The Cubot Dinosaur retails between KSh 12,000 and KSh 18,000 in Kenya, making it an affordable rugged smartphone for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. Its durability, long battery life, and budget-friendly price have made it increasingly popular among Kenyan consumers who need a reliable device for harsh environments.
Want to know why this rugged phone stands out in Kenya’s competitive market? Discover its key features, where to buy it at the best price, and how it compares to alternatives. This guide reveals everything—from technical specs to real-user experiences—helping you decide if the Cubot Dinosaur is the right choice for your needs.
Current Price Range of the Cubot Dinosaur in Kenya
The Cubot Dinosaur is priced competitively in Kenya, with variations depending on the seller, warranty, and included accessories. Below is a detailed breakdown of its current price brackets:
- Budget Range (KSh 12,000 – KSh 14,000): Found in smaller online stores or local dealers, often without extended warranties.
- Mid-Range (KSh 14,500 – KSh 16,500): Includes reputable sellers like Jumia or Kilimall, usually with a 6-12 month warranty.
- Premium Range (KSh 17,000 – KSh 18,000): Comes from official distributors with full warranties, bundled accessories, or faster shipping.
Prices have remained stable over the past six months, though slight increases (KSh 500–1,000) occur during peak shopping seasons like December. Always compare multiple sellers to secure the best deal.
Key Specifications of the Cubot Dinosaur
The Cubot Dinosaur is built for durability and performance, making it ideal for Kenya’s rugged environments. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its standout features:
- Dimensions & Weight: 155 x 78.5 x 14.5 mm, weighing 235g—designed for a firm grip and shock resistance.
- Materials: Reinforced rubber casing, IP68-certified dust/waterproofing, and Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection.
- Battery: 4,000mAh non-removable battery with 7-day standby time—perfect for remote areas with limited charging.
- Performance: Quad-core 1.3GHz processor, 2GB RAM, and 16GB storage (expandable to 128GB via microSD).
- Certifications: MIL-STD-810G military-grade drop resistance and IP68 waterproofing (1.5m for 30 mins).
- Camera: 8MP rear + 2MP front camera with LED flash for low-light conditions.
These specs make it a reliable choice for construction workers, farmers, or adventurers needing a tough, long-lasting phone.
Factors Affecting Cubot Dinosaur’s Price in Kenya
Several key elements influence the final retail price of the Cubot Dinosaur in the Kenyan market. Understanding these will help you identify the best value purchases:
- Import Costs & Taxes: 16% VAT and customs duties add 20-25% to the base price before local markup
- Currency Fluctuations: The KES/USD exchange rate directly impacts import costs – a weak shilling increases prices
- Retailer Markup: Physical stores add 15-20% margin versus 5-10% for online sellers
- Warranty Coverage: Official distributors charging premium prices include 12-24 month warranties
- Seasonal Demand: Prices spike 8-12% during December holidays and back-to-school periods
- Accessory Bundles: KSh 1,500-3,000 premium for packages including cases, screen protectors and power banks
- Stock Availability: Limited supply from China can cause temporary 10-15% price surges
Smart shoppers monitor these factors and buy during off-peak periods from reputable online sellers to secure the best deals.
Where to Buy the Cubot Dinosaur in Kenya
Kenyan buyers have multiple reliable options to purchase the Cubot Dinosaur, each with distinct advantages:
- Jumia/Kilimall: Best for price comparisons (KSh 13,500-16,800) with buyer protection, but watch for counterfeit sellers
- Official Cubot Stores: Located in Nairobi’s CBD (Biashara Street) and Mombasa’s Nyali Centre – guaranteed authenticity but 10-15% pricier
- Tech Specialist Stores: Stores like Phone Place Kenya (Nakuru) and Gadget Central (Kisumu) offer hands-on testing before purchase
- Facebook Marketplace: Can find used units (KSh 9,000-12,000) but requires careful verification of device condition
- Import Direct: Savvy buyers use SavoStore or DHL Shop to import from China (KSh 11,200 base price + 25% taxes)
Pro Tip: Always verify IMEI numbers and demand original receipts when buying from third-party sellers to avoid refurbished units sold as new.
