The Coolpad Cool 10 and Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power management, the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the Coolpad Cool 10’s Mediatek Helio P30/P60, especially in demanding tasks and longer usage sessions.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Class 10 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 05. Released 2020, June 12 | 2020, October 14. Released 2020, October 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.8 g (7.16 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 106.6 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.65 GHz Cortex A53) - ChinaOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) - International | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6758 Helio P30 (16 nm) - ChinaMediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) - International | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.5, PDAF
0.3 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Downloadable |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email, Push Email, IM |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 150 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 1 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glazed Black, Seashell White, Science Blue | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Iceberg Blue |
| Models | SEA-A0 | SM-M315F/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
Coolpad Cool 10
- Potentially lower price point
- Large battery capacity (estimated)
- Dual SIM support
- Less efficient chipset (Helio P30)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Inferior CPU performance
Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime
- More efficient Exynos 9611 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Better overall performance
- Slightly higher price
- LCD display (not OLED)
- Samsung’s software bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Coolpad Cool 10's display are not provided, but given its price point, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime also utilizes an LCD, but Samsung’s display expertise generally results in slightly better color calibration and viewing angles. Both are likely 6.5-inch displays, but the M31 Prime’s panel is likely brighter, offering better visibility outdoors. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is another area where the M31 Prime holds an edge. While both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, details are sparse for the Coolpad Cool 10. The M31 Prime’s primary sensor is expected to be larger, capturing more light and detail. The Exynos 9611’s image signal processor (ISP) is also more advanced, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The inclusion of a 15W charger suggests Samsung prioritized a more consistent camera experience, as image processing is power-intensive. The presence of numerous 2MP auxiliary cameras on both devices is largely for marketing; their contribution to overall image quality is minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 10 ships with either the Mediatek MT6758 Helio P30 (China) or the MT6771 Helio P60 (International). The P30, built on a 16nm process, is less efficient than the P60’s 12nm node. The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime features the Exynos 9611, fabricated on a more advanced 10nm process. While both utilize an octa-core configuration with Cortex-A73 and A53 cores, the Exynos 9611’s architecture and process node provide a clear performance advantage. The M31 Prime’s CPU has a slight clock speed edge (2.3GHz vs 2.0/2.3GHz), and the 10nm process translates to better thermal management, reducing throttling during prolonged use. Users intending to play demanding games will find the M31 Prime significantly more capable.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature large batteries (around 4000-5000mAh), typical of budget smartphones. However, the Exynos 9611’s 10nm process efficiency gives the M31 Prime a significant advantage in battery life. While the Coolpad Cool 10 may have a slightly larger battery capacity, the less efficient Helio P30/P60 will drain it faster. The M31 Prime also benefits from 15W wired charging, allowing for faster top-ups compared to the Coolpad Cool 10’s likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 10 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication, light social media use, and occasional web browsing, and are constrained by an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime if you prefer a device capable of handling moderate multitasking, occasional gaming, and benefit from a more refined software experience and slightly better camera performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship chip, its 10nm process and thermal design allow it to handle moderate gaming for extended periods without significant overheating. Throttling may occur during very demanding titles with high graphics settings, but it's less likely than with the Coolpad Cool 10's Helio P30.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are primarily included for marketing purposes and are unlikely to deliver impressive macro photography results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience depends on the graphics settings. Lowering the settings to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' is recommended for a more stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
The Samsung Galaxy M31 Prime is the better choice for video consumption. While both have LCD panels, Samsung's display calibration and potentially higher brightness levels will provide a more vibrant and enjoyable viewing experience.
