The Coolpad Cool 12A and Nokia C200 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to core components, particularly in chipset selection and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and faster charging, the Coolpad Cool 12A emerges as the better choice. Its Spreadtrum chipset, featuring a Cortex-A75 core, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia C200’s Helio A22, and the 18W charging support significantly reduces downtime compared to the Nokia’s 10W standard.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE (2CA) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 05. Released 2020, October 05 | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.15 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 156.5 x 73.1 x 8.8 mm (6.16 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.5 g (7.16 oz) | 172.5 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~273 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, PDAF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 (market dependent) | 10W wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 618 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 31 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream Black, Dream Blue, Fantasy Silver | Meteor Black |
| Models | X3a40, X3c50 | TA-1437, TA-1510 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.11 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) |
Coolpad Cool 12A
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Significantly faster 18W charging
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Software update commitment is uncertain
Nokia C200
- Nokia’s reputation for software reliability
- Potentially longer software support
- Simpler user experience
- Slower processor leading to laggy performance
- Slow 10W charging
- Less responsive user interface
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with 720p+ resolution, typical of this price bracket. However, detailed display specs like brightness and color gamut are unavailable. The focus here is on the internal hardware, as display quality is likely similar and secondary to performance.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but both are likely to feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary lenses. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The focus should not be on camera capabilities when choosing between these two.
Performance
The Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset, with its quad-core configuration of 1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural advantage over the Nokia C200’s MediaTek Helio A22. The Cortex-A75 is a performance-focused core, offering substantially higher single-core performance than the Cortex-A53 found in the Helio A22. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The Helio A22, while efficient, is designed for basic tasks. The Cool 12A’s chipset is built on an unspecified node, but the architectural advantage is clear. RAM configurations are also likely similar, further emphasizing the chipset as the key differentiator.
Battery Life
While battery capacity is not specified, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. However, the Coolpad Cool 12A’s 18W wired charging with QC2 support (market dependent) provides a substantial advantage over the Nokia C200’s 10W charging. This means the Cool 12A can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime and making it more convenient for users who rely on their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 12A if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with a bit more fluidity, and if quick charging is a priority. This phone is ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, and need a phone that won’t feel sluggish. Buy the Nokia C200 if you prioritize simplicity and a potentially longer software support commitment from Nokia, and if battery life is more important than raw performance – accepting slower charging as a trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 12A struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
While the Cool 12A offers better performance than the Nokia C200, it's still a budget device. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at low settings with reduced frame rates. Expect occasional stuttering and don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience.
❓ Does the Nokia C200 receive regular security updates?
Nokia generally provides a reasonable level of software support for its budget devices, including security updates. However, the frequency and duration of updates are not guaranteed and may be less extensive than on higher-end Nokia models. Check Nokia’s official support pages for the latest information.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Coolpad Cool 12A compatible with any USB-C charger?
Yes, the Coolpad Cool 12A supports the Quick Charge 2.0 (QC2) standard, meaning it will work with any USB-C charger that supports QC2 or Power Delivery (PD). However, to achieve the full 18W charging speed, you'll need a compatible charger.
