Not only known for its rugged “King Kong” lineup, the Cubot brand has gained recognition by branching out into an interesting niche with its subsidiary, Hafury, which focuses on smartphones for the female audience. While some brands occasionally attempt to cater to female users, they often do so by offering models in different colors (usually stereotypical ones) or providing accessories (such as cases) with a “feminine” design. However, creating a separate brand specifically dedicated to producing devices for women is a novelty in my memory, and it’s quite intriguing. In addition to their elegant design, incredibly aesthetic packaging, and a plethora of stylish accessories included, Hafury devices still remain modern smartphones with a good balance between price and specifications. So today, let’s get acquainted with the Hafury Meet, which boasts a splendid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 12GB of RAM, a 100MP main camera, and a very appealing price tag.
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Cubot Hafury Meet specifications
- Display: AMOLED, 6.67″, FHD+ (1080×2400), 120Hz, 395 ppi, up to 1500 nits brightness, 20:9 aspect ratio, 100% DCI-P3
- Processor: Helio G99, 8 cores, 6×Cortex-A55 (2.0GHz) + 2×Cortex-A76 (2.2GHz), 6nm
- GPU: Mali-G52 MC2
- Permanent memory: 256GB
- RAM: 12GB (+12GB due to ROM)
- Slot: 2 nanoSIM, microSD not supported
- Wireless networks: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- Main camera: 100MP + 16MP ultra-wide-angle (117°) + 5MP macro
- Front camera: 32 MP
- Battery: 5100 mAh, 33W charging power
- OS: Android 13
- Dimensions: 162.70×74.0×9.35 mm
- Weight: 211 g
- Extras: 2 cases included and a strap
Market positioning and price
We will focus on the price tag of the official Cubot store on AliExpress. So, at the time of writing the review, the novelty can be purchased for $200. So Hafury Meet can be attributed to the so-called category of advanced budget or entry-level mid-range. In my opinion, the cost of the smartphone is quite loyal for its capabilities and equipment. But this is me getting ahead of myself, let’s talk about everything in order.
Package contents
The Hafury Meet starts impressing right from the unboxing experience. Instead of the usual box we’re accustomed to, the smartphone arrives in an aesthetic blue case with a magnetic clasp and a glossy mandala pattern. Upon opening it, users are greeted with a card bearing the inscription “The best love for her,” leaving no doubt that the device’s target audience is the fairer sex.
The package contents are also pleasantly surprising, as it includes a bunch of goodies. Along with the smartphone wrapped in factory protective film, the box contains a charger (with a modern Type-C connector instead of the classic USB-A) and a cable (interestingly, they are also presented in a blue color, complementing the device’s design and actually looking quite wonderful), accompanying documentation, a SIM card tray ejector tool, and two cases. Their purpose is not only to protect the smartphone but also to accentuate its design and the owner’s style.
The first one is a plastic bumper with a golden trim around the perimeter and the camera area. It barely covers the side edges, which, on one hand, slightly reduces the level of protection but, on the other hand, draws attention to the “waterfall” screen and gives the smartphone an elegant look.
The second one, in turn, is radically different from the first. Made of cream-colored silicone, the bumper is adorned with golden decorations, rhinestones, and artificial pearls. Fans of glamorous aesthetics should appreciate it. The case is complemented by a card pocket with a button and a metallic element resembling a perfume bottle, reminiscent of Chanel’s silhouette. Featuring a white texture with glitter and rhinestones around the perimeter, there is also a label with the inscription “Parum”. It’s probably a typo, and it’s missing the letter “F” in the middle. It’s a pity because such details catch the eye of nitpickers like me.
However, there’s another small secret here. The metallic “perfume” opens up and turns into a stand for the smartphone. Additionally, underneath it, there is a small mirror, allowing for makeup touch-ups or hair adjustments at any time.
Additionally, there is a strap that attaches to the case, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder. I’m not sure how relevant this option is, as I haven’t seen people wearing smartphones this way since the early 2010s. But it’s there, which is good.
