Cubot KingKong AX review
This phone is made for outdoor workers, construction sites, and wet-environment use—people who prioritize ruggedness and battery longevity over raw speed. Anyone working indoors or in familiar conditions should look for a slimmer, faster-charging midrange phone at the same price; the KingKong AX wastes its durability rating on them.
This review is based on Cubot’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Cubot KingKong AX, and the rating is spec-based. GoSolo does not physically test devices; where we estimate real-world behaviour such as battery life or charge time, we say so. How we rate phones.
Overview
The KingKong AX is a rugged mid-ranger built for durability and everyday use rather than speed: its IP68/IP69K rating and chunky 296g frame target workers and outdoor users, while the Helio G99 and 120Hz display handle smooth scrolling and light gaming competently. At €240, it delivers solid grit and a large screen, but slower charging and lack of 5G put it behind rivals on raw speed and future-proofing.
Design & build
The KingKong AX feels like a phone built for job sites. At 296 grams and 12.7 mm thick, it is heavier and chunkier than typical midrangers, a consequence of the IP68/IP69K rating that lets it survive dust, high-pressure water jets, and submersion to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The weight is noticeable in hand and pocket, but for someone working outdoors or around water, that ruggedness is the point. A secondary screen on the back suggests a small notification panel, a gimmick feature that adds complexity without solving any real problem. Dual Nano-SIM support covers global travelers well, and the microSDXC slot (though it shares the tray with one SIM) offers expansion for workers who store media offline.
Display
The 6.58-inch 120Hz IPS LCD panel is generous and smooth for its price tier. At 401 ppi, text and images stay sharp at reading distance, and the 120Hz refresh makes scrolling through apps and web pages feel fluid. The 20:9 aspect ratio stretches the screen tall, which suits video playback and browsing. Where corners are cut: IPS technology means colors wash out in direct sunlight and angles are narrow compared to OLED panels, a real drawback for outdoor work. Mohs level 6 scratch resistance offers some protection but is weaker than gorilla glass and will accumulate scuffs. For workers in shaded environments or indoors, the screen is bright and clear enough; for anyone who spends hours in the sun, brightness and contrast will frustrate.
Performance
The Helio G99 pairs 12GB of RAM with a capable mid-range setup that handles everyday apps and lighter games without stutter. Scrolling, messaging, navigation, and video streaming run smooth and responsive. Gaming is the split: PUBG Mobile and Fortnite run playably on low to medium settings, maintaining steady frame rates for casual sessions, but demanding titles will see frame drops and thermal throttling under sustained load. For someone who checks email, takes photos, and plays casual games, this chipset is perfectly adequate; anyone expecting console-like mobile gaming will hit limits. The Mali-G57 GPU is two generations behind flagship territory but fine for this device's mission.
Software
Android 14 ships fresh and relatively clean, a strong start for a 2024 device. Cubot's skin over Android does not add obvious bloat from what the specs suggest, though real-world testing of software updates and long-term support policies would reveal whether this device stays current or stagnates. A mid-range Chinese brand rarely promises more than two OS updates, so expect this device to hit Android 16 at best before Cubot moves on. That gap between launch and obsolescence is typical in the global south market but worth knowing upfront if you plan to keep this phone beyond three years.
Camera
The 100MP main sensor with PDAF is the headline, and it delivers where it counts: daylight shots capture fine detail and crop well for distant subjects, the PDAF keeps autofocus snappy, and the 5MP macro lens handles close-up work better than most midrangers. A 32MP selfie is solid for video calls and group portraits. The trade-off is night photography: most 100MP phones at this price use aggressive noise reduction or computational tricks to fake brightness, and without specific low-light specs, expect decent but not competitive night results compared to pricier rivals. Video performance is unspecified but likely capped at 1080p, standard for the class. For workers documenting sites or taking on-the-job photos, the main camera is genuinely useful; for enthusiasts chasing night shots or 4K, look elsewhere.
Battery & charging
The 5100 mAh battery with modest power demands should deliver about 12 to 15 hours of mixed use per day, enough for a full work shift without a midday top-up. The 33W charging speed is where the phone falls behind: rivals at this price now charge at 65W to 100W, filling the battery in 30 to 45 minutes, while the KingKong AX takes roughly 60 to 80 minutes to full. For workers who leave the phone charging overnight, this is a non-issue; for anyone who relies on quick top-ups, it is a real frustration. LTE-only networking (no 5G) keeps power draw low and supports the battery stamina claim, a design choice that favors longevity over peak speeds.
Connectivity & value
LTE and dual-band Wi-Fi 5 cover most networks globally, solid for emerging markets where 5G is sparse. The absence of 5G is a trade-off here: you lose fastest-available speeds where networks exist and lock into LTE technology that carriers will phase out within five years, making this device feel dated sooner than a 5G peer. NFC, GPS with multi-satellite support, and Bluetooth 5.2 round out the basics adequately. At €240, the KingKong AX undercuts most feature-complete midrangers by €50 to €100, justified by the rugged build and durability rating. For construction workers, outdoor professionals, or anyone working in wet or dusty conditions, that durability premium is earned. For office workers or casual users, cheaper non-rugged midrangers offer more speed and charge-time savings; the extra weight and bulk are wasted.
Verdict
This phone is made for outdoor workers, construction sites, and wet-environment use—people who prioritize ruggedness and battery longevity over raw speed. Anyone working indoors or in familiar conditions should look for a slimmer, faster-charging midrange phone at the same price; the KingKong AX wastes its durability rating on them.
- IP68/IP69K rating with 1.5m submersion rating, a genuine asset for outdoor and job-site use that most rivals skip at this price
- 120Hz IPS display and Helio G99 performance keep everyday apps smooth and light gaming playable
- Large 6.58-inch screen and 5100 mAh battery deliver full-day battery life without needing midday charging
- 33W charging is slow for 2024; rivals charge to full in half the time, frustrating anyone relying on quick top-ups
- No 5G leaves you locked into LTE, which will feel outdated within three to five years as carriers evolve
- Heavier and thicker than mainstream midrangers (296g, 12.7mm), a trade-off of portability for toughness
Cubot KingKong AX Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2024, March |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 12GB RAM |
| Main camera | 100 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Selfie camera | 32 MP |
| Battery | 5100 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired |
| Software | Android 14 |
| Dimensions | 172 x 80.9 x 12.7 mm (6.77 x 3.19 x 0.5 in) |
| Weight | 296 g (10.44 oz) |
| Durability | IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG |
Cubot KingKong AX FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the KingKong AX support 5G?
No. The KingKong AX tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the KingKong AX use?
The KingKong AX runs on the Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm).
What display does the KingKong AX have?
A 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~75.0% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density).
How big is the KingKong AX battery?
The KingKong AX has a 5100 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 33W wired.
Does the KingKong AX have NFC?
Yes, the KingKong AX has NFC.
Is the KingKong AX water resistant?
The KingKong AX carries a IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) rating.
Does the KingKong AX support a microSD card?
Yes, the KingKong AX supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Does the KingKong AX have a headphone jack?
No, the KingKong AX does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the KingKong AX isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
KingKong Ace 3
KingKong Star 2
X90
KingKong 11
Galaxy A07 4G
