The Cubot KingKong Ace 3 has gained attention as a rugged, budget-friendly smartphone designed for adventurers, outdoor workers, and durability-seekers. Built to withstand drops, water exposure, and harsh conditions, this smartphone appeals to those who need reliability over high-end features. However, as with many rugged phones, the Cubot KingKong Ace 3 has its share of problems. In this article, we’ll break down common issues, potential solutions, and actual feedback from real users to give you a clear picture of what to expect from this device.
Device Overview: Cubot KingKong Ace 3
Brand: Cubot
Model: KingKong Ace 3
Release Date: 2023
OS: Android 12 (Stock Android)
Price Range: Budget (~$150-$200)
Key Features of the Cubot KingKong Ace 3
- Display: 5.0-inch HD+ display (720 x 1440 resolution), scratch-resistant
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P22
- Memory and Storage: 4GB RAM, 64GB storage (expandable up to 256GB)
- Camera Setup: Dual rear (20MP main, 0.3MP auxiliary) and 8MP front camera
- Battery: 4400 mAh, non-removable
- Build: IP68/IP69K water resistance, MIL-STD-810G drop protection
- Other Features: Face unlock, GPS, GLONASS, dual SIM, fingerprint sensor
Common Issues and Problems with the Cubot KingKong Ace 3
From reports by Cubot KingKong Ace 3 owners and tech reviewers, here’s a breakdown of the most frequent issues. We’ll cover everything from performance hiccups to more serious complaints related to ruggedness, battery life, and software bugs.
1. Performance and Speed Issues
Many users have reported that the Cubot KingKong Ace 3 can be sluggish, especially when multitasking or running more demanding apps. As the phone is equipped with a MediaTek Helio P22, its capabilities are somewhat limited, which is especially noticeable during intensive tasks.
Symptoms:
- Slow app loading times: Apps take longer to open and load content, especially graphic-heavy apps.
- Lag when multitasking: Users experience stutters and pauses when switching between apps.
- Overheating with extended use: The device gets warm during prolonged use or when multiple apps are running.
User Insights:
- "I bought the KingKong Ace 3 for work because I needed something durable. It’s fine for calls and texts, but it lags if I open too many apps," says James, a construction worker.
- "I expected it to be a bit slow given the price, but the lag when I use navigation apps is really noticeable," shares Karen, a field researcher.
Potential Fixes:
- Clear background apps: Regularly clearing background apps may help reduce lag.
- Limit app usage: Avoid running heavy apps simultaneously and close apps when not in use.
- Reduce animations: Enable Developer Options > Animations scale to 0.5x or turn them off for smoother navigation.
2. Battery Drain and Charging Concerns
The KingKong Ace 3’s 4400 mAh battery should, in theory, provide a full day of moderate usage. However, users report that the battery drains faster than expected, and charging times can be quite slow.
Symptoms:
- Rapid battery drain: Battery life doesn’t match expectations based on the capacity.
- Slow charging: The phone takes several hours to reach a full charge.
- Overheating during charging: Some users report that the phone gets warm during charging.
User Insights:
- "I get about a day of battery if I don’t use it heavily, but GPS and calls drain it fast," remarks Tom, a surveyor.
- "The battery life isn’t what I’d hoped for, especially on a rugged phone where I can’t charge it all the time," says Lily, a landscape photographer.
Potential Fixes:
- Battery optimization settings: Enable Battery Saver mode or reduce screen brightness to extend battery life.
- Update the software: Check for updates, as battery optimization patches are sometimes included in software updates.
- Avoid high usage while charging: Using the phone heavily while charging can lead to overheating and slower charging speeds.
3. Camera Quality and Performance Issues
The 20MP rear camera and 8MP front camera on the KingKong Ace 3 offer basic photo capabilities, but several users have voiced concerns about the camera’s performance and image quality, particularly in low-light settings.
Symptoms:
- Blurry or grainy images: Photos lack detail, especially in low-light or indoor environments.
- Slow shutter response: There’s a delay between pressing the shutter button and capturing the photo.
- Inconsistent focus: The camera struggles to lock onto subjects, causing out-of-focus shots.
User Insights:
- "The camera is okay for outdoor shots, but indoor photos are grainy," reports Linda, an outdoor enthusiast.
- "It’s a rugged phone, so I didn’t expect much from the camera, but it’s slower than I’d like," adds Robert, a hiker.
Potential Fixes:
- Use a third-party camera app: Some users report better photo quality with apps like Open Camera.
- Adjust settings manually: Using the Pro mode, if available, can help in adjusting focus and exposure.
- Lighting adjustments: For better results, try to take photos in well-lit conditions.