Although the second bumper covers all edges and looks more reliable than the first, there is one drawback that makes this case inconvenient to use – and that is the bulky bead on the pocket. Because of it, the smartphone rests on the surface at a high angle and noticeably wobbles. In my opinion, this is quite impractical for everyday use.
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Design, materials and layout of elements
The included cases may or may not appeal to you in terms of design, but the design of the Hafury Meet itself is sure to leave a positive impression.
Its body is predominantly made of glass, with the ends combining glass (on top) and plastic. I particularly like its color – a noble gray-blue with a charming pattern beneath the glass, giving it dimensionality. However, the bottom part of the “back,” where the technical markings and the brand name are located, lacks the pattern. In my opinion, it would be better if the markings were applied to a sticker on the body that could be removed later – this is done by many manufacturers and, in my view, would look better.
The camera module here is large, round, and symmetrical. On a significant “projection,” there are four sensors, a flash on top, and the inscription “100 Mp” below. Interestingly, the official website’s technical specifications state three cameras (main, wide-angle, and macro), so the fourth might be a depth sensor, which they decided not to mention as a separate sensor.
The front features a large screen with fairly thin bezels – the thinnest on the sides, slightly wider at the top, and most noticeable at the bottom. The display here is “waterfall,” so its side edges smoothly blend into the body. The front camera is simply placed in a hole in the screen, and at the junction of the display and the top edge, you can barely notice the opening for the earpiece. The fingerprint scanner is also embedded in the screen.
In the Hafury Meet, the control elements are arranged as follows: the volume control buttons are located to the left of the screen, while the power button is situated to the right.
At the top, you can notice an opening for an additional microphone, as well as light sensors beneath the glass panel. As for the bottom, it accommodates a slot for a pair of SIM cards, a hole for the primary microphone, a Type-C port, and the main speaker. However, there is no provision for a 3.5mm headphone jack.
How ergonomic is Hafury Meet?
Overall, the design, build quality, and materials of the Hafury Meet provide a very pleasant experience. It features a modern aspect ratio of 20:9 and a waterfall display, making it sleek and attractive. Visually and tactilely, it feels very pleasing. But what about its ergonomics?
Weighing in at 211 grams, it does feel a bit hefty, likely due to the glass panel. Nevertheless, it fits comfortably in the hand. Despite having a glass surface and very thin edges, it doesn’t feel prone to slipping or falling during regular handling. However, for added peace of mind, one could opt to use a plastic bumper to eliminate any concerns altogether.
Talking about full one-handed control makes no sense—it’s practically impossible even for pianists. You still have to readjust the device in your hand to reach the far corner. The power button is conveniently placed, easily reachable without any issues. Perhaps, some might be unsettled by the separation of the volume and power buttons on different sides of the screen, but personally, I found it to be a matter of habit. I had no trouble using the smartphone, despite being accustomed to all buttons being on the right side. The only caveat was that initially, I occasionally took accidental screenshots while holding the unlocked smartphone in my hand.
One thing I don’t entirely agree with is the placement of the fingerprint scanner. Just to remind you, it’s an optical scanner located on the screen. I always pay attention to this because for me, it’s a matter of daily convenience and ease of use. It’s positioned almost immediately above the control button panel, and when you hold the smartphone around the bottom edge, unlocking poses no problem. However, when the device is held in the middle, you have to readjust the Hafury Meet in your hands, which can sometimes be inconvenient. Therefore, I often find myself resorting to the face scanner. A more practical solution, in my opinion, would be to position the scanner slightly higher—this way, it would be more convenient to use in most cases.
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Display
The Hafury Meet features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display. It boasts a resolution of FHD+ (1080×2400), with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, a pixel density of 395 ppi, and a brightness of up to 1500 nits. Additionally, the smartphone’s screen covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.
In the settings menu, you can also find the MiraVision option, indicating support for real-time image enhancement technology depending on the content type. However, there’s nothing supernatural in the settings. It includes adaptive brightness, dark theme, night mode, refresh rate selection (60 Hz, 120 Hz, or adaptive mode), as well as customization features for wallpapers, etc. There’s no option to change color reproduction or temperature (except for the night mode, which noticeably warms up the image). However, this is unlikely to be necessary: the vividness of colors, contrast, and depth of shades are the trademark features of AMOLED screens.
