The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Coolpad Cool 12A and the Tecno Spark Go 2021 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, beneath the similar price tags lie key differences in processing power and charging capabilities that will dictate which phone is best suited for your needs.
🏆 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 advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 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, July 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.5 g (7.16 oz) | 193 g (6.81 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum | - |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | - |
| OS | Android | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, PDAF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| 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 | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream Black, Dream Blue, Fantasy Silver | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | X3a40, X3c50 | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 12A
- Faster processor with Cortex-A75 core for improved performance
- 18W charging with QC2 support for quicker top-ups
- Potentially better image processing due to more capable chipset
- Display specifications are unknown, potentially similar to Tecno
- Camera details are limited, image quality may not be exceptional
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Likely simpler user experience due to less powerful processor
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower power consumption
- Affordable price point
- Significantly slower processor, impacting app responsiveness
- No mention of fast charging, resulting in longer charging times
- Limited performance for multitasking or gaming
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad nor Tecno provide detailed display specifications in the provided data. Given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are standard 60Hz displays. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent for both devices. However, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera alongside depth and potentially macro sensors. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is almost certain. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s potential for slightly better image processing, driven by the more capable chipset, could result in marginally improved image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset, with its quad-core configuration featuring a 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 core alongside three 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s unspecified quad-core 1.8 GHz CPU. The Cortex-A75 core is a performance-focused design, offering substantially higher single-core performance than the likely Cortex-A53 cores found in the Tecno. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user experience. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations (typically 2-3GB in this segment), the Coolpad’s superior CPU will better utilize available memory. Thermal management is unlikely to be a major concern on either device given the low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price point. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s 18W wired charging with QC2 support is a clear advantage. QC2 (Quick Charge 2.0) allows for faster charging speeds when paired with a compatible charger, significantly reducing charging times compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2021, which lacks any mention of fast charging. This means the Coolpad will spend less time tethered to a wall, offering greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 12A if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, light gaming, and benefits from faster 18W charging with QC2 support. This phone is ideal for users who frequently use social media, browse the web, or stream videos. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 12A handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset with the Cortex-A75 core is well-equipped to handle social media apps without significant lag. The more powerful processor ensures smoother scrolling and faster app loading times compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2021.
❓ Is the charging speed of the Coolpad Cool 12A a significant improvement over standard 5W charging?
Absolutely. 18W charging with QC2 support on the Coolpad Cool 12A is considerably faster than the typical 5W charging found on many budget phones, including the Tecno Spark Go 2021. This means you can significantly reduce the time spent waiting for your phone to charge, getting you back to using it sooner.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark Go 2021 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Tecno Spark Go 2021 can handle very simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but performance will be limited. Expect longer loading times and potential frame rate drops, especially during more demanding sections of the game. The Coolpad Cool 12A will offer a noticeably smoother gaming experience.