4. Display Responsiveness and Brightness Issues
The 5.0-inch display is designed to be tough, with scratch-resistant glass, but some users report that the screen isn’t very responsive and suffers from brightness issues in outdoor environments.
Symptoms:
- Touch response delays: Users have to press harder or repeatedly for the screen to register touch.
- Low brightness outdoors: The screen is hard to view in direct sunlight.
- Ghost touches: Occasionally, the screen registers touches when there’s no input.
User Insights:
- "The screen is tough, but I have to press hard sometimes to get it to respond," says John, a construction worker.
- "Not easy to see in sunlight, which is tough when I’m using GPS on-site," shares Michael, a delivery driver.
Potential Fixes:
- Increase sensitivity settings: Check if the phone offers a sensitivity adjustment under Display settings.
- Screen protectors: Ensure no thick screen protector is affecting touch response.
- Brightness settings: Manually adjust brightness or turn on Adaptive Brightness to help with visibility outdoors.
5. Connectivity Problems (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS)
Connectivity issues are reported by a number of Cubot KingKong Ace 3 users, particularly with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability and GPS accuracy. As the phone is often used in outdoor environments, stable GPS is essential, making these issues a primary concern.
Symptoms:
- Wi-Fi drops: The connection randomly disconnects, even in strong signal areas.
- Bluetooth pairing issues: Bluetooth struggles to maintain a stable connection to devices.
- GPS inaccuracy: GPS sometimes struggles to provide accurate location data, especially in rural or densely wooded areas.
User Insights:
- "The GPS is hit or miss when I’m hiking, which is disappointing," says Rachel, an avid hiker.
- "Bluetooth keeps disconnecting when I use my headphones, which is really annoying," notes Chris, a cyclist.
Potential Fixes:
- Reset network settings: Go to Settings > System > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Use location mode on High Accuracy: In Location settings, select High Accuracy for better GPS results.
- Update software: Check for any firmware updates that might improve connectivity.
6. Software Glitches and Update Delays
The Cubot KingKong Ace 3 runs Android 12 with a near-stock experience, which should ideally minimize software issues. However, users report bugs and delayed updates that can affect the phone’s performance and stability.
Symptoms:
- Random crashes: Apps crash unexpectedly, even for basic functions.
- System slowdowns: The phone occasionally freezes or slows down, especially after extended use.
- Delayed security updates: Some users report delays in receiving Android security patches.
User Insights:
- "It’s stock Android, which is nice, but there are bugs, and updates aren’t regular," explains Jason, an IT professional.
- "Apps crash more often than I’d like, even the camera app sometimes," remarks Amy, a field biologist.
Potential Fixes:
- Clear cache and data: Go to Settings > Apps > Clear Cache for individual apps that crash often.
- Regular restart: Restart the device periodically to free up memory.
- Contact support for firmware updates: If updates are not appearing, consider reaching out to Cubot support for guidance.
Final Verdict: Is the Cubot KingKong Ace 3 Worth Buying?
The Cubot KingKong Ace 3 is undeniably rugged and offers the essentials for users looking for a tough, budget-friendly phone. Its strong, water-resistant build makes it an ideal choice for those working in harsh conditions or spending considerable time outdoors. However, several downsides limit its appeal:
- Performance limitations: Due to the MediaTek Helio P22 processor, the phone struggles with multitasking and demanding apps.
- Battery life and charging concerns: While not terrible, it could be improved to better support long outdoor excursions.
- Camera quality: The camera is sufficient for basic shots but isn’t reliable for more detailed photography.
- Software and connectivity glitches: These issues can be disruptive, especially in scenarios where stable GPS and Wi-Fi are essential.
Is it Worth Buying?
If ruggedness is your top priority and you only need a phone for essential tasks like calls, messages, and basic app usage, the KingKong Ace 3 might suit your needs. However, if you need reliable performance and smooth connectivity without frequent software interruptions, there are better options in the rugged smartphone category.
Alternatives to Consider:
- DOOGEE S61: Slightly higher price, but better performance, battery life, and a more stable camera.
- Ulefone Armor X10: Similar in ruggedness, this model offers a more stable experience for basic tasks and better GPS.
- Blackview BV4900 Pro: Offers enhanced performance, more stable software, and greater battery life, making it more suitable for outdoor users.
Conclusion
The Cubot KingKong Ace 3 serves its purpose as a budget rugged phone, but it has significant limitations that may frustrate users who need reliability beyond just a tough build. For those needing a low-cost option in rugged conditions, it’s a fair choice, but exploring other rugged phones may be a wise decision if you require stronger performance and fewer connectivity issues.