The display of the Hafury Meet is truly fantastic, without exaggeration. Whether it’s text and tables, social media feeds, or videos, everything appears vibrant, bright, and beautiful. The viewing angles are excellent, the brightness is sufficient for outdoor use on a sunny day, and the support for 120 Hz ensures a smooth interface experience. What more could you ask for from a screen? The only minor issue I noticed during testing is the somewhat non-smooth adjustment of the display brightness. I typically don’t use automatic brightness adjustment because I’m not satisfied with how algorithms work on devices, so I prefer manual control. On the Hafury Meet, I noticed that the brightness changes in steps rather than smoothly when sliding the brightness panel with a finger. However, I wouldn’t consider this a drawback, and overall, it doesn’t detract from the positive experience of using the screen.
Hardware and wireless connections
The new device runs on the 8-core Helio G99 processor, built on a 6nm process. Among its 8 cores, 6 are energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the remaining 2 (Cortex-A76, 2.2 GHz) handle more demanding tasks. Graphics processing is handled by the Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, as well as various services for geopositioning.
The device comes with 256 GB of internal storage, but there’s no support for microSD cards. However, this capacity should be sufficient to avoid any restrictions in installing apps or saving photos and videos. Although, if there are furry friends at home, cloud storage might be needed sooner than expected. As for the RAM, in addition to the 12 GB of physical RAM, an additional 12 GB can be added through the ROM thanks to the Memory Expansion feature. In principle, with 12 GB of hardware RAM, there’s hardly any need for expansion, as there are no issues with handling “heavy” applications or multitasking. This is not only due to the generous amount of RAM but also to the well-balanced processor. Yes, it’s budget-friendly and may not deliver top performance in modern 3D games, but in everyday life, it handles tasks smoothly. No lags, no spontaneous reboots – everything runs smoothly and pleasantly. The test results are provided below.
Hafury Meet Software
Another pleasant surprise from the Hafury Meet is its “pure” Android 13. It’s rare among Chinese brands to release smartphones without custom skins. Therefore, fans of Google’s clean operating system will surely appreciate this. There’s nothing extra here – no proprietary app stores duplicating the Play Store, no local services, or other unnecessary programs (in most cases). It’s beautiful!
Overall, the system offers basic functionality without anything extraordinary. It supports familiar gestures, provides numerous customization options for both the interface and the smartphone’s operation, and the core applications are Google products (for example, Google Files serving as the Gallery). It’s simple, concise, and convenient.
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Unlocking methods
Hafury Meet features a combination of fingerprint and face scanners. The fingerprint scanner works excellently—swiftly and with virtually no false readings. If it were positioned slightly higher on the screen, it would be a perfect 10 for me. The face scanner operates flawlessly under good lighting conditions. However, it doesn’t have a short-term brightness boost for unlocking in the dark. Therefore, in low-light conditions with low screen brightness, unlocking the smartphone won’t be possible using the face scanner alone—fingerprint, PIN/password/pattern to the rescue.
Sound
The smartphone has a single speaker, so the sound output is mono. Nevertheless, it’s quite clear, loud, and overall produces decent sound. It may not deliver an exceptional music experience, but it works fine for watching videos, Reels, or using it for communication purposes.
Hafury Meet Cameras
The rear camera consists of 4 modules, but as I mentioned earlier, only 3 of them are specified. Here we have the main 100 MP module (capable of shooting video up to 2K at 30 fps), a 16 MP wide-angle module with a 117° field of view, and there’s also a 5 MP macro module.
What interesting features are available in the default camera app? Here are the following modes:
- For photos – “Night”, “Photo”, “Beauty”, “High-Res” (100 MP), “Pro”, “Portrait”, “Macro”, and “Wide Angle”.
- For videos – “Video”, “Slow-mo”, “Time Lapse”, and GIF creation mode.
