The Coolpad Cool 12A and ZTE Blade A51 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Cool 12A prioritizes a faster single-core performance with its Spreadtrum chipset, while the Blade A51 opts for an octa-core configuration from Unisoc. This comparison will dissect these choices and determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness in everyday tasks, the Coolpad Cool 12A emerges as the better choice. Its Cortex-A75 core provides a noticeable performance edge over the Blade A51’s all-Cortex-A55 setup, making app launches and general navigation smoother. However, the Blade A51’s octa-core design may offer slightly better multi-tasking.
| 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, 20, 28, 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, May 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 08 |
| 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) | 166.5 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 202.5 g (7.16 oz) | 173.7 g (6.14 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 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, PDAF
2 MP | 13 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 21 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 |
| 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 | Li-Ion 3200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dream Black, Dream Blue, Fantasy Silver | Blue, Gray |
| Models | X3a40, X3c50 | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | - |
Coolpad Cool 12A
- Faster single-core performance for smoother app launches.
- Potentially faster charging with 18W and QC2 support.
- More responsive user experience for everyday tasks.
- Quad-core configuration may struggle with heavy multi-tasking.
- Limited information available on display quality.
ZTE Blade A51
- Octa-core processor may handle multiple apps better.
- Potentially more stable performance under sustained load.
- Affordable price point.
- Slower single-core performance leads to less responsive app launches.
- Older 28nm process may result in higher power consumption.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment. Without specific display specs, a clear winner is difficult to determine.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed comparison is limited. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 12A’s Spreadtrum chipset features 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 app responsiveness. Conversely, the ZTE Blade A51 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor comprised entirely of Cortex-A55 cores (4x1.6 GHz & 4x1.2 GHz). While the Blade A51 has more cores, the A55 cores are less powerful than the A75, resulting in lower peak performance. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip also suggests potentially higher power consumption compared to a more modern node, though specific power draw figures are unavailable. This translates to the Cool 12A feeling faster in everyday use, while the Blade A51 might handle multiple background tasks slightly better.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The Cool 12A supports 18W wired charging with QC2 compatibility (market dependent), potentially offering faster charging speeds than the Blade A51, assuming the latter lacks fast charging support. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process could lead to slightly higher power consumption, potentially offsetting any battery capacity advantage the Blade A51 might have.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 12A if you need a phone that feels snappy and responsive for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Its stronger single-core performance translates to a more fluid user experience. Buy the ZTE Blade A51 if you frequently juggle multiple apps simultaneously and prefer a potentially more stable experience under sustained load, even if individual app launches are a bit slower. It's a better fit for users who prioritize multi-tasking over peak single-core speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the ZTE Blade A51 struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc SC9863A is not designed for high-end gaming. While PUBG Mobile may be playable at low settings, expect significant frame drops and lag, especially during intense action. The Coolpad Cool 12A, while not a gaming powerhouse, will likely offer a slightly smoother experience due to its faster processor core.
❓ Does the Coolpad Cool 12A support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Given the price point and Coolpad's track record, long-term software support is unlikely. Expect limited updates, potentially only security patches. The ZTE Blade A51 will likely face a similar situation. Don't purchase either phone expecting frequent Android version upgrades.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the Coolpad Cool 12A’s Cortex-A75 core provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness for tasks like opening apps, browsing the web, and switching between applications. The ZTE Blade A51 will feel comparatively sluggish in these scenarios.
