If we take a general look at the gadget market, it turns out that rugged phones with dual screens and decent battery life are quite rare. An exception to this rule is, of course, CUBOT, which specializes in this specific segment. Interestingly, almost every gadget includes features that are useful for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, work in challenging conditions, or simply prefer rugged devices. Not long ago, I tested the KINGKONG X, and today it’s time to explore the KINGKONG X PRO version. Let’s see how it differs from the X and whether it’s worth buying rugged phones in 2024.
Positioning and price
The manufacturer’s smartphones have common features: rubberized bezels, durable plastic, several security standards, colorful inserts on the back, but also not the best filling (so that the smartphone does not overheat).
The device will be officially unveiled on November 11, but we managed to get it for review earlier. CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO is an improved version of CUBOT KINGKONG X. How do they differ from each other?
The KINGKONG X is equipped with a simpler MediaTek Dimensity 7050 processor, while the PRO model runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8200. The screen has also increased in size: the previous model had a 6.58″ display, while the KINGKONG X PRO features a 6.72″ screen. What hasn’t changed? Primarily the design, as well as the cameras and battery capacity, which remain the same.
The KINGKONG X PRO will be sold for approximately $290 / €267 in a single black version.
Read also: CUBOT KINGKONG X Rugged Smartphone Review
Specifications of CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO
- Screen: FHD+, 6.72”, 1080×2400, maximum refresh rate 144 Hz, 20:9, 401 ppi
- Additional display: 2.79”, touchscreen, 446 dpi
- Processor: 8-core MediaTek Dimensity 8200
- Video card: Mali-G610 VC6
- RAM: 12 GB expandable with virtual memory up to 24 GB
- Amount of permanent memory: 256 GB + microSDXC memory card support
- Cameras: 100 megapixel main camera, 32 megapixel front camera
- Battery: Li-lon 10200 mAh with 33W charger
- Protection standards: dustproof, waterproof, IP68, IP69K, screen protection – drop resistance from a height of up to 1.5 m, MIL-STD-810H compliance
- Operating system: Android 14
- Wireless networks: Wi-Fi 6 dual-band, Bluetooth 5.1
- Navigation: GPS, BDS, GALILEO, GLONASS
- Additionally: NFC support, additional function key
- Dimensions: 180.2×93.0×20.3 mm
- Weight: 393 g
Package contents
The KINGKONG X comes with a fairly rich package that includes everything you need: a screen protector, documentation, a cable, a 33W charger, and a tool for removing the SIM card tray. There’s nothing more you could ask for. The screen already has a protective glass installed.
Design
Honestly, there are no special design elements in this new model that significantly differ from previous versions.
When you look at the CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO, it’s impossible to confuse it with any other gadget. It’s a classic “rugged” phone that simultaneously combines toughness with innovative features.
Its body is made of plastic, with rubber inserts on the back panel (which I personally like, as they don’t show fingerprints, and the gadget feels nice to hold; it doesn’t slip, reducing the risk of dropping the phone). The Type-C port and SIM card slot are covered by protective caps.
On the right edge, you’ll find the volume and power buttons; the latter also serves as a fingerprint scanner and multifunctional key. It supports several functions: a short press returns you to the home screen, a long press activates the “Emergency” button, locks the device, or takes a screenshot.
On the left side is a programmable orange button, which can be customized to suit your needs. For example, turn on a flashlight, send an SOS signal, launch an app or camera that will take pictures underwater, or take a quick screenshot.
On the back, there are cameras that frame an additional screen. The mini-screen not only shows the date, time, battery power, and notifications, but also allows you to control music or take selfies.
Additionally, there’s an LED indicator in the top left corner of the front panel that signals missed calls or low battery. The top edge has no features; it’s made of a rubberized material that protects the phone from drops.
On the bottom edge, there’s another cap that covers the USB Type-C port for charging the smartphone or connecting it to a laptop. It’s a pity that the KINGKONG X PRO doesn’t include the classic 3.5mm audio jack.
One noticeable aspect is the even bezels surrounding the screen, although they could have been a bit thinner.
The KINGKONG X PRO looks quite impressive and meets the standards of rugged phones. The body is sturdy and reliable, while the rubberized textures provide good grip and protection against damage.
In addition to its shock-resistant design, the smartphone has water and dust protection with an IP68 rating. Just to remind you, devices with an IP68 rating can be used at depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes without worrying about their integrity.
Read also: Cubot KingKong Star 2 5G Smartphone Review: Stylish and Rugged
Ergonomics
When it comes to ergonomics, the smartphone is indeed quite large and heavy. But that’s exactly how it should be to withstand harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, immersion in water, impacts, and more.
This means it’s important to understand that the KINGKONG X PRO isn’t for everyone, and it’s likely best to buy it for its intended purpose. Otherwise, it may feel cumbersome. Personally, I found the phone to be quite large, but my father remarked that it’s the perfect gadget for “real men.”
CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO screen
The main screen of the CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO has a 6.72-inch IPS matrix with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels and a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. You can choose a refresh rate of 60, 90, or 144 Hz, which is a good indicator, because most smartphones stop at 120 Hz.
The screen brightness is well-balanced, with all elements appearing sharp and wide viewing angles. Since it’s autumn and there’s less sunlight, I found it comfortable to use the smartphone both during the day and at night—I didn’t even increase the brightness. However, the large bezels and the outdated design of the selfie camera are quite noticeable. Still, such details are fairly typical for rugged phones.
In the settings, you’ll find familiar options for adjusting the display—dark and light modes, element sizes, wallpaper changes, and styles, among others.
