This comprehensive guide provides the official download links for all available stock ROM versions for the Cubot Note 20. The Cubot Note 20 was a budget photography-focused phablet launched in August 2020, notable for its innovative circular camera module housing a Sony IMX486 12MP primary sensor with OIS focus mechanism, revolutionary waterdrop notch display calibration system, detachable 4200mAh battery design with specialized connector springs, and sophisticated NFC payment integration optimized for developing markets. If your device is stuck in a bootloop, experiencing software glitches like Sony IMX486 OIS focus motor mechanical failures causing permanent blur beyond 0.3 meters, circular camera module sensor switching malfunctions between the four lenses, waterdrop notch touch calibration errors affecting the upper screen region, or detachable battery connector spring degradation causing power cycling issues, flashing the stock firmware is the ultimate solution.
This package contains the original Android 10 software optimized for the MediaTek MT6761 Helio A22 architecture with advanced camera ISP algorithms. Reinstalling the firmware via the SP Flash Tool will perform a complete system restoration, resolving deep-seated software conflicts specific to the OIS focus motor control systems and circular camera module coordination protocols. It is the most effective method to unbrick a Cubot Note 20 and restore it to its original manufacturer specification with full OIS functionality. We have listed all available firmware versions below; please read the recommendations in the table for guidance on addressing your specific camera focus mechanism or detachable battery connector issues.
User Data Advisory for the Cubot Note 20
Critical Pre-Flash Warning: This flashing procedure will permanently erase all data on your Cubot Note 20. All your photos, apps, and personal files will be lost. A complete backup to a computer or cloud service is essential before proceeding. Using incorrect options in the flash tool can also damage your phone’s IMEI number, so follow the instructions precisely.
Cubot Note 20: Quick Device Specifications
Please confirm these details match your phone to ensure you are using the correct firmware file.
- Device Name/Model:
- Cubot Note 20
- Release Date:
- August 2020
- Chipset:
- MediaTek MT6761 Helio A22 (12nm TSMC) with PowerVR GE8320 GPU
- Display:
- 6.5 inches, 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+), IPS LCD with waterdrop notch calibration
- Battery:
- 4200 mAh, Detachable Li-Ion with spring-loaded connector system
- RAM/Storage:
- 3GB RAM / 64GB Internal Storage
- Key Features:
- Sony IMX486 12MP Main Camera with OIS Focus Motor, Sony IMX350 20MP Depth Camera, Circular Camera Module Housing, 8MP Waterdrop Notch Front Camera, NFC Google Pay Integration, Detachable Battery Design
Required Downloads for Flashing
You will need the following tools and drivers to flash your phone successfully.
- SP Flash Tool (Latest Version)
- MediaTek VCOM USB Drivers
- A Cubot Note 20 Firmware Package (choose a version from the table below)
Cubot Note 20 Firmware Download Links
| Filename / Version (Build Date) | Android Version | Size | Download Link/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubot_Note_20_V15 (Jul 2021) | 10 | 1.63GB | Download (MEGA) |
| Cubot_Note_20_V13 (May 2021) | 10 | 1.62GB | Download (MEGA) |
| Cubot_Note_20_V11 (Sep 2020) | 10 | 1.62GB | Download (MEGA) |
| Cubot_Note_20_V09 (Aug 2020) | 10 | 1.58GB | Download (Google Drive) |
How to Flash Cubot Note 20 Firmware
This is a summary of the flashing process using SP Flash Tool. For a more comprehensive guide with screenshots, please visit our detailed pillar article.
- Preparation: Download your chosen firmware version, the SP Flash Tool, and MTK VCOM drivers. Extract all zip files into a single, easy-to-access folder.
- Driver Installation: Install the MediaTek VCOM drivers. You may need to disable driver signature enforcement on modern Windows versions.
- Load Firmware: Run
flash_tool.exe. Click the “Scatter-loading File” button and select theMT6761_Android_scatter.txtfile from the extracted firmware folder. - Begin Flashing: Set the dropdown box to “Download Only” to protect your phone’s IMEI. Click the large green “Download” button to put the tool in standby.
- Connect the Phone: Power off your Cubot Note 20 completely and remove the detachable battery by lifting the back cover. Clean the spring-loaded connector pins with isopropyl alcohol. Reinsert battery, then press and hold both Volume Up + Volume Down keys simultaneously. While holding the keys, connect the phone to your PC with a micro-USB cable. Release the keys once the flashing begins. A green circle will appear when the process is complete.
For in-depth instructions and error solutions for the SP Flash Tool, please visit our complete guide: How to Flash Firmware on MediaTek (MTK) Smartphones.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Based on extensive user reports from photography communities, GSMArena user reviews, and smartphone repair forums, here are specific problems with the Cubot Note 20 and their solutions.
1. Sony IMX486 OIS Focus Motor Mechanical Failure Causing Permanent Blur
Cause: This is the most critical hardware-software issue affecting the Sony IMX486 12MP primary sensor. Users report that the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) focus motor becomes mechanically stuck and cannot focus beyond approximately 0.3 meters, resulting in severely blurred photos of distant subjects. The focus motor requires physical tapping or shaking to temporarily unstick, indicating mechanical component degradation within the circular camera module.
Solution: The Sony IMX486 OIS focus motor mechanical failure requires both software and hardware intervention. First, attempt software restoration: clear camera app storage completely, disable all third-party camera applications, and reset camera settings to factory defaults. For temporary fixes, gently tap the circular camera module area or switch to video mode then back to photo mode to unstick the focus mechanism. However, the V15 firmware includes updated OIS motor control algorithms that can sometimes resolve software-related focus issues. If mechanical tapping is required repeatedly, the OIS motor hardware needs professional replacement.
