The rugged smartphone market continues to grow, and Cubot has once again thrown its hat into the ring with the Cubot KingKong ES 3. Announced and released in August 2025, this device blends extreme durability with modern smartphone features at an affordable price point. Designed for adventurers, field workers, and anyone in need of a robust daily driver, the KingKong ES 3 offers IP68/IP69K water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810H military-grade toughness, and a massive battery—all without breaking the bank.
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 is built like a tank. Measuring 177.4 x 83.7 x 15.3 mm and weighing 352g, it’s not a slim or lightweight device, but that’s intentional. It’s crafted for harsh environments and can survive drops, dust storms, and even submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters. With IP68/IP69K certification and MIL-STD-810H compliance, it’s ideal for outdoor and industrial use.
The phone sports a 6.75-inch IPS LCD panel with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals. While the resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (20:9 ratio) is not Full HD, it delivers adequate clarity with a pixel density of around 260 ppi. The screen is also protected by Mohs level 6 hardness, offering strong scratch resistance.
Powered by the Unisoc T615 (12nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU (2x Cortex-A75 + 6x Cortex-A55) and a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, the KingKong ES 3 delivers a stable performance for everyday apps, browsing, and light gaming. It comes with 6GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSDXC (shared SIM slot). The device runs Android 15 out of the box, ensuring the latest features and security updates.
On the back, the phone houses a 48MP main camera with PDAF, a 2MP macro lens, and an auxiliary sensor, supported by LED flash. The camera system is suitable for capturing outdoor shots and work documentation. On the front, a 16MP selfie camera handles video calls and self-portraits. Both front and rear cameras support video recording.
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS positioning systems, as well as NFC for contactless payments. It uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. Notably, it does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack or FM radio support.
One of its standout features is the massive 10,200 mAh battery with 33W wired charging. Cubot claims over 61 hours of endurance and up to 1300 charge cycles, making it perfect for multi-day trips without a charger.
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 is priced at $159.99 in the US, positioning it as an affordable rugged smartphone with premium durability features.
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The Cubot KingKong ES 3 is a rugged device that focuses on practicality over flashy aesthetics. Its build quality is exceptional—perfect for those who work in challenging environments or enjoy outdoor adventures. The large battery is a major selling point, delivering days of use without worrying about recharging. Performance is smooth for daily use, thanks to the Unisoc T615 chipset, but it’s not designed for heavy gaming or demanding multitasking.
The camera performance is decent for daylight shots, but in low-light conditions, results are average. The display, while not Full HD, still offers decent sharpness and benefits from the 90Hz refresh rate. Overall, it strikes a good balance between durability, battery life, and modern smartphone essentials.
If you need a smartphone that can withstand extreme conditions and last for days without charging, the Cubot KingKong ES 3 is an excellent choice. It’s not built for flagship performance or high-end photography, but for its price, it delivers unmatched ruggedness and battery life.
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 is a budget-friendly rugged phone that doesn’t compromise on toughness. It’s perfect for construction workers, hikers, campers, and anyone who values battery life over sleekness. While it may feel like a brick in your pocket, it’s a brick that could survive a fall, a storm, or even a dunk in the river—making it a reliable companion for the toughest days.
Q1. What is the battery capacity of the Cubot KingKong ES 3?
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 packs a massive 10,200mAh battery with 33W fast charging, delivering multi-day usage on a single charge.
Q2. Is the Cubot KingKong ES 3 waterproof?
Yes, it is IP68/IP69K certified, meaning it is dust-tight, resistant to high-pressure water jets, and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Q3. Does the Cubot KingKong ES 3 support NFC?
Yes, the Cubot KingKong ES 3 supports NFC for contactless payments and quick data transfers.
Q4. How much does the Cubot KingKong ES 3 cost in the US?
The Cubot KingKong ES 3 is priced at $159.99 in the US, making it one of the most affordable rugged smartphones on the market.
Q5. What chipset powers the Cubot KingKong ES 3?
It runs on the Unisoc T615 (12nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU and Mali-G57 MP1 GPU, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks.
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