The Coolpad Cool 20+ and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G represent different approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The Cool 20+ aims for aggressive affordability, while the A53 5G focuses on a more polished experience with 5G connectivity. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a smoother experience, better display quality, and longer software support, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the superior choice. However, the Coolpad Cool 20+ offers a compelling option for those on a very tight budget who can tolerate performance compromises.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE (2CA) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197.1 g (6.95 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC3 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 11, CoolOS 2 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | Yes | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | - | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 130 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Coolpad Cool 20+
- Significantly more affordable
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable battery life
- Substantially slower performance
- Lower quality display
- Less capable camera system
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster charging speeds
- Higher price point
- May be overkill for basic users
- Potentially more expensive repairs
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 830 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Coolpad Cool 20+. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED/Super AMOLED panels), the A53's superior brightness and likely better color calibration provide a more immersive viewing experience. The Cool 20+ likely utilizes an LCD panel, which generally offers narrower viewing angles and less vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is expected to deliver superior image quality. While specific sensor details are missing for both, Samsung’s image processing algorithms and likely larger main sensor (based on market positioning) will result in better dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance. The Coolpad Cool 20+ likely relies on software enhancements to compensate for its less capable hardware. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A53, if present, would further enhance image clarity and video stability.
Performance
The Exynos 1280 (5nm) in the Galaxy A53 5G represents a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency over the MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) found in the Coolpad Cool 20+. The A53’s CPU features 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, while the Cool 20+ has 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 5nm fabrication process of the Exynos 1280 also means less heat generation and improved sustained performance, crucial for gaming and demanding applications. The A53 will handle multitasking and graphically intensive games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Both phones share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the Coolpad Cool 20+'s 10W charging. This means the A53 can replenish its battery much quicker, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed provides a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 20+ if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is under $150. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prioritize a vibrant display, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, a more versatile camera system, and the assurance of long-term software updates from a major manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 can get warm under heavy load, its 5nm fabrication process and Samsung's thermal management solutions generally prevent significant throttling. Users report acceptable gaming performance for extended periods, though sustained peak performance may be limited.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver truly impressive macro photography. The Galaxy A53 5G's camera system, while likely superior overall, will still exhibit limitations with its macro lens.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G reliably maintain 60fps in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A53 5G can typically maintain 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium to high graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth frame rates at the highest settings may require adjusting graphics options or enabling game booster features. The Exynos 1280 provides sufficient power for a playable experience.
❓ How long can I expect software updates and security patches to be available for the Coolpad Cool 20+?
Coolpad's software update track record is less consistent than Samsung's. Users should expect a limited number of major Android updates and potentially shorter security patch support compared to the Galaxy A53 5G, which benefits from Samsung's four-year software update commitment.
