Coolpad's Cool series consistently targets the value-conscious smartphone buyer. The Cool 30 Play and Cool 20s represent two distinct approaches within this segment: the Cool 30 Play prioritizes raw processing power with the Helio G99, while the Cool 20s aims for a balance of performance and efficiency with the Dimensity 700. This comparison dissects these choices to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Cool 30 Play is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers a slight performance advantage, and crucially, its 33W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Cool 20s’ 18W charging. While the Dimensity 700 is efficient, the faster charging is a more tangible benefit in daily use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - version 1 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - version 1 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Expected announcement 2024, July | 2022, June 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2022, June 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 163 x 74.8 x 8.3 mm (6.42 x 2.94 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13, CoolOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Purple, Flowing Gold, Velvet Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 30 Play
- Faster charging (33W)
- More powerful GPU (Helio G99)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- May run slightly warmer under heavy load
- Potentially slightly lower battery life (depending on battery capacity)
Coolpad Cool 20s
- More efficient chipset (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially cooler operating temperatures
- Good value for basic usage
- Slower charging (18W)
- Less powerful GPU
- Lower gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications beyond resolution. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The key difference lies elsewhere. The focus here is on the internal components driving the display, not the display itself.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing algorithms. Given the market segment, expect similar performance in good lighting conditions. The Cool 30 Play’s slightly more powerful chipset *could* enable faster image processing, but this is speculative. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing feature with limited practical utility.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is their chipsets. Both utilize an octa-core CPU configuration with the same Cortex-A76 (2x2.2 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (6x2.0 GHz) cores, meaning CPU performance will be similar for everyday tasks. However, the Cool 30 Play’s Mediatek Helio G99, built on a 6nm process, offers a more modern architecture and generally higher GPU performance than the Cool 20s’ Dimensity 700 (7nm). This translates to smoother gaming and faster processing of graphically intensive applications. The 6nm node of the G99 also suggests slightly improved power efficiency, despite the higher performance. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the G99’s superior GPU will be the deciding factor for gamers.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the real differentiator is charging speed. The Cool 30 Play’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Cool 20s’ 18W charging. This means a substantially faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and increasing usability. Even with a slightly smaller battery, the faster charging of the Cool 30 Play will likely result in a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 30 Play if you frequently engage in mobile gaming or demand quicker app loading times and appreciate faster charging. Its Helio G99 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Coolpad Cool 20s if you prioritize battery longevity and a slightly cooler operating temperature during extended, less demanding tasks, and are less concerned with peak performance or rapid recharging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G99 in the Cool 30 Play overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Helio G99 is more powerful, the 6nm process helps mitigate heat generation. However, sustained gaming will inevitably lead to some warming. Coolpad’s thermal management implementation will be crucial, but it’s unlikely to reach critical temperatures that cause performance throttling, especially compared to older, less efficient chipsets.
❓ Is the Dimensity 700 in the Cool 20s sufficient for playing popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 700 can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve a consistently smooth frame rate. It’s suitable for casual gaming, but the Cool 30 Play’s Helio G99 will provide a noticeably better experience with higher settings and more stable performance.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 33W charging, the Cool 30 Play should fully charge in approximately 60-75 minutes. The Cool 20s, with its 18W charging, will likely take around 90-120 minutes to reach 100%.
❓ Does either phone support any form of fast charging protocols beyond standard USB Power Delivery?
Coolpad doesn't explicitly advertise support for specific fast charging protocols like Quick Charge. Both phones likely utilize USB Power Delivery (USB-PD), but the actual charging speed will be limited by the charger and cable used.