Read also: Cubot KingKong ES Review: Rugged Budget Phone at Reasonable Price
Additional screen
The mini-screen has long been a feature in rugged smartphones, and we’ve gotten used to it, but it serves as a handy assistant for daily use. The screen is touch-sensitive, so tapping it twice will “wake” it up to show the time. Swiping up opens a widget displaying the battery level, while swiping right or left gives you access to the compass, music controls, and the camera. It’s clear that this isn’t a fully functional camera like those typically found in standard models.
It’s worth noting that the screen can be customized to your liking; you can change the watch face, enable notifications from apps, incoming calls, and more.
Read also: CUBOT King Kong Ace 3 Review: Rugged Smartphone with Dual Displays
Performance
The CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO is equipped with an 8-core MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, which delivers decent performance for various tasks. Combined with the Mali-G610 VC6 graphics card, the graphics quality is quite good, even in games. It has 12GB of RAM, which can be virtually expanded to 24GB. For storage, there’s 256GB of internal memory and support for microSDXC cards.
The smartphone operated without any issues and didn’t shut down on its own. Switching between apps was quick. In the settings, there’s also a DuraSpeed feature that enhances the smartphone’s performance by disabling background apps that haven’t been used for a while.
You can view the benchmark results here:
I’m quite satisfied with the performance—the phone didn’t heat up even during testing, games loaded quickly, the graphics were smooth, and working with all the apps was fast.
CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO operating system
I’m really pleased when the operating system is “clean,” without unnecessary elements like online stores, games, or confusing programs and apps—if someone needs those, they can download them themselves. The KINGKONG X PRO runs on a “pure” version of Android 14.
Essential functions are very easy to find when using the interface in English—there are no issues at all. However, if you choose another language, some translation inaccuracies may arise. This has been a familiar issue with CUBOT; the predecessor had the same problem. Does it interfere? Not really, but it can be somewhat annoying.
Read also: Cubot KingKong AX Rugged Smartphone Review: Sturdy Yet Elegant
Sound
In my opinion, sound isn’t the strong point of this gadget; it’s just average. Plus, there’s no jack for wired headphones. The sound is clear but lacks depth, with a bit of a deficiency in bass and treble. It feels like the audio is stuck at a middle level. Of course, one wishes for everything, especially at this price, but you rarely find good sound in “rugged” devices.
Unlocking methods
What surprised me was that when you first set up the phone, the system immediately offers all the unlocking methods: PIN code, facial recognition, and fingerprint scanner. This step in the initial setup cannot be skipped, which is unfortunate because not everyone wants to use all three functions simultaneously. Of course, I turned them off in the settings later. The fingerprint scanner didn’t work as well as I had hoped; there were quite a few false reads. All the other unlocking methods worked well, though.
Wireless connections
The smartphone supports modern communication standards, including Wi-Fi 6 (802.11/b/a/g/n/ac/ax) and Bluetooth 5.1. The KINGKONG X PRO also offers various navigation systems, such as GPS, BDS, and GALILEO. Additionally, it is equipped with NFC, enabling contactless payments.
Read also: Cubot KingKong 8 Review: А Worthy Rugged Budget Phone 3-in-1
CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO Cameras
The CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO is equipped with a 100 MP main camera, a 32 MP front camera, and a macro camera.
The main camera performs well overall. The photos are decent but lack sufficient contrast, appearing somewhat dull. I would have preferred more vibrant colors and depth in the shots. It’s worth noting that while the detail is good when zooming in on the finished image, the overall picture can sometimes look like a blur, particularly with greenery or trees. In cases with artificial lighting, the sensor effectively focuses on the main subject, resulting in a good image.
The front camera was more disappointing than satisfying for me. All the selfies come out as if I took them on a very cheap phone—my face lacks natural colors, and when taking selfies outdoors, the pictures are almost always overexposed.
A pleasant surprise was how well the KINGKONG X PRO captures photos in the evening, at night, or in low-light conditions. All the elements are well-highlighted, with excellent contrast—it’s truly impressive. A separate night mode doesn’t seem necessary, as it produces nearly the same shots but takes significantly longer. Additionally, if you don’t stay completely still even after the sensor “captures” the shot, you’re likely to be unpleasantly surprised by the results—blurry photos are a common outcome.
What can I say about macro? You can take a good shot if you have enough light and manage to catch the focus.
Static videos are not bad, but the situation worsens when you’re moving, and there’s a lack of stabilization. It’s also harder to make videos because the phone is not lightweight.
Read also: Unihertz 8849 Tank 3S Rugged Smartphone Review
Battery life and charging
CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO is equipped with a substantial 10,200 mAh battery, allowing it to operate for up to three days without needing a charge. During active use—including video streaming, social media, photography, messaging, and navigation—the phone maintains a good charge and does not overheat, even during the charging process.
It’s a positive feature that the package includes a 33W charger. The charging time from 0 to 100% is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Conclusions
CUBOT KINGKONG X PRO is truly a durable smartphone with a distinctive design tailored for an active lifestyle and extreme conditions. With a robust 10,200 mAh battery, the phone can be used for up to three days without recharging, making it an excellent choice for users who need reliability and longevity in their device.
The MediaTek Dimensity 8200 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and a generous 256 GB of internal storage ensure smooth system performance and quick app switching. Additionally, the small secondary screen on the back displays essential notifications, time, battery level, and allows users to control music or calls. This feature acts like a mini smartwatch, enabling users to check information quickly without needing to unlock the main screen.
The device also features a rugged case that is resistant to shocks, dust, and moisture, making it practical for everyday use. Overall, the KINGKONG X PRO is a sturdy and functional smartphone offered at a reasonable price.
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