-C port is located on the bottom edge of the device, offering a standard but convenient setup with no surprises.

Read also: CUBOT King Kong Ace 3 Review: Rugged Smartphone with Dual Displays

Software

The smartphone runs on a clean version of Android 15. There are no third-party skins, confusing menus, or intrusive ads. Everything is straightforward, familiar, and logical – just as it should be on a device designed for practical use. The operating system, interface, and software all follow a minimalist approach without unnecessary distractions.

The lock screen follows the classic Android style: a large clock centered on the screen, a small date nearby, and standard notification icons. Nothing extraneous, and everything is easy to read at a glance.

The home screen features a familiar layout: at the top, there’s the Google search bar with voice input and quick access to Google Lens. Below that are widgets for date and time. At the bottom, you’ll find a row of pinned apps along with a dock for your favorite applications. If you want to personalize things a bit, you can customize shortcuts, rearrange elements, or add additional home screens.

Out of the box, the second home screen already includes a set of pre-installed apps. However, if you prefer, you can switch to a classic app drawer through the settings – whichever suits your style. It’s good that Cubot leaves this choice to the user rather than forcing a single option.

The settings interface is straightforward, with no unnecessary menu layers or confusing subsections. Everything you need – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, display, battery – is easy to find, familiar, and quick to navigate, without any design gimmicks for the sake of aesthetics.

The task manager is standard: a simple swipe shows all running apps. You can switch to split-screen mode where supported by the app, view detailed app information, or force close an app if needed.

The notification panel and quick settings are also straightforward – typical Android 15 style with large tiles, clear icons, and customizable options. Everything runs smoothly without any lag, and notably, there’s no intrusive manufacturer “help” or bloatware interfering with the experience.

Cubot has prioritized stability, simplicity, and a clean Android experience. In an environment where many brands overload their phones with unused features, this approach feels like a breath of fresh air.

Read also: CUBOT X90 Smartphone Review: Budget Flagship from China

Cubot KingKong Power 5 cameras

The camera settings on the Cubot KingKong Power 5 are very straightforward. There are no complicated menus or confusing modes – everything is easy to understand at a glance. On the back, the phone features a main 64-megapixel OmniVision OV64B40 sensor. This well-known PureCel sensor has an optical format of 1/2 inch and small 0.7 µm pixels. The f/1.8 aperture helps capture more light, and video recording is limited to Full HD at 30 frames per second. While not cutting-edge, this setup is more than sufficient for field use.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Interestingly, this particular sensor is often used in the night vision modules of other rugged phones, so the KingKong Power 5 definitely has some potential for low-light shooting. Especially when combined with the bright built-in flashlight, you can see what you need even without a dedicated night mode.

In addition to the main camera, there are two auxiliary lenses. One is a 2-megapixel macro lens, which is straightforward – it’s meant for close-up shots of flowers, insects, or small labels. The other is a puzzling 0.3-megapixel sensor. Honestly, its purpose is unclear – why is it here? Who asked for it? It might just be included to fill out the specs sheet, but either way, it’s part of the setup.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The front camera is a 16 MP Samsung S5K3P3 sensor with an optical format of 1/3.1 inch and 1 µm pixels. It has an f/2.25 aperture and records video in HD at 30 frames per second. Selfies come out quite decent in good lighting conditions. For video calls or live streaming from the outdoors, it’s more than adequate.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

Now, about the camera app itself. It’s straightforward with no unnecessary extras: the shutter button, toggle between front and rear cameras, and gallery shortcut are all located at the bottom. Above that, you’ll find shooting modes like “Photo,” “Video,” “Beauty,” and a few basic options.

In the default photo mode, you can manually turn the flash on or off, enable AI enhancements (which occasionally adjusts colors), add a composition grid, or set a timer. The video mode is similarly minimal, offering just flash control and quality settings. The “Beauty” mode is typical for budget devices – it smooths skin, adjusts facial features, and adds subtle effects. Background blur is also available, though it’s a basic implementation.

The main camera generally performs adequately. The photos don’t impress, but they rarely disappoint either – they’re more on the “acceptable” side. Some shots come out somewhat dull, as if someone pressed a “remove emotion” button on the image. The contrast is lacking, and the colors feel even more muted. The pictures look flat, with little depth, leaving you wanting just a bit more life in the frame. However, when you zoom in, the level of detail is surprisingly good – especially on close-up objects. That said, overall the image can sometimes blur into what looks like a green mush, which is particularly noticeable when trees or dense foliage are present in the shot.

An interesting detail is that the camera performs quite well under artificial lighting. If there’s a lamp, sign, or headlight in the frame, the focus locks precisely where it should, and the photo often looks better than those taken in daylight.

The front camera, however, was a bit disappointing. Selfies have a noticeable “budget smartphone from 2017” vibe. Faces appear somewhat washed out and dull. When shooting outdoors, be prepared for overexposure. Even in good lighting, the front camera doesn’t quite deliver a satisfactory result.

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. The Cubot KingKong Power 5 performs surprisingly well in low-light and nighttime conditions. Well-lit subjects appear bright and clear, with good contrast and relatively low noise. This is one of the camera’s more impressive and unexpected strengths. There is a dedicated “night mode,” but it doesn’t add much – results are practically the same, though it takes more time to process. One important tip: after pressing the shutter button, hold the phone steady for a couple of seconds; otherwise, you’ll end up with a blurry ghost image instead of a sharp photo.

