The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Coolpad Cool 10A and Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and essential features at an accessible price point. However, significant differences in their core hardware – specifically the chipset – dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R is the superior choice. Its MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Coolpad Cool 10A’s Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more enjoyable gaming experience. While the Cool 10A is cheaper, the performance trade-off is too significant for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 29. Released 2021, March 29 | 2022, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 30 |
| 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 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Models | - | 22095RA98C |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 10A
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to conservative chipset
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Poor multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging speed
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Faster 18W charging
- Better suited for gaming and demanding apps
- Slightly higher price
- May have slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- Still a budget device with compromises in build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, the Redmi Note 11R’s more powerful chipset will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups. The Redmi Note 11R *may* benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, allowing for faster image capture and potentially improved noise reduction. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t heavily influence your decision.
Performance
The performance gap is the defining characteristic of this comparison. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R’s MediaTek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Coolpad Cool 10A’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) offer a substantial performance advantage over the Cool 10A’s Cortex-A55 cores (4x1.6 GHz & 4x1.2 GHz). This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Redmi Note 11R is the clear winner for gaming, even if limited to medium settings.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Coolpad Cool 10A’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Redmi Note 11R’s 18W charging. While the Cool 10A might have a slightly larger battery capacity (spec not provided), the Redmi Note 11R’s faster charging will minimize downtime. Users who frequently use their phones throughout the day will appreciate the quicker top-up times offered by the Redmi Note 11R.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 10A if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. You’re willing to accept noticeable slowdowns and limited multitasking capabilities. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11R if you want a more responsive and capable smartphone experience, even on a budget. It’s ideal for users who enjoy occasional gaming, stream videos, and demand smoother performance from their apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi Note 11R’s Dimensity 700 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, albeit at medium graphics settings and frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience that the Coolpad Cool 10A simply cannot match due to its significantly weaker chipset.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Coolpad Cool 10A a major inconvenience?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours. This is a significant drawback for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day and need quick top-ups.
❓ How much of a difference will the 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 make in real-world usage?
The 7nm process node is crucial. It allows the Dimensity 700 to deliver more performance with greater energy efficiency compared to the Coolpad’s 28nm Unisoc chip. This translates to less heat generation, reduced throttling, and longer battery life during demanding tasks.
❓ Are there any significant software differences between Coolpad’s and Xiaomi’s UI?
Xiaomi’s MIUI is a heavily customized Android skin, known for its features and occasional bloatware. Coolpad typically uses a more stock-Android-like experience. Preference here is subjective; MIUI offers more customization, while Coolpad’s UI is cleaner and potentially faster.
