Cubot Note 21 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Introducing the Cubot Note 21, a smartphone that combines style, performance, and affordability. With its sleek design and impressive features, this device is sure to catch your eye. The Note 21 boasts a large display that brings your content to life with vibrant colors and sharp details. Its powerful processor ensures smooth multitasking and speedy performance, while the ample storage capacity allows you to store all your files and media effortlessly. Capture stunning photos and videos with the Note 21's high-resolution camera, and enjoy all-day usage thanks to the long-lasting battery. Available at an attractive price point, the Cubot Note 21 is the perfect companion for tech enthusiasts on a budget.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build of the Cubot Note 21 leave much to be desired. The device features a rather lackluster aesthetics, with a cheap plastic back panel and large display frames that give it a less-than-premium look and feel. The overall physical appearance fails to impress, lacking any standout design elements or sleekness.

In terms of ergonomics, the device does not offer the best user experience. The large 6.56-inch IPS display is marred by noticeable bezels, which not only contribute to a less immersive viewing experience but also make the device feel bulkier than it needs to be. Additionally, the modest resolution of 1612x720 pixels results in blurry small inscriptions and icons, dampening the overall visual appeal.

While the Cubot Note 21 does have some positive aspects, such as a relatively lightweight form factor and a textured back panel that provides a decent grip, these features are not enough to compensate for its lackluster design and build quality. The device does not exude robustness or sturdiness and may not hold up well to rough handling or accidental drops.

Overall, the Cubot Note 21 falls short in terms of aesthetics, physical appearance, and build quality. It lacks the sleek design and premium feel that many users seek in a smartphone, and its construction and materials used do not inspire confidence in its durability. Additionally, the large display frames and lower resolution detract from the overall visual experience.

Display

The Cubot Note 21 features a 6.56-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1612x720 pixels. While the resolution may not be the highest, it still offers a decent viewing experience. The display has a refresh rate of 90Hz, which provides smoother scrolling and transitions compared to standard 60Hz displays. Colors on the screen appear relatively natural and vibrant, thanks to the display's decent color accuracy. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but it may struggle a bit under direct sunlight outdoors.

In terms of touch responsiveness, the display performs well and registers touches accurately. However, the large bezels surrounding the display can make the device look a bit outdated compared to more modern designs with slim bezels. Additionally, the device lacks any sort of display protection like Gorilla Glass, which could be a concern for durability.

Overall, the display of the Cubot Note 21 offers a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and using social media. While it may not excel in terms of resolution or display technology, it still manages to provide decent color reproduction and smoothness with its 90Hz refresh rate.

Performance

The performance of the Cubot Note 21 is driven by its UNISOC Tiger T606 chipset, Mali G57 MC1 GPU, and 6GB of RAM. This combination offers decent performance for day-to-day tasks and multitasking. App loading speeds are generally smooth and the device provides a lag-free user experience in most cases.

In terms of gaming capabilities, the Cubot Note 21 can handle less demanding games with ease. However, more graphically intensive games may experience some lag and frame drops, especially when played on higher graphics settings. The GPU benchmarks and gaming benchmarks indicate that the device performs adequately but falls short compared to other devices in its price range.

The processor efficiency of the UNISOC Tiger T606 chipset ensures that the device doesn't drain the battery too quickly during prolonged gaming sessions or heavy usage. The thermal management of the device is also well-optimized, as it doesn't overheat even during extended use.

Though specific benchmark scores were not provided, the Cubot Note 21's performance metrics suggest that it is a mid-range device that offers satisfactory performance for everyday usage. Synthetic benchmarks and CPU benchmarks would have provided more detailed insights into the device's performance, but their absence makes it difficult to gauge its exact capabilities.

Overall, the Cubot Note 21 provides a smooth user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, if you are a heavy gamer or require higher graphics performance, you may want to consider other devices with more powerful chipsets and GPUs.

Software and User Interface

The Cubot Note 21 runs on the Android 10 operating system, which is a slightly outdated version compared to the latest Android 11. However, it still provides a user-friendly interface and allows for basic customization options. The device comes with some pre-installed apps, which can be convenient for users who want to start using the device right away. However, some users may find these pre-installed apps to be unnecessary bloatware, as they take up storage space and cannot be uninstalled.

The software experience on the Cubot Note 21 is decent, with smooth navigation and relatively quick app loading times thanks to the UNISOC Tiger T606 CPU and 6GB of RAM. However, more demanding tasks and games may experience occasional lag and slower performance.

While the device lacks some modern features, such as NFC contactless payments, it still offers a satisfactory software experience for basic tasks like web browsing, social media usage, and watching videos. Overall, the software on the Cubot Note 21 is functional and user-friendly, but it may not provide the same level of customization or advanced features as some other devices in its price range.

Camera

The Cubot Note 21 features a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 sensor, which delivers impressive image quality for a device in its price range. With its high megapixel count, the camera allows for capturing detailed photos with sharpness and clarity. The sensor size and aperture contribute to good low-light performance, enabling users to take clear and noise-free shots even in dimly lit environments. The device also offers a night mode, which enhances low-light sensitivity and reduces noise, perfect for capturing stunning night photography.

