Coolpad Cool 20s vs Cool 10A: Which Budget Phone Delivers More?

Coolpad's Cool 10A and Cool 20s represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Cool 10A prioritizes affordability, while the Cool 20s aims to deliver a more compelling experience with a modern chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Coolpad Cool 20s is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Cool 10A’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. However, the Cool 10A remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.

PHONES
Phone Names Coolpad Cool 10A Coolpad Cool 20s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 39, 40, 41
5G bands-1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, March 29. Released 2021, March 292022, June 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2022, June 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions165 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)163 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.94 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight200 g (7.05 oz)180 g (6.35 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm)
GPUIMG8322Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 13, CoolOS
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 2GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro)
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single5 MP8 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single5 MP8 MP
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, WhiteBlack, Blue, White
PriceAbout 90 EURAbout 140 EUR

Coolpad Cool 10A

  • Most affordable option
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Acceptable for basic tasks

  • Slow performance
  • Outdated chipset
  • Limited future-proofing

Coolpad Cool 20s

  • Significantly faster performance
  • 5G connectivity
  • Faster charging (18W)

  • Higher price point
  • May still lack advanced features
  • Potentially larger size

Display Comparison

Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Cool 20s benefits from the more powerful chipset allowing for potentially higher resolutions and refresh rates, though this isn't confirmed. The Cool 10A, being a more basic device, likely features a lower resolution display. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, typical of this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Detailed camera specs are unavailable. However, it's safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Cool 20s, with its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated into the Dimensity 700, likely offers superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a more capable chipset could also enable features like HDR mode. The Cool 10A will likely struggle in low-light conditions due to its less sophisticated image processing.

Performance

The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Coolpad Cool 20s’ Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a considerable advantage over the Cool 10A’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The Dimensity 700’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, delivers significantly faster processing speeds compared to the Cool 10A’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Cool 20s’ 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Cool 10A’s 10W charging. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the faster charging speed of the Cool 20s will significantly reduce downtime. Users can expect a noticeably quicker 0-100% charge time with the Cool 20s, making it more convenient for those who need to quickly top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the Coolpad Cool 10A if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Coolpad Cool 20s if you prioritize smoother performance, enjoy mobile gaming, or want a device that will remain usable for a longer period thanks to its more powerful processor and 5G connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Dimensity 700 in the Cool 20s handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Cool 10A and provides a playable experience for casual gamers.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Cool 10A sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The Unisoc SC9863A is adequate for basic tasks like web browsing, checking emails, and using social media apps. However, expect noticeable lag when multitasking or opening multiple apps simultaneously. It's best suited for users with minimal smartphone requirements.
❓ Does the Cool 20s support 5G connectivity, and will I see a noticeable speed improvement?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 includes an integrated 5G modem. If you have 5G coverage in your area, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G, resulting in quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and more responsive online gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With its 18W charging, the Cool 20s should fully charge in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. The Cool 10A, with its 10W charging, will likely take 4-5 hours to reach a full charge.