The Coolpad Cool 20 and Oppo A74 5G represent two approaches to delivering affordable 5G connectivity. The Coolpad focuses on maximizing CPU performance within a budget, while the Oppo prioritizes efficiency with a newer generation chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best value for users seeking 5G on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Oppo A74 5G is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 480, built on an 8nm process, offers superior power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Coolpad Cool 20’s MediaTek Helio G80. While the Coolpad boasts a potentially faster CPU burst, the Oppo’s overall experience is smoother and more reliable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 26. Released 2021, June 01 | 2021, April 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, April 13 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.6 g (7.05 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP3 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, CoolOS 2 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 (single lane) |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Fluid Black, Space Silver |
| Models | - | CPH2197, CPH2263 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 20
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- May offer more vibrant display colors.
- Likely more affordable upfront cost.
- Less power-efficient chipset (12nm).
- Higher risk of thermal throttling.
- Potentially shorter battery life.
Oppo A74 5G
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 480 (8nm).
- Faster 18W charging.
- Better sustained performance due to thermal efficiency.
- May have slightly lower peak CPU performance.
- Potentially higher price point.
- Image processing may be less saturated.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. Without specific display specs, we can infer that the Oppo A74 5G, being a slightly newer device, *may* have a marginally brighter panel. However, the Coolpad Cool 20’s display is likely tuned for vibrant colors, a common characteristic of Coolpad’s displays. Bezels are expected to be similar on both, prioritizing affordability over premium aesthetics.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones targeting the budget segment. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature a primary sensor around 13-48MP. The Oppo A74 5G *may* benefit from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP), which generally offers better noise reduction and dynamic range. The Coolpad Cool 20’s camera will likely lean towards more saturated colors, a common trait in Coolpad’s image processing. Any secondary cameras (macro, depth) on both devices are likely to be low-resolution and offer limited utility.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Oppo A74 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, fabricated on an 8nm process, holds a significant advantage over the Coolpad Cool 20’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm). The 8nm node translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Snapdragon 480 will sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. While both CPUs feature a 2x2.0 GHz core configuration, the Snapdragon’s Kryo 460 cores are architecturally more advanced than the Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores, offering improved instructions per clock (IPC). This benefits multitasking and responsiveness. The Coolpad’s Helio G80 might show a slight edge in single-core benchmarks, but the Snapdragon 480’s overall system performance will be superior.
Battery Life
The Oppo A74 5G’s 18W charging is a clear advantage. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Coolpad Cool 20, the Snapdragon 480’s superior power efficiency will likely result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery. The 8nm process allows the Oppo to sip power during everyday tasks and 5G connectivity, while the Coolpad’s 12nm Helio G80 will consume more energy, impacting longevity. The 18W charging on the Oppo will also translate to faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 20 if you prioritize raw CPU power for occasional demanding tasks and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. This phone suits users who frequently switch between many apps. Buy the Oppo A74 5G if you value consistent performance, better battery life, and a more efficient 5G experience. This is ideal for everyday users, streaming, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 20 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio G80 can handle PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The 12nm process and potential for thermal throttling mean sustained gaming sessions may lead to performance drops. The Oppo A74 5G’s Snapdragon 480 will offer a smoother, more consistent gaming experience, even at medium settings.
❓ How much faster is the 5G connectivity on the Oppo A74 5G compared to a 4G phone?
The Oppo A74 5G utilizes the Snapdragon 480’s integrated 5G modem, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G. Real-world speeds will vary based on network coverage, but you can expect several times faster speeds, enabling quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency for online gaming.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Oppo A74 5G a significant improvement over slower charging standards?
Yes, 18W charging is a noticeable improvement. While not the fastest charging available, it will significantly reduce charging times compared to a standard 10W or 15W charger. Expect a full charge in around 2-3 hours, providing a convenient top-up during downtime.