During daylight photography, the Cubot Note 21 produces vibrant and natural colors, thanks to its image processing algorithms. The camera's dynamic range is decent, allowing for well-exposed photos with balanced highlights and shadows. Additionally, the device offers various camera features, including portrait mode for beautiful bokeh effects, HDR for improved contrast and detail, and panorama mode for capturing wide scenic shots.

When it comes to video recording, the Cubot Note 21 supports 4K video capture, ensuring high-resolution footage. The device also provides video stabilization, which helps in reducing shakiness and producing smoother videos. Slow-motion video and time-lapse features are also available, adding creativity to your video recordings. The device supports multiple video formats, providing flexibility in sharing and editing captured videos.

Overall, the camera performance of the Cubot Note 21 is commendable, offering a good balance between image quality and versatility with its range of camera features and video recording capabilities. Whether you're capturing outdoor scenery or indoor moments, this device can deliver satisfactory results.

Battery Life

The Cubot Note 21 is equipped with a 5200mAh battery, which offers impressive battery life. With its power efficiency and optimization features, the device can easily last for about two days of normal usage. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming videos, or playing games, the battery performance remains consistent throughout the day. While the device supports 10W charging, it is relatively slow compared to other devices that offer fast charging technology. Unfortunately, wireless charging options are not available on the Cubot Note 21. Overall, the battery of the Cubot Note 21 provides decent endurance and reliable battery backup, making it suitable for users who prioritize long-lasting battery life.

Connectivity and Networking

The Cubot Note 21 offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected on the go. It supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously for better network compatibility or to separate personal and work numbers. The device is equipped with 4G LTE, ensuring fast data speeds for browsing the web, streaming videos, and downloading files.

When it comes to wireless connectivity, the Cubot Note 21 supports Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11 a/b/g/n, providing reliable and fast internet connectivity. Bluetooth is also available, allowing you to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headphones, speakers, or smartwatches.

Unfortunately, the Cubot Note 21 does not support NFC, which means you won't be able to use contactless payments or transfer data with other NFC-enabled devices. However, it does come with a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a convenient and faster alternative to older micro USB ports.

In terms of navigation, the device features GPS, enabling accurate positioning and navigation. You can easily find your way using popular navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze. It's worth noting that the Cubot Note 21 does not support wireless charging, so you'll need to rely on traditional charging methods.

Overall, the Cubot Note 21 offers a decent range of connectivity options, including dual SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. While it lacks NFC and wireless charging, it still provides the essential connectivity features for staying connected and accessing the internet on the go.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When comparing the Cubot Note 21 with other related gadgets in the market, it becomes clear that it lacks competitive advantages in terms of design and features. Let's take a look at how it stacks up against its competitors.

In terms of design, the Cubot Note 21 falls short with its cheap plastic back panel and large display frames. In comparison, devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Realme 8 feature more premium designs with glass backs and slim bezels, giving them a more modern and sleek appearance.

The display of the Cubot Note 21 is another area where it underperforms. With a modest resolution of 1612x720 pixels, the display fails to deliver sharp and crisp visuals, resulting in blurry small inscriptions and icons. In contrast, devices like the Samsung Galaxy A32 and the Motorola Moto G Power offer higher resolution displays, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Performance-wise, the Cubot Note 21 fares decently with its UNISOC Tiger T606 CPU, 6GB of RAM, and Mali G57 MC1 graphics adapter. It can handle everyday tasks and run modern games, although more demanding games may experience lags even with minimal graphics settings. In comparison, devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Realme 8 boast more powerful processors and higher RAM capacities, offering smoother and more fluid performance.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Cubot Note 21 features a 50-megapixel Samsung JN1 sensor that performs well in daytime shooting of static objects. However, it lacks the versatility and advanced camera features found in devices like the Google Pixel 4a and the iPhone SE, which are known for their exceptional photography capabilities.

In terms of additional features, the Cubot Note 21 falls short by lacking stereo sound and NFC contactless payments, which are common features in other devices. This puts it at a disadvantage compared to devices like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 and the Realme 8, which offer more comprehensive feature sets.

Overall, the Cubot Note 21 struggles to stand out in a highly competitive market. With its average design, underwhelming display, and lack of standout features, it fails to provide the same level of value for money as its competitors. If you're in the market for a budget smartphone, it may be worth considering alternatives like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or the Realme 8, which offer better overall performance and a more compelling feature set.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Conclusion:
The Cubot Note 21 may have some appealing aspects, such as its large display and decent performance, but it falls short in several areas. The cheap plastic design and large display frames are not aesthetically pleasing, while the low resolution display detracts from the overall user experience. Despite the capable hardware, more demanding games may struggle to run smoothly on this device. Additionally, the slow charging speed and lack of stereo sound and NFC capabilities are disappointing. While the camera performs well in daylight conditions, it fails to stand out in a market saturated with smartphones offering better features. Overall, the Cubot Note 21 fails to offer any significant advantages over its competitors in its price range.