When it comes to rugged smartphones, the market is flooded with options, but few stand out like the Cubot KingKong X Pro. As someone who loves outdoor adventures and needs a phone that can keep up, I decided to put this device to the test. Here’s my in-depth review covering all aspects of the Cubot KingKong X Pro, including its pros, cons, and whether it’s worth your money.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Packaging Quality
Right out of the box, the Cubot KingKong X Pro impresses with its sturdy packaging. The box feels durable, reflecting the phone’s rugged nature. Inside, you’ll find the phone itself, a 33W charger, a USB Type-C cable, a screen protector, rubber protectors, and a SIM card tray tool. The inclusion of these accessories at an affordable price point is a big plus for me.
Initial Build Quality Assessment
Holding the phone for the first time, I immediately noticed its solid build. The rugged design is not just for show—it feels built to withstand tough conditions. The presence of Gorilla Glass adds to the premium feel, while rubber protectors give it that extra grip, making it less likely to slip from my hands during hikes or sports activities.
Design and Build Quality
Rugged Design Elements
The Cubot KingKong X Pro boasts MIL-STD-810H compliance, which means it can handle extreme conditions. It also has an IP68/IP69K rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. This is crucial for someone like me who often finds themselves in environments where a regular smartphone wouldn’t survive.
Durability Features
I’ve put the phone through various tests to check its durability. Whether it’s raining, dusty, or dropping the phone from my backpack, the KingKong X Pro has held up remarkably well. The Gorilla Glass screen remains scratch-free, and the phone hasn’t shown any signs of wear despite heavy use.
Ergonomics and Usability
Despite its rugged build, the phone is surprisingly ergonomic. It’s a bit heavier than standard smartphones, but the weight feels justified given its durability. The placement of buttons and ports is intuitive, making it easy to use even with gloves on—a feature I found very useful during cold weather hikes.
Technical Specifications
Processor and Performance
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, the KingKong X Pro delivers smooth performance. Coupled with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, multitasking is seamless. Whether I’m gaming or running multiple apps, the phone handles everything without lag. The expandable memory via MicroSD card is a bonus, giving me flexibility when I need more storage.
Display
The 6.72-inch IPS LCD panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and sharp images. Even under direct sunlight, the display remains clear, thanks to the Gorilla Glass protection. The high refresh rate makes scrolling and gaming incredibly smooth, enhancing the overall user experience.
Battery Life and Charging
With a massive 10,200 mAh battery, the KingKong X Pro easily lasts me through a full day of heavy use. The 33W wired charging is fast, getting the phone back to full power quickly. However, I do miss wireless charging—a feature I wish Cubot had included.
Operating System and Software
Android 14 Features
Running on Android 14, the phone offers a customizable interface that I can tweak to my liking. The Toolbox app adds extra functionality, making it easier to manage performance and settings. Overall, the software experience is smooth and user-friendly.
Additional Software Features
The DuraSpeed feature helps optimize performance for different tasks, which is great for balancing battery life and speed. Gesture controls and app switching are responsive, making the phone feel modern and efficient.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera Setup
The 100 MP main camera with a night vision sensor delivers impressive photos, even in low light. The macro camera captures detailed close-ups, which I found useful during nature walks. Photos are sharp and vibrant, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts.
Front Camera
The 32 MP selfie camera produces clear and detailed selfies. The front camera’s performance in various lighting conditions is commendable, ensuring that my selfies always look great.
Camera Notches and Design
The phone features a teardrop notch, which minimizes the distraction on the display. This design choice enhances the overall aesthetics, making the screen look more immersive.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Wireless Connections
The KingKong X Pro supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and NFC, ensuring fast and reliable connections. These features make transferring files and connecting to other devices effortless.
Ports and Expandability
The Type-C port is versatile, but I was disappointed to find that there’s no audio jack. However, the expandable storage via MicroSD card makes up for it, allowing me to add more storage when needed.
Security Features
The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is fast and accurate, providing quick access to the phone. While it lacks Face ID, the fingerprint scanner serves as a reliable security measure.
