The Cubot X9 has established itself as a mid-range smartphone that stands out for offering an outstanding balance between price, design, and performance. It's currently considered an ideal option for those looking for a versatile device with very competitive specifications, without having to invest a large sum of money. Its price is around 124 euros, adjusted for what it offers in terms of hardware, and its design is reminiscent of the iconic iPhone 6, especially its thinness of just 6,9 mm and its weight of 124 grams, making it one of the lightest and most comfortable phones to handle within its segment.
After unboxing and first impressions of the Cubot X9, users have raised several questions about its real-world performance, especially in demanding tasks and video playback. Therefore, in this article, we provide an exhaustive review of its overall performance, subjecting it to recognized benchmark tests, video and audio tests, and user experience analysis. If you want to know if the Cubot X9 is the phone you need, here you have all the information you need, both from a technical perspective and in real-life daily use.
Design, construction and first impressions
One of the first aspects that most draws attention to the Cubot X9 is its careful minimalist aesthetics, inspired by curved lines and clean finishes. The chassis is made from a combination of treated plastics that simulate aluminum to the touch and sight, reinforced by an internal titanium structure, which gives it resistance and robustness in everyday use.
The layout of buttons and inputs is functional and well-designed. On the right side The volume and power buttons are concentrated, as well as two slots: one for a micro SIM card, and another multipurpose one for microSD or nano SIM, allowing dual SIM or storage expansion (The hybrid slot supports microSD cards up to 64GB according to foreign versions, although it officially supports 32GB.) At the top we find the 3,5mm headphone input, and at the bottom the micro USB port next to the stereo speakers, which offer a loud and clear volume for the price range in which this model is located.
For its part, the The rear features a 13-megapixel Sony camera with LED flash., which doesn't protrude and sits perfectly flush with the body of the device, providing a clean, modern look. Along with it, the second microphone provides noise cancellation for calls and video recording.
The official dimensions of the Cubot X9 are 143.4 x 72.6 x 6.9 mm, which, combined with its lightness, makes it very comfortable to use with one hand, ideal for both those who prioritize design and those who demand portability in their device.
Full technical specifications of the Cubot X9
- Display: 5-inch IPS/LTPS HD LCD; 1280 x 720 pixel resolution; 294 ppi density; OGS technology and very natural color rendering, ideal for multimedia playback.
- Processor: MediaTek MTK6592M, Octa-Core Cortex-A7 at 1.4 GHz; 28 nm architecture for improved power efficiency; outstanding multitasking performance.
- GPU: Mali-450 MP4 at 700 MHz; good performance for video playback and casual games.
- RAM: 2GB, enough to run Android and current apps without lag.
- Internal storage: 16GB; expandable via microSD up to 32GB (in some markets, up to 64GB).
- Main camera: 13-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor (8MP actual, interpolated to 13MP); 5-element lens, f/1.8 aperture, LED flash, Full HD 1080p video recording, fast autofocus.
- Frontal camera: 8 megapixels (5MP actual, interpolated to 8MP); 88-degree viewing angle, ideal for selfies and video calls.
- Battery: 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery; up to a full day of mixed usage (4-5 hours of screen-on time based on real-world testing).
- Operating system: Android 4.4.2 KitKat with customizable interface and smart gestures.
- Connectivity: Dual SIM (micro SIM + nano SIM or microSD), 2G GSM networks (850/900/1800/1900MHz), 3G WCDMA networks (850/900/2100MHz), Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS/A-GPS, OTG, HotKnot, FM radio (requires headphones).
- Dimensions and weight: 143.4 x 72.6 x 6.9 mm; 124 grams.
- Extras: RGB notification light, proximity and ambient light sensor, accelerometer, dual SIM or storage expansion options, call noise cancellation.
- Box contents: Cubot X9, battery, charger, USB cable, transparent bumper case, screen protector, quick start guide and user manual in several languages.
User experience: daily use and multitasking
The Cubot X9 responds quickly to the most common daily tasks: web browsing, social networking, music playback, video streaming and instant messaging. Thanks to its octa-core processor and 2GB of RAMPerformance is fluid even with multiple applications open, and the operating system feels stable and lightweight. No significant lag is noticed except in very graphically demanding games, where the Mali-450 MP4 performs acceptably.
The 5-inch IPS/LTPS panel offers vivid colors, good contrast and wide viewing angles, making it a comfortable choice for enjoying multimedia content both indoors and outdoors. Maximum brightness is adequate, although in direct sunlight, you may need to manually adjust the level.
Rear camera Sign photos with good sharpness and color reproduction in brightly lit environments, and delivers decent results in low-light conditions thanks to its f/1.8 aperture. It's suitable for social photography, quick captures, and Full HD video, although compared to high-end models, it may exhibit some noise in night scenes.
On the front camera, selfies and video calls benefit from an 88-degree wide-angle lens, making it easy to take group photos. The quality is good enough for sharing on social media and making clear video calls.
In sound, the Cubot X9 stands out for its high volume and lack of distortion at medium levelsThe position of the speakers on the side edge prevents accidental attenuation when placing the device on a table.
Benchmark performance tests: Antutu, Quadrant, 3DMark and Z-Device Test
Antutu Benchmark
The Cubot X9 was subjected to the popular test Antutu Benchmark to assess their overall performance. They obtained an average score of 29.637 points, placing itself on par with iconic devices such as the HTC One or the Xiaomi Redmi Note. This result reflects a smooth user experience in multitasking, browsing, light document editing and multimedia use.