2. Circular Camera Module Sensor Coordination Complete System Failure
Cause: The innovative circular camera module housing four sensors (Sony IMX486 12MP + Sony IMX350 20MP + 2MP + 0.3MP) experiences coordination failures where individual sensors become unresponsive or produce corrupted output. Users report that depth perception calculations fail, portrait mode becomes unusable, and the camera app crashes when switching between different sensors within the circular housing.
Solution: The circular camera module coordination requires precise calibration data for all four sensors simultaneously. Power off the device completely, remove the detachable battery for 60 seconds to reset all camera sensor states. Clean the circular camera module glass thoroughly as dust accumulation between lenses can cause sensor detection errors. Flashing the latest firmware (V15) includes updated sensor coordination protocols specifically designed for the circular housing architecture. If sensor switching continues failing, the circular camera module assembly requires professional replacement as individual sensors cannot be calibrated independently.
3. Waterdrop Notch Touch Calibration Errors in Upper Screen Region
Cause: The waterdrop notch design creates unique touch calibration challenges where the upper screen region around the 8MP front camera becomes unresponsive to touch input. Users report that notification panel pull-down gestures fail, status bar icons cannot be tapped, and the upper 10% of screen real estate becomes dead zones.
Solution: The waterdrop notch touch calibration requires specific firmware algorithms that account for the circular cutout geometry. Enter Developer Options by tapping Build Number seven times, then navigate to Input > Touch Screen Calibration and perform manual calibration. The waterdrop design particularly affects portrait orientation touch detection, so test in both orientations. Firmware V15 includes enhanced waterdrop notch calibration algorithms that properly map touch coordinates around the circular camera cutout. If dead zones persist after firmware updates, this indicates hardware touch sensor damage requiring professional repair.
4. Detachable Battery Connector Spring Degradation Causing Power Cycling
Cause: The detachable 4200mAh battery design relies on spring-loaded connector pins that experience wear from repeated removal/insertion cycles. Users report random shutdowns, charging interruptions, and inability to power on, particularly after battery removal for troubleshooting purposes.
Solution: The spring-loaded connector system requires careful maintenance to prevent degradation. Remove the detachable battery and inspect both phone-side and battery-side connector pins for corrosion, debris, or spring compression loss. Clean with isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush, ensuring springs maintain proper tension. The detachable design allows easy replacement of degraded battery assemblies, but connector springs are integrated into the phone chassis. Firmware V15 includes improved battery management algorithms that can compensate for minor connector resistance variations. For severe spring degradation, professional connector replacement is required.
5. NFC Payment Integration Regional Compatibility Failures
Cause: The NFC implementation was specifically optimized for developing markets but experiences compatibility issues with certain banking applications and payment terminals. Users report successful NFC detection but failed transaction authentication, particularly with European and North American payment systems.
Solution: The NFC payment integration requires region-specific certification protocols. Verify that Google Pay is set as the default payment application and that NFC is enabled in Settings > Connected Devices. Clear NFC Service cache and storage, then re-add payment cards one at a time. The detachable battery design allows complete power cycling which can reset NFC authentication tokens: remove battery for 120 seconds, reinsert, then reconfigure payment apps. Firmware V15 includes updated NFC protocols for broader regional compatibility. If authentication continues failing, contact your bank to verify international NFC compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why does my Sony IMX486 camera require tapping to focus properly?
- The Sony IMX486 OIS focus motor has a known mechanical failure where the actuator becomes stuck and cannot move to focus distances beyond 0.3 meters. Tapping temporarily unsticks the mechanism, but this indicates hardware degradation requiring professional repair.
- Can the circular camera module sensors be replaced individually?
- No, the circular camera module housing integrates all four sensors (Sony IMX486 + Sony IMX350 + 2MP + 0.3MP) as a single calibrated assembly. Individual sensor replacement disrupts the coordination algorithms and depth perception calculations.
- Is the waterdrop notch touch issue a software or hardware problem?
- Primarily software-related due to calibration algorithms that must account for the circular cutout geometry. Firmware V15 includes improved touch mapping for waterdrop notch designs. Hardware touch sensor damage is rare but possible.
- How long do the detachable battery connector springs typically last?
- With normal use (monthly battery removal), the springs maintain proper tension for 2-3 years. Frequent removal/insertion or rough handling significantly reduces spring life. Replacement springs are not user-serviceable.
- Why does NFC work for detection but fail during payment transactions?
- The NFC implementation was optimized for developing markets and may lack certification for certain international payment systems. Regional banking compatibility varies significantly. Firmware V15 improved but didn’t eliminate all regional compatibility issues.
- Can I prevent the OIS focus motor from failing?
- Avoid extreme temperatures, physical shocks, and exposure to strong magnetic fields that can damage the delicate OIS actuator mechanism. However, the Sony IMX486 OIS system has inherent design limitations that make failure common after 12-18 months of use.
Conclusion
Restoring the official stock firmware on your Cubot Note 20 is essential for addressing the complex interplay of issues affecting this photography-focused device, particularly the critical Sony IMX486 OIS focus motor mechanical failures, circular camera module coordination malfunctions, and waterdrop notch touch calibration errors. This guide provides all available firmware files and specialized flashing instructions for the MediaTek MT6761-powered Android 10 system.
The innovative circular camera module design and detachable battery system make this device unique in the budget photography category, but require specialized maintenance approaches. Remember that the Sony IMX486 OIS focus motor and waterdrop notch calibration represent advanced engineering implementations that demand precise software coordination.
If this guide helped you resolve your Cubot Note 20 issues, please share your experience in the comments, especially which firmware version worked for your specific OIS focus motor or circular camera module problems and whether hardware replacement was ultimately necessary. Your feedback helps our community of budget photography enthusiasts dealing with similar advanced camera system challenges!
