The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Coolpad Cool 12A and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Cool 12A prioritizing a more powerful core in its CPU, while the C11 opts for an octa-core configuration. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Coolpad Cool 12A emerges as the better choice. Its Spreadtrum chipset, featuring a Cortex-A75 core, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Realme C11’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the latter having more cores. The Cool 12A’s 18W charging also offers a significant convenience advantage.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 05. Released 2020, October 05 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.15 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.5 g (7.16 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~273 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, PDAF
2 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 (market dependent) | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Stand-by | Up to 618 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 31 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream Black, Dream Blue, Fantasy Silver | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | X3a40, X3c50 | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 12A
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better app responsiveness
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- No information on display quality
Realme C11 (2021)
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power draw
- Octa-core processor for multi-tasking
- Slower processor leading to potential lag
- 10W charging is significantly slower
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target a 720p+ resolution. The Realme C11’s display is likely optimized for efficiency given the lower-powered chipset, while the Cool 12A’s display will need to keep pace with the more demanding processor. Without detailed panel specs, the display experience is likely comparable, leaning towards functional rather than immersive.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, with both likely featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Cool 12A’s more powerful processor *could* translate to slightly faster image processing times. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset utilizes a quad-core configuration with a high-clocked Cortex-A75 core (2.0 GHz) alongside three Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz). This architecture prioritizes single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother UI navigation. Conversely, the Realme C11 (2021) employs the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. While having more cores, the lower clock speeds and less efficient core design suggest the Unisoc chip will struggle with more demanding tasks. The Cool 12A will likely exhibit less lag in everyday use. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip also suggests it will be less power efficient than a more modern node, potentially impacting battery life despite the lower performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely fall in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The key differentiator is charging speed. The Coolpad Cool 12A supports 18W wired charging with QC2 compatibility (market dependent), significantly reducing charging times compared to the Realme C11’s 10W charging. The Realme C11 does offer reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Cool 12A. This makes the C11 more versatile for users with multiple devices, but the slower charging speed is a trade-off.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 12A if you need a phone that feels snappier when switching between apps, browsing the web, or handling moderately demanding tasks. Its faster charging is also ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick power boost. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize a potentially longer battery life due to its lower performance draw, and the convenience of reverse wired charging to top up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 12A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Cool 12A’s processor is more capable than the Realme C11’s, don’t expect a high-framerate gaming experience. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at low to medium settings with moderate frame rates. The Spreadtrum chipset’s GPU is not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C11 (2021) useful for everyday use?
The reverse charging feature is primarily useful in emergency situations, such as topping up a wireless earbud case or smartwatch when you’re away from a power outlet. It’s a niche feature, but can be convenient for users with multiple devices.
❓ How much does the Unisoc SC9863A chipset impact app loading times compared to the Coolpad Cool 12A?
The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower clock speeds and less efficient core design will result in noticeably slower app loading times compared to the Coolpad Cool 12A. The Cool 12A’s Cortex-A75 core provides a significant boost in single-core performance, directly impacting app responsiveness.