Performance in Real-World Use
Gaming Performance
Gaming on the KingKong X Pro is smooth, thanks to the powerful GPU and high refresh rate display. Games run without lag, and the smooth gameplay enhances the overall experience.
Multitasking and App Performance
Running multiple apps simultaneously is no problem for this phone. The performance remains consistent, and I haven’t experienced any slowdowns, even with heavy multitasking.
Durability Testing
Drop Resistance
I’ve accidentally dropped the phone several times, and it’s held up without any significant damage. The rugged design and Gorilla Glass screen protect it from cracks and scratches.
Waterproof and Dustproof Testing
Taking the phone underwater and into dusty environments has proven its waterproof and dustproof claims. The phone functions perfectly after being submerged and exposed to dust, giving me peace of mind during outdoor activities.
Temperature and Environmental Resistance
Using the phone in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, hasn’t affected its performance. It remains functional and responsive, no matter the weather conditions.
Pros and Cons
Comparison with Competitors
Cubot KingKong X Pro vs. Oukitel WP19
When compared to the Oukitel WP19, the KingKong X Pro offers a slightly smaller battery but comes with a more powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset. Both phones are rugged, but the KingKong X Pro has a higher refresh rate display and better camera specifications, making it a stronger contender in the rugged smartphone market.
Other Rugged Smartphones in the Market
In the crowded rugged smartphone market, the KingKong X Pro stands out with its impressive battery life, high-quality cameras, and affordable pricing. While competitors like the Samsung Galaxy XCover series offer similar durability, the KingKong X Pro provides more value for money, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pricing and Availability
Current Price and Value for Money
The Cubot KingKong X Pro is priced competitively, offering a range of high-end features at a fraction of the cost of other rugged smartphones. For those looking for durability without breaking the bank, this phone is a great choice.
Available Discounts and Offers
Currently, there are various discounts and offers available online, making it even more affordable. It’s worth checking multiple retailers to find the best deal.
User Experience and Testimonials
Real-World User Reviews
Many users have praised the KingKong X Pro for its durability and battery life. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the rugged design, while others commend the phone’s performance and camera quality. However, some users have noted the absence of wireless charging and the heavier weight as drawbacks.
Expert Opinions
Tech experts have lauded the KingKong X Pro for its impressive specifications and affordability. It’s often recommended for those who need a reliable phone for outdoor activities without compromising on performance.
Final Verdict
Is the Cubot KingKong X Pro Worth the Price?
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the Cubot KingKong X Pro is worth the price. It offers a perfect blend of durability, performance, and affordability, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing a rugged smartphone.
Recommendations
I recommend the KingKong X Pro to outdoor enthusiasts, sports lovers, and anyone who needs a phone that can withstand extreme conditions. Its long battery life and high-quality cameras also make it suitable for everyday use.
FAQ
Is the Cubot KingKong X Pro waterproof?
Yes, the KingKong X Pro has an IP68/IP69K rating, making it both waterproof and dustproof. It can be submerged in water and withstand dusty environments without any issues.
How is the battery life of the KingKong X Pro?
The phone is equipped with a massive 10,200 mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day even with heavy use. The 33W charger ensures quick recharging when needed.
Does the KingKong X Pro support expandable storage?
Yes, it supports expandable storage via a MicroSD card, allowing you to add more storage as needed.
Is the KingKong X Pro suitable for gaming?
Absolutely. With the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, LPDDR5 RAM, and a 144 Hz refresh rate display, the KingKong X Pro handles gaming smoothly, providing an enjoyable experience.
What camera features does the KingKong X Pro offer?
The phone features a 100 MP main camera with a night vision sensor, a macro camera for detailed close-ups, and a 32 MP front selfie camera. It delivers excellent photo quality in various lighting conditions.
The Cubot KingKong X Pro is a formidable rugged smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or durability. While it has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging and a heavier build, its pros far outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a reliable phone that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the KingKong X Pro is definitely worth considering.
