The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Coolpad Cool 10A and Realme C35 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, significant differences in their core hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dives deep into these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C35 is the superior choice. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Coolpad Cool 10A’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While the Cool 10A is cheaper, the C35’s faster charging and improved processing power justify the slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 29. Released 2021, March 29 | 2022, February 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.50 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Panda Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 720p@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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Glowing Black, Glowing Green |
| Models | - | RMX3511 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 129.99 / ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Coolpad Cool 10A
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly slower performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Outdated 28nm chipset
Realme C35
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Slightly higher price
- May not offer significant camera improvements
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad nor Realme specify display details beyond size. However, given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The Realme C35’s advantage lies in its chipset’s potentially better image processing capabilities, which could translate to slightly more vibrant colors. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected in this segment, meaning both phones will offer standard 60Hz refresh rates. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on cost reduction rather than premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for both devices. However, given the market segment, image quality will likely be similar. Both phones will likely rely on software processing to enhance images. The Realme C35’s more powerful chipset *could* allow for slightly more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the C35, enabled by the chipset, is more probable than on the Cool 10A. Expect both to include a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility.
Performance
The Realme C35’s Unisoc Tiger T616 represents a significant leap over the Coolpad Cool 10A’s Unisoc SC9863A. The T616’s 12nm fabrication process is far more efficient than the Cool 10A’s 28nm node, resulting in lower power consumption and reduced heat generation. Crucially, the T616 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, providing a substantial boost in single-core performance compared to the Cool 10A’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Realme C35. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the chipset difference will be the dominant factor in performance.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, both phones likely house batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The Realme C35’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Coolpad Cool 10A’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster charging times – potentially reducing a full charge from over 3 hours on the Cool 10A to around 2 hours on the C35. The more efficient Unisoc T616 in the C35 will also contribute to better battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 10A if your primary need is an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize absolute minimum cost. Buy the Realme C35 if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C35 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset in the Realme C35 is more than capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly, even with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Coolpad Cool 10A will handle these apps, but may exhibit noticeable lag or slowdowns with heavier multitasking.
❓ Is the Realme C35 a good option for casual gaming?
The Realme C35 is a better choice for casual gaming than the Coolpad Cool 10A. While it won’t run demanding titles at high settings, the T616 chipset provides enough power for games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at lower graphics settings. The Cool 10A’s SC9863A will struggle with these games.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
The Realme C35, with its 18W charging, will likely take around 2 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Coolpad Cool 10A’s 10W charging will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 3.5-4 hours, for a full charge.
❓ Does either phone support dual SIM functionality?
While not explicitly stated, both the Coolpad Cool 10A and Realme C35, given their target market, almost certainly support dual SIM functionality. This allows you to use two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for separating work and personal calls or taking advantage of different carrier plans.
