Coolpad offers two compelling options in the budget smartphone space: the C15 and the Legacy 5G. While both aim to deliver affordability, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. The C15 focuses on basic functionality, while the Legacy 5G brings 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the table. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the C15’s MediaTek Helio G36, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience. The 5G connectivity is a future-proof benefit, justifying the potential price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSD |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dreamy Blue, Ripple Purple, Midnight Black | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | - | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad C15
- Most affordable option
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life for basic use
- Significantly slower performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Better image processing capabilities
- Slightly higher price point
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Legacy 5G’s Snapdragon 765G will handle UI animations and video playback more smoothly. While both likely feature similar resolutions, the superior GPU in the Legacy 5G will translate to better graphics rendering.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G includes a more powerful Image Signal Processor (ISP), which will result in better image processing, improved dynamic range, and potentially better low-light performance. While sensor size and lens quality are crucial, the ISP plays a significant role in the final image quality, giving the Legacy 5G an edge.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Coolpad C15’s MediaTek Helio G36, built on a 12nm process, features a mix of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.2GHz and 1.6GHz. This is a relatively basic configuration. In contrast, the Coolpad Legacy 5G boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm), utilizing Kryo 475 cores in a tri-cluster configuration (Prime, Gold, and Silver). The 7nm process and more advanced core architecture of the Snapdragon 765G deliver significantly higher CPU and GPU performance. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The Legacy 5G is demonstrably better equipped for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency (7nm process) could potentially offset any difference in battery capacity (which is not specified for either device). The Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) support on the Legacy 5G also suggests faster charging speeds in practice, assuming a compatible charger is used. While both will likely provide a full day of moderate use, the Legacy 5G’s more efficient chipset may offer slightly better battery life under heavy load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad C15 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. You’re willing to compromise on performance and future-proofing. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you want a more responsive experience, 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, and the ability to handle more demanding apps and games. You value performance and future-proofing over the absolute lowest price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Legacy 5G work with my current carrier?
The Coolpad Legacy 5G supports 5G connectivity, but compatibility depends on your carrier's 5G network bands. Check with your carrier to ensure the phone is compatible with their 5G infrastructure. It also supports 4G LTE, which will work on most networks.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G powerful enough for gaming?
The Snapdragon 765G is a capable mid-range chipset. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it can handle most popular mobile games at medium to high settings. Expect smooth gameplay in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, though you may need to adjust graphics settings for optimal performance.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Legacy 5G compared to 4G?
5G speeds on the Legacy 5G can be significantly faster than 4G, potentially offering download speeds 10-100 times faster depending on network conditions and carrier coverage. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency for online gaming.
❓ Does the Coolpad C15 support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
While not explicitly stated, given its budget nature, the Coolpad C15 may have limited support for advanced features like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi calling. Check with your carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing if these features are important to you.
