Cubot has become known for delivering budget-friendly smartphones that aim to provide decent specifications at an affordable price. The Cubot Note 21 is one such offering, promising a range of useful features in a cost-effective package. However, as with many budget smartphones, it is not without its issues. In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the most commonly reported problems, bugs, and shortcomings of the Cubot Note 21, and provide insights on whether this device is truly worth buying or if there are better alternatives available.
Specifications of the Cubot Note 21
Before diving into the issues, let’s take a quick look at the specifications that define the Cubot Note 21:
- Display: 6.56 inches, HD+ resolution
- Processor: Octa-core processor, MediaTek MT6762
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, expandable via MicroSD
- Camera: Dual rear cameras (50MP primary), 8MP front camera
- Battery: 4200mAh
- Operating System: Android 13
- Connectivity: Dual SIM, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Despite these promising specs, Cubot Note 21 users have reported several issues. Here’s a breakdown of the most common problems.
1. Performance and Speed Issues
While the Cubot Note 21 comes with an octa-core processor and 4GB RAM, users have encountered sluggish performance in day-to-day use, especially when running multiple apps or playing games. Here are some typical complaints:
- Lagging and Freezing: Several users report that the device lags even during basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and switching between apps.
- Overheating: When using the phone for extended periods, such as during video playback or gaming, the device tends to heat up quickly, which can cause further performance issues and even shutdowns.
Quote from a user review: "The phone starts to slow down after using it for more than an hour. Opening apps can take longer than expected, and it overheats during video calls."
Possible Causes:
- The MediaTek MT6762 processor used is not the most powerful, and when combined with limited RAM, this can lead to slower performance.
- Software Optimization: Android 13 might not be fully optimized for this hardware setup, which can create bottlenecks.
2. Battery Life Problems
The Cubot Note 21 features a 4200mAh battery, which should theoretically offer a decent runtime. However, users have noted that:
- Battery Drains Quickly: Despite moderate usage, users report that the phone's battery drains faster than expected.
- Charging Issues: Some units face problems where the device takes too long to charge, or the battery percentage drops rapidly after reaching around 20%.
Possible Causes:
- The MediaTek processor may not be energy-efficient, leading to faster battery drain.
- Software Glitches can sometimes cause inaccurate battery reporting or excessive battery drain.
3. Display Quality and Sensitivity Issues
The display on the Cubot Note 21 is a 6.56-inch HD+ screen, which seems sufficient for the price range. However, users have faced some frustrating issues with the display:
- Touch Sensitivity: Many users report that the screen sometimes doesn’t register touches accurately, causing frustration when typing or scrolling.
- Brightness and Visibility: While adequate indoors, the display struggles under direct sunlight, making it challenging to view outdoors.
Quote from a user review: "The screen isn’t very responsive at times, especially around the edges. And forget about using it outside on a sunny day!"
Possible Causes:
- Budget LCD Panels can often have inconsistencies in touch sensitivity.
- Low peak brightness and lack of adaptive display technology can cause visibility issues in bright environments.
4. Camera Quality Concerns
The Cubot Note 21 comes with a 50MP main camera, which sounds impressive for a budget phone. However, user reviews frequently mention:
- Poor Low-Light Performance: Photos taken in low-light conditions appear grainy and lack detail.
- Slow Shutter Speed: The camera app can be slow to focus and capture, leading to blurred images, especially in motion shots.
- Inconsistent Colors: Some users report that colors appear washed out or overly saturated.
Possible Causes:
- The camera hardware might be limited and lacks advanced sensors, which can affect quality in less ideal lighting.
- Camera software on budget phones is often less optimized, resulting in slower processing times and inconsistent image quality.
5. Software Bugs and Update Issues
Running on Android 13, the Cubot Note 21 is expected to have access to the latest features and security updates. However, there are a few issues:
- System Crashes and Bugs: Users report that apps occasionally crash, and sometimes the phone restarts on its own.
- Update Delays: Budget brands like Cubot often lag in providing timely software updates and security patches, which can lead to compatibility issues and security vulnerabilities over time.
Quote from a user review: "Sometimes the phone just freezes, and I have to restart it. It’s frustrating, and there hasn’t been any update to fix these issues."
Possible Causes:
- The Android version may not be fully compatible with the hardware, leading to software glitches.
- Slow Rollout of Updates: Budget manufacturers often prioritize updates for newer models, leaving older ones vulnerable to bugs.
6. Connectivity Problems
A critical issue reported by users is inconsistent connectivity, especially with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Weak Wi-Fi Reception: Users note that the Cubot Note 21 has trouble maintaining a stable connection on Wi-Fi networks, especially when further from the router.
- Bluetooth Dropouts: Frequent Bluetooth disconnections have been noted, which can disrupt calls or audio streaming.
Possible Causes:
- Antenna Design on budget phones can sometimes be less robust, affecting connection strength.
- Software Incompatibility with network protocols could cause connectivity issues.
Conclusion: Is the Cubot Note 21 Worth Buying?
The Cubot Note 21 is an affordable smartphone that packs several decent features for the price, such as a large display, high-resolution main camera, and a modern Android 13 experience. However, with frequent reports of issues ranging from performance lags and battery drain to display responsiveness and connectivity problems, potential buyers should weigh these downsides carefully.
For users seeking a budget-friendly device for basic usage—like calling, messaging, and light browsing—the Cubot Note 21 may still be a viable option. However, for those expecting smoother performance, better camera quality, and longer-lasting battery life, it might be worthwhile to explore alternatives in the same price range. Competitors like Xiaomi’s Redmi series or Realme’s entry-level models often offer better software optimization, more reliable hardware, and a smoother user experience, even at similar price points.
Final Recommendation: If budget constraints are critical, and the expected use is light, the Cubot Note 21 could suffice. However, if you value performance, camera quality, and software stability, exploring alternatives might provide better long-term satisfaction.