In today’s spotlight, we have the Cubot Note 21 – a smartphone that promises to redefine the budget-friendly category by delivering premium features at an affordable price point. With its powerful chipset, generous RAM and storage, stunning display, versatile camera setup, and a range of connectivity options, the Note 21 aims to provide an extraordinary user experience. In this extended analysis, we will delve into the device’s performance, design, display, camera prowess, connectivity options, battery life, and overall value for money.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

Cubot Note 21 Features

  • Slim Body & Premium Design
  • Unisoc Tiger T606 Octa-Core SoC
  • 6.56″ HD+ 90Hz Display
  • 50MP Main Camera
  • 6GB RAM + (6GB Extended) + 128GB ROM
  • Android 13 OS
  • 5200mAh Large battery
Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Cubot Note 21 arrives in Cubot’s signature packaging – elegant, posh, and subtly stylish. What caught my attention is that they’ve printed all the specifications on the back of the box, giving you a quick overview of what this device offers. However, the real surprise lies inside the box.

Inside the box, you’ll be greeted by the star of the show – the Cubot Note 21 smartphone itself, snugly protected in a high-quality TPU silicon case. Cubot always includes a thank-you card in various languages, along with some essential paperwork. And here’s a nice touch – they provide an extra screen protector, although there’s one pre-applied on the phone. You’ll also find a 10-watt USB-A-based charger and a USB-A to USB-C charging cable. The Sim ejector tool is worth mentioning; it’s sleek and premium in hand.

Design and Build Quality

The Cubot Note 21 exudes a premium mid-range feel. Holding the device in your hand, you’ll notice its smooth and curved edges and a textured matte glass-like back panel give it a luxurious touch. While the rear panel isn’t glass, it certainly feels like it. The uniform color scheme across the rear panel and frame adds to its overall appeal. The Cubot Note 21 comes in three attractive colors: Iconic Black, Minty Green, and the standout – Orange.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

Display Quality

The Cubot Note 21 features a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD panel, and it’s here that the device truly shines. Despite being HD+, the display manages to strike a remarkable balance between natural and vibrant colors. This balance becomes even more evident when you take into account the display’s ability to perform exceptionally well under direct sunlight.

Contrary to expectations, the display is incredibly sharp, with minimal pixelation. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web, this display excels in all aspects, which is elevated by an impressive 90Hz refresh rate. This feature is a game-changer because you will not find it in any low-cost smartphone.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Cubot Note 21 is powered by a UniSOC T606 8-core processor. What’s impressive is its ability to handle graphics-intensive games smoothly. Whether you’re playing for a few minutes or hours, the Cubot Note 21 delivers stable and fluid gaming performance. It doesn’t exhibit thermal throttling, ensuring your gaming sessions are enjoyable.

The Cubot Note 21 sets itself apart with its generous storage capacity. Boasting a cavernous 128GB of ROM, this smartphone doesn’t just store content; it holds possibilities. Furthermore, the phone is powered by a whopping 12GB of RAM (6GB + 6GB Extended), ensuring seamless multitasking and smooth app performance. Whether you’re running demanding applications or switching between tasks, this phone is up to the challenge.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

With its hefty 5200mAh battery, the Cubot Note 21 offers outstanding battery life. It can provide up to 30 hours of talk time, 16 hours of video playback, and extended gaming sessions without draining the battery rapidly. This impressive battery life is complemented by the 10-watt charger included in the box.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

Camera Performance

The Cubot Note 21 features a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel macro sensor. The 50MP main lens excels in diverse lighting conditions, delivering crisp, detailed shots with vibrant colors. The 2MP macro lens is perfect for those up-close shots, revealing intricate details that often go unnoticed. On the front, the Note 21 is equipped with an 8MP camera for selfies that rival professional portraits.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

Software and Connectivity

Cubot adheres to its tradition of offering a stock Android experience, and the Cubot Note 21 is no exception. Out of the box, you’ll experience Android 13 in its purest form – smooth, clean, and free of bloatware. The device also features a 2D Face Unlock option, which is both swift and accurate.

The Note 21 offers flexibility when it comes to connectivity. It comes equipped with dual Nano SIM card slots, allowing users to switch between two SIM cards with ease. This is especially convenient for those who travel frequently or maintain separate personal and work numbers. Alternatively, you have the option to use one Nano SIM card and a TF card, giving you even more control over your connectivity preferences. To aid in exploration, Note 21 is fortified with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BEIDOU support. With these navigation options at your disposal, you can trust that accurate guidance is always available, no matter where your adventures take you.

Final verdict and value

In conclusion, the Cubot Note 21 is a true gem in its price range. It successfully combines premium aesthetics, smooth performance, an impressive display, and a capable camera – all while maintaining an attractive price point. It’s a device that performs admirably and looks great while doing so. If you’re searching for an affordable smartphone that offers a premium experience, the Cubot Note 21 deserves your attention. I wholeheartedly recommend it to our visitors. Cubot has once again delivered a device that provides exceptional value for your money.

Cubot Note 21 First Impressions - What Does the Cheapest Phone Offer For $79.99?

The world premiere of the Cubot Note 21 is just around the corner, and it brings not only an impressive array of features but also an incredible deal that you won’t want to pass up. Aliexpress is hosting the Fresh Finds Event from September 18th to 22nd PT, and during this limited-time event, you can get your hands on the Cubot Note 21 at an astonishingly low price.

That’s right! The Cubot Note 21, which boasts a range of specifications and features, has a regular price of $140.33. However, during the Aliexpress Fresh Finds Event, you can snag this incredible smartphone for just $79.99! This deal is too good to miss, and it’s your chance to experience a feature-packed smartphone without breaking the bank.