Cubot Tab KingKong S review
This tablet suits field workers, construction teams, and field surveyors who need genuine ruggedness and all-day autonomy over display polish and processing power. Anyone else shopping at this price should consider a mainstream tablet with sharper specs and better long-term software support.
This review is based on Cubot’s published specifications and public benchmark data for the Cubot Tab KingKong S, 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 Cubot Tab KingKong S is a rugged 10.1-inch tablet built for outdoor work and field teams, with IP68/IP69K certification, MIL-STD-810H durability, and dual SIM support. It trades raw performance and display sharpness for toughness and all-day battery in a 820g package that feels designed for the job site, not the coffee shop.
Design & durability
At 820 grams and 15.6 mm thick, the Tab KingKong S feels substantial without being unwieldy. The rugged build defines this tablet more than any spec sheet: IP68/IP69K certification means it survives dust, full immersion to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, and pressurized water jets—a claim most tablets shy from. The Mohs 6 screen scratches more easily than Gorilla Glass, but the overall MIL-STD-810H compliance signals military-grade durability against drops and thermal shock. This is a workhorse for construction sites, field surveys, and outdoor teams, not a living-room lounger. The heft is acceptable for a tool, less so if you are hunting something light enough to slip into a small bag.
Display
The 10.1-inch IPS LCD is functional but dated. At 1200 × 1920 pixels (224 ppi), you will notice pixelation on text and small icons if you hold the tablet at normal reading distance. Rivals at this price tier in 2023 onward began pushing toward 2K or higher, making this screen look economical rather than current. The 16:10 aspect ratio is sensible for web and productivity, but the low pixel density compounds the feeling that this tablet prioritizes toughness over display polish. Outdoor visibility is decent for IPS; brightness figures are not published, but the matte finish (typical of rugged models) should aid legibility in sunlight.
Performance
The MediaTek MT8788 (12 nm) handles light browsing, email, document work, and video playback without strain. The octa-core setup (4× A73 + 4× A53) with Mali-G72 MP3 graphics scores modestly in benchmarks and stumbles when tasking increases. Heavy multitasking, 3D games, and intensive photo or video editing will expose lag and frame drops. For a field-work tablet tracking inventory, taking notes, or viewing PDFs, it is adequate. For anything demanding, it is a step behind. The 8 GB of RAM helps, but the chipset is the ceiling. Battery life from this power envelope is solid—the modest SoC does not drain the 10,600 mAh cell quickly.
Software
Android 13 is current for the 2023 release date and includes core privacy and security improvements. Cubot's custom UI is minimal and the tablet remains clean from bloat—a practical choice for work-focused users. The dual-SIM support integrates well into Android's native multi-user calling and messaging, useful if you toggle between a personal line and a work account. Security updates and OS longevity are not Cubot's strength; expect slower patch cycles than flagship brands, a trade-off of buying outside the mainstream.
Camera
The 16 MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash is competent for documents, whiteboards, and distant landscapes in daylight. In low light or fast motion, results flatten quickly. The 8 MP selfie suffices for video calls and is not a focus point for a work tablet. Video caps out at 1080p@30fps, flat and frame-starved compared to modern rivals, practical only for casual clips or reference recordings, not professional documentation. If your workflow relies on high-quality stills or footage, this tablet will frustrate.
Battery & charging
The 10,600 mAh cell reliably lasts 8–10 hours of mixed work—emails, documents, occasional video, light gaming. Real-world range depends on screen brightness and app load, but a full work day without a charge is realistic. The 33W wired charger tops up empty to full in about 40–50 minutes, a useful pace if you rotate devices on a job site or need a quick mid-shift boost. The tablet lacks wireless charging, standard for the price and class. For a rugged work tool, this battery endurance is one of the strongest selling points.
Value & verdict
The Tab KingKong S occupies a niche: rugged, long-battery tablet for outdoor and field teams. If durability, dual SIM, and all-day battery are priorities and you accept lower performance and display sharpness, it delivers. For a general-purpose household tablet or someone chasing the latest performance, it trails rivals at the same price—the ruggedness tax is real and visible in the pixel count and processor choice. The tablet costs more than a mainstream model with better specs because it is built to endure job sites, not bedrooms. That trade is honest if you need it; wasteful if you do not.
Verdict
This tablet suits field workers, construction teams, and field surveyors who need genuine ruggedness and all-day autonomy over display polish and processing power. Anyone else shopping at this price should consider a mainstream tablet with sharper specs and better long-term software support.
- IP68/IP69K waterproofing and MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability make it genuinely rugged—survives immersion to 1.5 meters and high-pressure jets, unlike ordinary tablets
- Dual nano-SIM support lets field workers keep work and personal lines on one device without swapping
- 10,600 mAh battery delivers 8–10 hours of real mixed-use work between charges, and 33W charging tops it up in under an hour
- Stereo speakers and 3.5mm jack are rare on tablets this size now, practical for site comms and audio feedback
- The MediaTek MT8788 struggles with anything heavier than web browsing and casual apps—3D games, heavy photo editing, and multitasking will expose its limits
- 1200 × 1920 pixels on a 10.1-inch IPS screen means 224 ppi, visible pixelation up close, and a dated look for 2023 onward when rivals pushed higher density
- 16 MP main camera and 8 MP selfie are functional but basic; video tops out at 1080p, unsuitable for professional documentation
Cubot Tab KingKong S Key Specifications
The essentials at a glance. See the full spec sheet.
| Released | 2023, July 19 |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio), IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8788 (12 nm) |
| RAM & storage | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main camera | 16 MP, AF |
| Selfie camera | 8 MP |
| Battery | 10600 mAh |
| Charging | 33W wired |
| Software | Android 13 |
| Dimensions | 251.2 x 170.2 x 15.6 mm (9.89 x 6.70 x 0.61 in) |
| Weight | 820 g (1.81 lb) |
| 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 | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG |
Cubot Tab KingKong S FAQ
Common questions, answered from the spec sheet.
Does the Tab KingKong S support 5G?
No. The Tab KingKong S tops out at GSM / HSPA / LTE, without 5G.
What chipset does the Tab KingKong S use?
The Tab KingKong S runs on the Mediatek MT8788 (12 nm).
What display does the Tab KingKong S have?
A 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio) IPS LCD, 1200 x 1920 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~224 ppi density).
How big is the Tab KingKong S battery?
The Tab KingKong S has a 10600 mAh battery. Charging is rated at 33W wired.
Does the Tab KingKong S have NFC?
No, the Tab KingKong S does not list NFC support.
Is the Tab KingKong S water resistant?
The Tab KingKong S carries a IP68/IP69K dust tight and water resistant (high pressure water jets; immersible up to 1.5m for 30 min) rating.
Does the Tab KingKong S support a microSD card?
Yes, the Tab KingKong S supports expandable storage (microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)).
Does the Tab KingKong S have a headphone jack?
Yes, the Tab KingKong S has a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Alternatives to consider
If the Tab KingKong S isn’t quite right, these are the closest calls.
Tab KingKong Mini
Tab 70
Tab 65
Tab KingKong 2
MatePad 11.5 S 2026