It’s worth noting that in the standard mode, the main sensor captures images at 25 MP (5760×4303), meaning the Hafury Meet also utilizes the 4-in-1 pixel binning function. As for the image quality, it’s quite predictable. In good lighting conditions, the main module can provide pleasant detail, sharpness, and natural color reproduction. The fourth module (the one not specified), presumably a depth sensor, does a decent job of adding depth to the image. However, the quality significantly drops at night. In some cases (specifically, in some), the night shooting mode may help, but sometimes the regular mode produces better results. Nevertheless, none of them will deliver truly attractive photos that you’d enjoy keeping in your gallery or posting on social media.
I suggest verifying this. As always, the left side shows the result of shooting in regular mode, while the right side shows the night mode.
And some more sample photos on the main module at 25MP resolution.
Unfortunately, the wide-angle module cannot boast high-quality photos, even during the day. The central part of the image is more or less well represented, but around the edges, it’s hard not to notice a grainy “vignette.” At night, the same picture is observed, but the degree of artifacts and blurriness is higher. Here are a few examples of the wide-angle mode.
I found the macro module more interesting. With a modest resolution of 5 MP, it is less demanding in terms of lighting compared to the 2-megapixel cameras found in most budget smartphones. There are some questions about color reproduction, as it is slightly muted, but textures are conveyed quite well. It’s unlikely to be highly sought after in everyday life (similar to the wide-angle lens), but it can be fun to play around with if desired.
The front camera here is 32 MP. The key to great selfies will be good (ideally natural) lighting. Images in standard photo mode are sharp and pleasing, but overly sharp, which can emphasize any shadows or imperfections on the face. To mitigate this, you can use the “Beauty” mode, which slightly softens the high sharpness. Video is recorded in Full HD resolution at 30 fps. Overall, the camera is decent, but to get a beautiful selfie or video, you’ll have to put in a little effort.
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Battery life
Hafury Meet is equipped with a 5100 mAh battery, with a charging power of 33 W. According to the manufacturer, this capacity is sufficient for up to 21 hours of talk time or 17 hours of music playback. I think these figures can be relied upon, as in the autonomy test in PCMark, the smartphone showed 12 hours and 41 minutes of screen-on time (brightness at 60%, only Wi-Fi enabled). Although not record-breaking, this level of performance will suffice for a full day of regular use. Additionally, if needed, the battery life can be extended using the power-saving mode.
Conclusions and competitors
Hafury Meet pleasantly surprised me with its materials and design, which are both elegant and not overly flashy. It boasts a wonderful and vibrant AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, good performance, and ample memory, both RAM and storage. It offers decent battery life and runs on a “clean” Android 13 without unnecessary bloatware. The packaging and accessories are also noteworthy, as the brand paid great attention to detail, from the box format to the color coordination of accessories like the charger and cable to match the smartphone.
Yes, it’s true that it has its imperfections like the not-so-ideal cameras, the somewhat inconvenient fingerprint scanner placement, the lack of smoothness when manually adjusting the display brightness, and the absence of a feature to increase screen brightness when unlocking with face recognition at night. But let’s be honest – considering its price tag of just $200, I wouldn’t really classify these nuances as drawbacks.
In my opinion, Hafury has chosen an interesting and quite promising strategy of creating affordable yet stylish devices specifically for women. I believe that this concept definitely has the right to exist, and I would like to wish the company success. As for competitors, in the segment of budget smartphones exclusively for women, there aren’t any. However, there are plenty of unisex devices in this niche.
Whom would I consider as a competitor to the Hafury Meet with 12/256 GB onboard? First and foremost, perhaps the Moto G54. It comes at a slightly higher price (around $225) but offers support for memory cards, optical image stabilization for the camera, stereo sound, an audio jack, and a 6000 mAh battery. However, it has an IPS screen and, as a result, the fingerprint scanner is located on the side.
The new Infinix Hot 40 Pro could also be an alternative. At a similar price point, it supports microSD and has a dedicated slot, an audio jack, and stereo speakers. However, its display, although 120 Hz, is LTPS, and it comes with the XOS interface as an addition.
Another option to consider is the Oscal Tiger 12. It’s available at a slightly lower price point, featuring similar hardware and most parameters as the Hafury Meet, but it also supports memory cards. The only significant difference is the IPS display.
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