Popular Brands and Alternatives to Cubot Dinosaur
When considering rugged smartphones in Kenya, these alternatives offer different value propositions at various price points:
| Brand | Price Range (KES) | Key Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubot Dinosaur | 12,000 – 18,000 | IP68 waterproof, military-grade drop protection, 4,000mAh battery | Widely available online and in major cities |
| Blackview BV4900 | 15,500 – 22,000 | 5.7″ HD+ display, 13MP camera, 5580mAh battery | Limited physical stores, mostly online |
| Oukitel WP5 | 18,000 – 25,000 | 8,000mAh battery, face unlock, night vision camera | Specialist stores in Nairobi and Mombasa |
| Tecno Camon 16 Rugged | 20,000 – 28,000 | 48MP camera, 6.8″ display, local warranty | All major retail chains nationwide |
The Cubot Dinosaur offers the best balance of price and rugged features, while Tecno provides better local support at higher cost. Blackview and Oukitel cater to users needing extreme battery life. For budget-conscious buyers, used Ulefone Armor models (KSh 8,000-12,000) on OLX can be worthwhile if properly vetted.
Essential Buying Tips for the Cubot Dinosaur
Follow these expert recommendations to ensure you get a genuine, high-quality device at the best price:
- Physical Inspection: Check all ports have rubber seals intact, test buttons for responsiveness, and verify waterproofing by checking IP68 certification label
- Seller Verification: Always ask for original purchase receipt, warranty card, and IMEI number to confirm authenticity
- Warranty Details: Confirm if warranty is local (Kenyan service centers) or requires shipping to China for repairs
- Battery Test: Demand to see battery health (should show ≥95% capacity for new devices)
- Red Flags: Avoid sellers offering prices below KSh 11,000, refusing to demonstrate waterproof features, or providing unclear warranty terms
- Payment Safety: Use secure payment methods like Jumia Pay or cash on delivery when possible
Pro Tip: Record unboxing videos when receiving shipped orders as evidence for warranty claims if needed.
Conclusion
The Cubot Dinosaur offers exceptional value in Kenya’s rugged smartphone market, with prices ranging from KSh 12,000 to 18,000 depending on seller and package.
For budget buyers, online platforms provide the best deals, while those prioritizing warranty should opt for authorized stores. Adventurers and outdoor workers will particularly appreciate its durability.
Before purchasing, compare multiple sellers and verify all specifications to ensure you get the right device for your needs. Ready to upgrade to a reliable rugged phone? Use this guide to make an informed decision today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cubot Dinosaur in Kenya
Is the Cubot Dinosaur truly waterproof?
Yes, the Cubot Dinosaur carries an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, ensure all port covers are properly sealed before exposure to water, and avoid saltwater or high-pressure water jets which may damage the seals over time.
Where can I get my Cubot Dinosaur repaired in Kenya?
Authorized service centers are available in Nairobi (Biashara Street) and Mombasa (Nyali). For minor issues, most smartphone repair shops can handle basic fixes, but complex repairs should go through official channels to maintain waterproof integrity and warranty coverage.
How does the battery life compare to other rugged phones?
The 4,000mAh battery offers 2-3 days of moderate use, outperforming standard smartphones but shorter than premium rugged models. For extreme conditions, consider carrying a portable charger or upgrading to models like Oukitel WP5 with 8,000mAh capacity.
Can I use Kenyan mobile networks with this phone?
Absolutely. The Cubot Dinosaur supports all Kenyan carriers including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. It’s compatible with 4G/LTE networks nationwide, though signal strength may vary in extremely remote areas due to its industrial design.
What accessories should I buy with this phone?
Essential accessories include a tempered glass screen protector (KSh 500-800), a carabiner clip case (KSh 1,200), and a rugged power bank (10,000mAh+). Avoid cheap charging cables as they may damage the waterproof charging port over time.