- CPU Score: The eight-core architecture ensures speed in concurrent operations and good performance in demanding applications.
- Graphic performance: The Mali-450 MP4 allows you to enjoy casual games and HD videos without any problems, with the ability to play Full HD videos in 1080p.
- RAM and storage: The 2GB of RAM provides plenty of room for multitasking, and the internal storage is sufficient for average users and can be expanded if needed.
Quadrant Standard and 3DMark
Additional tests were performed with Quadrant Standard, where figures close to 12.000 points were reached, and in 3DMark Ice Storm Extreme, the performance was adequate for its range, allowing for lag-free animations and transitions in most casual games available for Android.
Z-Device Test and Sensors
Through the app Z-Device Test The Cubot X9's capabilities and sensors were checked, confirming the presence of a Bosch BMA056 accelerometer, a light and proximity sensor (ROHM RPR410), and the absence of a compass, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and NFC. The available sensors are accurate and effective for everyday use.
Antutu Video Tester
For multimedia lovers, the Antutu Video Tester It is essential to know the codec and format support. The Cubot X9 is capable of playing a wide variety of video and audio extensions (3GP, MP4, MPEG4, AVI, MP3, WAV, AMR, among others). During testing, the device demonstrated good compatibility and fluidity in HD video playback, supporting most codecs required by everyday users. As a point to consider, compared to high-end devices like the Galaxy S4 or LG G3, it may have limitations in decoding very specific formats, but for everyday use, the experience is positive and seamless.
The sound during multimedia playback stands out for its power and clarity, although at maximum volumes, slight distortion may be noticeable, something common in devices of this range.
Video playback, format support, and multimedia experience
The 5-inch display and Mali-450 MP4 GPU make the Cubot X9 a compelling choice for multimedia content consumption. The panel delivers natural colors and good brightness, while Antutu Video Tester supports wide-ranging video formats. However, for 2K videos or advanced codecs like H.265, the experience may not be as optimal, although for the vast majority of content on YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and local HD files, performance is satisfactory.
During playback, the side speakers prevent volume loss, and headphone integration via the 3,5mm connector allows for a more immersive experience, with support for stereo sound.
The 13-megapixel rear camera, manufactured by Sony, records video in Full HD 1080p, delivering high-quality, stable clips in natural light. The autofocus is fast and accurate, allowing you to record moving scenes with acceptable clarity. Additionally, the secondary microphone helps capture higher-quality audio during recordings.
The Cubot X9 supports e-book formats such as TXT, CHM, DOC, and HTML, making it useful for casual reading.
Advanced connectivity and functionality
This model allows the use simultaneous use of two SIM cards, ideal for those looking to separate their personal and professional lines. The supported 2G and 3G bands are extensive, making it easy to use both in urban areas and in other regions and countries. However, the lack of 4G LTE may be a limitation for some users, although 3G offers sufficient speeds and stability for most everyday tasks.
As for the Wi-Fi (802.11 b / g / n), the coverage is good, and the Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity It guarantees an excellent connection with wireless headphones and other devices. The GPS/A-GPS is accurate and fast, allowing navigation on long or urban routes with apps like Google Maps or Sygic, both on foot and by car, without signal loss or lag.
It supports OTG, allowing you to connect external devices such as pen drives, mice, keyboards, or gamepads to enhance both your multimedia and office experience.
Battery life and energy management
Battery 2200 mAh This is one of the areas where the Cubot X9 shows the limitations of its ultra-thin design. The device allows you to get through the day with moderate use, including browsing, messaging, calls, photography, and some video. In tests, the active screen time ranges between 4 and 5 hours, and its power-saving mode helps stretch the last percentages by limiting the processor's maximum performance. It doesn't have fast charging or a removable battery, which it makes up for with its lightness and unibody design.
During testing, average daily usage leaves the user with enough battery power for a standard workday. For intensive multimedia or gaming users, intermediate charging may be required.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Cubot X9
Main advantages:
- Slim, light and attractive design, inspired by premium models, with good resistance and ergonomics.
- Octa-core processor and 2GB of RAM, which guarantee fluidity in applications, navigation and multitasking.
- Sony rear camera 13MP with good aperture for social photos and high-quality videos.
- 5 inch IPS screen with good color reproduction and wide viewing angles.
- Dual SIM or storage expansion useful for people with multiple lines as well as those who require more space on their mobile.
- Wide compatibility of multimedia formats and acceptable performance in games and video streaming.
- Complete connectivity: : Stable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, fast GPS and a variety of useful sensors.
- Includes extras in the box as a case and screen protector, increasing its added value.
Disadvantages or aspects that could be improved:
- Absence of 4G LTE, being limited to 3G networks for mobile data.
- Battery 2200 mAh, just right for intensive users and without fast charging.
- Some sensors missing, such as compass or NFC.
- Non-backlit touch buttons, making it difficult to locate in the dark.
- The camera, although good for its segment, may not offer the best results in very low light conditions.
- FM radio requires headphones to operate.
Comparison with other terminals and community assessment
The Cubot X9 has been compared in multiple reviews with models such as the Samsung Galaxy S4, LG G3, HTC One, Xiaomi Redmi…