As for the macro camera, you can capture decent shots – provided you have patience, good lighting, and a bit of luck. The autofocus is slow and often struggles to focus correctly on the first attempt. However, if you manage to nail the focus, the resulting image can be quite good. For those who enjoy close-up photography, it’s usable, but be prepared for some frustration along the way.

As for video recording, the quality largely depends on how steady you are. If the phone remains still and you’re behind the camera, the footage turns out decent. However, once there’s any movement, things deteriorate quickly. There’s no stabilization at all, so the image shakes noticeably, especially when filming on the move. Additionally, the phone is quite heavy, making it uncomfortable to hold out for extended periods. So, if you’re thinking of shooting TikTok videos during a morning run, this probably isn’t the best device for that.

Cubot didn’t try to make the KingKong Power 5 a camera-centric phone – and that’s perfectly fine. The camera here isn’t designed for Instagram-worthy shots but rather to document your route, capture something within arm’s reach, or identify someone approaching you in the dark. For these practical tasks, the phone performs reliably.

ORIGINAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS CAN BE VIEWED HERE

Read also: CUBOT A30 Smartphone Review: Balanced Choice

Автономність та зарядка

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 is literally a tank with a battery. Inside, it houses a massive 15,300 mAh battery – and that’s not a typo. It’s an insane figure that’s hard to grasp until you actually hold this “brick” in your hand. But numbers aside, how does it perform in real-world use?

The battery life is simply impressive. With fairly intensive use, the phone lasted up to four days without needing a recharge. In our standard web browsing test at a 60 Hz refresh rate, the device ran for nearly 50 hours. This isn’t just good – it’s close to record-breaking. What’s more, this endurance comes without any strange “power-saving modes.” The battery discharges steadily, without sudden drops, down to around 3%. After that, the drain slows considerably, as if the phone is hanging on and refusing to shut down.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The battery temperature behaves steadily as well – starting at 24 °C, rising to about 29 °C after a couple of hours, and then maintaining that level. There are no signs of overheating; everything remains stable.

The Power 5 supports 33W fast charging, which is decent. However, even with the included charger, a full charge cycle takes over three hours. Considering the massive battery capacity, this isn’t surprising. The first 80% charges within about two hours, but the charging speed slows significantly afterward, with the last 20% taking around 1 hour and 20 minutes. This is typical behavior, as the charging rate tapers off near full capacity.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 isn’t just about “making it through the day.” It’s a phone you can forget to charge for several days without worry. Yes, it’s heavy, but if battery life is a must-have for you, this device definitely deserves consideration. Plus, it’s sturdy enough that you could probably fend off wild boars with it – but that’s a story for another time.

Read also: How to Prevent Your Laptop from Overheating

Conclusions

The Cubot KingKong Power 5 isn’t about a slim design or stylish photoshoots. It’s a smartphone for those who need a reliable, rugged, and durable device, with everything else being secondary. If your day is spent outside the office – on the road, at a construction site, hiking, or simply in conditions where a regular smartphone wouldn’t last long – the Power 5 is a true “survival companion.”

Cubot KingKong Power 5

It runs on a clean version of Android 15, offering a smooth and straightforward interface without unnecessary clutter. With its large screen and massive 15,300 mAh battery, the device is designed for long-lasting autonomy. This is a smartphone that doesn’t need to be plugged in every evening.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

There are also some practical features that can really come in handy. The built-in LED flashlight isn’t just for show – it offers multiple modes and proves genuinely useful in the dark. The speaker feels more like a portable Bluetooth speaker: loud and clear enough to be heard even on a construction site or in the woods. If you need to shout something out, this phone will do the job.

Cubot KingKong Power 5

However, it’s not all perfect. The fingerprint scanner works but can be inconsistent – sometimes you need to try more than once for it to register. The LED notification panel quickly attracts dust and fingerprints, making it look less tidy after just a few days of use. The camera is typical for a budget device: it performs adequately in daylight but loses contrast in low light, resulting in blurry images with washed-out colors. And, of course, don’t forget that this smartphone is bulky and heavy – it’s not something you can easily slip into your pocket.

But it won’t let you down. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse that can handle everything – from drops to snow – and also serve as a flashlight or speaker, the Cubot KingKong Power 5 is the right choice. No frills, no unnecessary features, just solid performance with character.

Read also: 

Where to buy Cubot KingKong Power 5

Review ratings
Design
8
Materials
8
Ergonomics
8
Package contents
10
Display
7
Performance
8
Cameras
7
Sound
9
Software
8
Battery life
10
Price
10
But it won’t let you down. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse that can handle everything – from drops to snow – and also serve as a flashlight or speaker, the Cubot KingKong Power 5 is the right choice. No frills, no unnecessary features, just solid performance with character.
Yuri Svitlyk
Yuri Svitlyk
Son of the Carpathian Mountains, unrecognized genius of mathematics, Microsoft "lawyer", practical altruist, levopravosek
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2 Comments
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William
William
20/06/2025 02:51

This phone is not even for sale on AliExpress I bought it a month ago they canceled my order three times you cannot buy it

Vladyslav Surkov
Admin
Vladyslav Surkov
27/06/2025 12:03
Reply to  William

The manufacturer promises that the smartphone will go on sale soon.

But it won’t let you down. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse that can handle everything – from drops to snow – and also serve as a flashlight or speaker, the Cubot KingKong Power 5 is the right choice. No frills, no unnecessary features, just solid performance with character.Cubot KingKong Power 5 Review: Rugged, Durable, and Budget-Friendly