The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Coolpad Cool 12A and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent two key contenders. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Cool 12A emerges as the stronger choice. Its more modern Spreadtrum chipset, featuring Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A02’s older Mediatek MT6739W. While neither phone excels in any single area, the Cool 12A’s CPU architecture offers a smoother overall experience.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 05. Released 2020, October 05 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 75.2 x 8.9 mm (6.15 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.5 g (7.16 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, PDAF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC2 (market dependent) | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 618 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 31 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream Black, Dream Blue, Fantasy Silver | Black, Blue |
| Models | X3a40, X3c50 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Coolpad Cool 12A
- More powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Faster charging support (18W with QC2)
- Potentially better performance for multitasking
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
- Camera specifications are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Familiar Samsung user interface
- Multiple RAM/Storage configurations available
- Established brand reputation
- Older and less powerful Mediatek chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Performance may struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and peak brightness are unavailable. The Galaxy A02’s available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) don’t specify display differences, suggesting a consistent panel across all variants. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s display specs are similarly absent, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Bezels are likely substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic. The lack of detailed display information makes a direct comparison difficult, but neither phone is intended for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. The Galaxy A02’s configurations don’t detail camera differences, but the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens is largely a marketing gimmick. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s camera specifications are also unavailable, but it’s safe to assume a similar reliance on low-resolution sensors. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. Neither phone offers optical image stabilization (OIS). The primary sensor size is the most critical factor, but without that information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. Image processing will likely be minimal on both devices.
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 leap over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W. The A75 cores in the Cool 12A are considerably more powerful than the Cortex-A53 cores found in the A02, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The MT6739W, built on a 28nm process, is an older design, and its 1.5 GHz clock speed further lags behind the Cool 12A. While both phones likely feature limited RAM (the A02 offers 2GB or 3GB options), the superior CPU architecture of the Cool 12A will mitigate some of the impact of limited memory. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either device given the low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets, both phones should be able to deliver all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Coolpad Cool 12A supports 18W wired charging with QC2 (market dependent), offering a potential advantage over the Galaxy A02, which likely supports standard 5W or 7.5W charging. Faster charging translates to less downtime, a significant benefit for users who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day. The actual 0-100% charging time will depend on the charger used, but the Cool 12A’s support for Quick Charge 2.0 provides a clear edge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 12A if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more future-proofed experience, even if it means sacrificing brand recognition. It’s ideal for users who need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you strongly prefer the Samsung ecosystem and user interface, and are willing to accept a performance trade-off for the brand familiarity and potentially better software support (though this is not guaranteed in this price bracket).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739W chipset in the Galaxy A02 prone to overheating during prolonged use?
The Mediatek MT6739W is a low-power chipset and is unlikely to overheat significantly, even during extended use. However, its age and limited processing power mean it may struggle with demanding tasks, potentially leading to noticeable slowdowns rather than overheating.
❓ Does the Coolpad Cool 12A support Google’s Android Go Edition, given its likely limited RAM?
While not explicitly stated, the Coolpad Cool 12A may ship with Android Go Edition, particularly if it’s configured with 2GB of RAM. Android Go is a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources, optimizing performance and storage usage.
❓ How useful is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02 in real-world scenarios?
The 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A02 is largely a marketing feature. Due to its low resolution and lack of autofocus, image quality will be poor, and the results are unlikely to be satisfying for most users. It's best to rely on the main camera for general photography.
❓ Can the Coolpad Cool 12A handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset can likely run PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at low settings and frame rates. However, expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially during intense gameplay. It’s not designed for a smooth gaming experience.
