Home Hi-Tech Android World ,,,,, Over time, the mid-range “cenesoni”, ie the aggressively priced smartphones, have increasingly begun to wink at the top of the range, even if only with reference to design. There are many examples of Chinese mid-range that have copied aesthetic characteristics from the big brands, including Cubot. Just take a look at Cubot X18 Plus to notice some aesthetic similarities with Samsung's Galaxy S8. Obviously, it costs three times less.
Design
Cubot 18X Plus is a phablet with a 5.99-inch screen with an 18: 9 aspect and optimized frames, even if thicker than what we are used to seeing in the top of the range by now. Frontally minimal, there is no physical button, a sign that the operating system will be managed by virtual keys on the screen. On the side there is the classic volume rocker, and the on, off and standby button. The slightly more dated look, if you want, is present on the back, due to a rounded design, which increases its thickness and makes it almost seem heavy, although, instead, it is quite light in the hand, due to its 178 grams.
In general, the Cubot X18 Plus is aesthetically a nice terminal, it holds well in the hand, and the 18: 9 screen makes it fashionable, ready to compete with many mid-range smartphones currently available on the market. In short, on an aesthetic level, the terminal performs well and is absolutely worth what it costs. A modernization on the back wouldn't have hurt, but overall the look of the device is good.
Display
Also promoted is the large 5.99-inch Full HD + 18: 9 display. It is particularly bright and has a pixel density of 403 ppi, which offers particularly sharp images, also thanks to its resolution of 2160 x 1080px. Just above the display stands the flashing LED indicator in case of notifications, so you can immediately notice the presence of unread notifications or any low battery.
Speaking of batteries, it incorporates one from 4000 mAh which, which manages to reach the day and a half of moderate use or the classic day of intense use. However, it is a good result, and during our tests we did not detect anomalous draining battery phenomena, even during the night when the device is in stand by. This is a sign of good optimization from a software point of view.
Features
The data sheet of the Cubot X18 does not say anything particularly new, nor does it scream a miracle. The processor is a 1.5 GHz Octa Core CPU, the Mediatek MTK6750T flanked by a Mali-T860 GPU. It has 4 GB of RAM, which probably helps the terminal to remain fairly fluid in everyday life, whatever the operation is performed. Obviously, it suffers if you use your smartphone for heavy and aggressive gaming: Cubot X18 Plus is fine for playing Clash Royale or games of a similar category, but it is certainly not a gaming phone.
Beyond the technical data sheet, the device can be used well in everyday life and offers the user full access to all the features of the Android ecosystem. Those who buy the on terminal will certainly want to show off maximum power, and will not require the device to perform the performance of a top of the range of a very different economic range. It is suitable as a second phone, or for those approaching the Android world for the first time. Aesthetically it makes its figure, modern and minimal especially on the front, while at the level of use it is still an honest terminal, which does its job and leaves access to most of the Google Play Store applications.
A few words should also be spent on the digital sensor. It is certainly not the fastest, but unlike many other Chinese phones of the same price, it is more reliable, and unlocks the terminal 8 times out of 10, even when it is in standby: it will be sufficient to touch the finger to the sensor, without pressing any button, to access your home. At the software level, however, there is little to say: Cubot X18 Plus runs Android 8.0 practically stock, with some minor changes. It is certainly an advantage.
Camera
Needless to say, the real Achilles heel of these devices remains the camera. Anchored to an outdated graphical interface, it offers only just sufficient photo quality, far from what one might expect when reading on the technical data sheet of a double 20 MP photographic module. Still the shots still defend themselves in perfect lighting conditions, being able to be sufficient, but as soon as the lights are slightly more sparse, the images taken are grainy, with a lot of background noise. Selfie camera just enough, just to post some shots on social media. In short, those who love photos and use the smartphone as a second camera on the move will not be particularly satisfied. The Bokeh effect is also mediocre, appearing more like a software effect than a real photo with depth of field.
Conclusions
Cubot X18 Plus is suitable for those who want to spend very little to have an aesthetically valid, well-built, and updated terminal with FullView style display with an 18: 9 ratio. The display is good, bright and well defined, as well as the construction of the device is good. It is used well in everyday life, without limitations whatsoever, without particular hitches. The multimedia department is just enough. Cubot X18 Plus is an honest terminal, which offers an adequate quality at the list price. Excellent as a second terminal or for parents who do not have special multimedia or performance needs.
On Amazon it is available in black or blue at a price of 189.99 euros.
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