The Cubot KingKong ES is a rugged smartphone aimed at users who need a durable device for harsh environments. With its IP68 and IP69K ratings for water and dust resistance, a 5.0-inch HD+ display, and a 3000mAh battery, it promises to withstand the elements without sacrificing basic smartphone functionality. While its rugged design is appealing for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, and adventurers, the Cubot KingKong ES also faces several issues and limitations that users should be aware of.
In this article, we’ll explore the common problems, bugs, and overall performance of the Cubot KingKong ES to help you decide if it's the right rugged phone for you.
1. Performance Limitations: Lag and Slow Processing
The Cubot KingKong ES is powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, which is quite modest by today’s smartphone standards. As expected, many users have reported issues related to slow performance and app crashes.
Performance issues users experience:
- Lagging when switching between apps or multitasking, especially when more than one app is open.
- Slow response time in basic tasks like opening the camera or dialing a phone number.
- App crashes, particularly with resource-heavy applications or when trying to run games.
Potential fixes:
- Close background apps to free up memory and improve speed.
- Stick to lightweight apps or versions like Facebook Lite and Google Go.
- Avoid installing too many apps, as the phone's 32GB internal storage can quickly fill up, further affecting performance.
User feedback:
“It’s great for handling rough conditions, but it can be frustratingly slow when using everyday apps. Don’t expect it to handle multitasking or anything heavy.”
2. Battery Life: Adequate but Not Outstanding
The Cubot KingKong ES comes with a 3000mAh battery, which is relatively small for a rugged phone that’s meant to endure outdoor use. While it’s sufficient for light use, many users have found that the battery life doesn’t last as long as they would like, especially in more demanding situations.
Battery-related problems include:
- Short battery life when using GPS, mobile data, or outdoor apps, requiring frequent recharging.
- Inconsistent battery performance, where the battery drains quickly at times and lasts longer on other days.
- Slow charging, which can be inconvenient for users who need to rely on the phone during outdoor activities.
Possible solutions:
- Turn off GPS and mobile data when not in use to save battery life.
- Use the Battery Saver mode to extend usage time, especially when you’re outdoors.
- Carry a power bank for long trips, as the phone may not last a full day with heavy usage.
User experience:
"I use it for hiking, and the battery drains pretty fast when I have GPS on. You’ll need to keep a charger or power bank handy if you’re out for long periods."
3. Display and Touchscreen Issues
The 5.0-inch HD+ display on the Cubot KingKong ES is designed for durability, but some users have noted problems with screen responsiveness and display brightness. These issues can be especially frustrating when using the phone in outdoor settings.
Common display issues include:
- Poor touchscreen responsiveness, especially in colder weather or when the screen is wet.
- Low brightness levels, making it difficult to see the screen in bright sunlight.
- Ghost touches, where the phone registers touches that weren’t made, particularly when wet or dusty.
Workarounds:
- Adjust the screen sensitivity settings, if available, for better responsiveness.
- Use the phone’s brightness slider to manually adjust levels when outdoors.
- Keep the screen clean and dry to avoid ghost touches.
User complaints:
“The touchscreen doesn’t always respond when it’s wet, which is a problem when you’re outdoors or in the rain. Also, the brightness could be better for use in sunlight.”
4. Camera Quality: Basic but Functional
The Cubot KingKong ES comes with a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, which are designed more for practical use than for high-quality photography. However, the camera performance has been a mixed bag, with users highlighting several drawbacks.
Camera issues include:
- Poor low-light performance, with images appearing grainy and lacking detail.
- Slow autofocus, making it difficult to capture clear shots of moving objects.
- Camera app crashes or freezes when trying to switch between photo and video modes.
Suggestions:
- Take photos in well-lit environments to improve image quality.
- Avoid using the camera in fast-moving situations where the slow autofocus might struggle.
- If the camera app crashes, restart the phone or clear the app cache.
User feedback:
“The camera isn’t great, but for a rugged phone, it’s fine for basic shots. Just don’t expect clear pictures in low light or when you need to capture something quickly.”
5. Software Bugs and Stability Issues
The Cubot KingKong ES runs on Android 11 Go Edition, which is a lighter version of Android designed for budget phones with low RAM. However, even with a simplified OS, users have reported stability issues and software bugs that affect the overall experience.
Common software bugs include:
- Random freezes or crashes, particularly when using multiple apps at once.
- Delayed notifications, especially for messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
- System updates not available or delayed, leaving some users with older versions of Android.
Workarounds:
- Restart the phone regularly to improve performance and avoid freezes.
- Use fewer background apps and ensure notifications are enabled in the app settings.
- Keep an eye out for software updates from Cubot, although they may be less frequent than on other brands.
User complaints:
“The software is pretty basic and occasionally freezes. I also noticed that notifications sometimes come in late, which can be a problem if you rely on the phone for messages.”
6. Connectivity Issues: Weak Signal and GPS Problems
Rugged phones like the Cubot KingKong ES are often used in outdoor environments where strong connectivity is crucial. However, some users have faced connectivity issues, particularly with weak signal reception and GPS accuracy.
Connectivity-related problems include:
- Weak cellular signal, especially in areas where other phones have better reception.
- Inconsistent GPS performance, with the location service struggling to maintain accuracy.
- Wi-Fi drops, where the phone disconnects from networks unexpectedly.
Potential fixes:
- Switch network providers or adjust your phone’s APN settings for better signal.
- Use offline GPS apps that cache maps to help improve navigation in areas with weak signal.
- Forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi networks if the connection drops frequently.
User feedback:
“The signal strength is weaker than I expected, especially when I’m in remote areas. The GPS also tends to lose track of my location, which is annoying when I’m using it for hiking.”
Conclusion: Is the Cubot KingKong ES Worth Buying?
The Cubot KingKong ES is an affordable and rugged smartphone designed to withstand tough environments, making it a good option for those who prioritize durability over performance. Its IP68 and IP69K ratings mean it’s water, dust, and shock resistant, which is ideal for outdoor adventurers, manual laborers, or anyone in need of a robust device.
However, the phone has several drawbacks, including performance slowdowns, camera limitations, and display issues. While it serves its purpose as a rugged phone, users who expect a smoother smartphone experience may find these shortcomings frustrating, particularly in day-to-day usage.
If you need a phone that can survive rough conditions and aren’t too concerned with high performance, the Cubot KingKong ES is still worth considering for its rugged features and low price. However, for those looking for better performance and camera quality, alternatives like the Ulefone Armor X10 or the Doogee S40 may offer a more balanced experience at a similar price point.
In conclusion, the Cubot KingKong ES is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a durable phone, but it may not satisfy users who need more reliable performance or better connectivity in challenging environments.