Coolpad's lineup showcases a significant shift in budget smartphone capabilities. The Cool 30 Play represents a modern approach with a focus on performance, while the Note 5 Lite is an older model reflecting a simpler era of mobile computing. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, helping you determine if the newer model justifies the potential price difference.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Coolpad Cool 30 Play is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset delivers a dramatically improved experience for gaming, multitasking, and general responsiveness compared to the Coolpad Note 5 Lite’s outdated MT6735CP. The 33W charging is also a substantial upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - version 1 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - version 1 | 1, 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Expected announcement 2024, July | 2017, March. Released 2017, March |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 145.3 x 72.3 x 8.7 mm (5.72 x 2.85 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 208 g (7.34 oz) | 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6735CP |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 6 (Marshmallow), Cool UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Purple, Flowing Gold, Velvet Black | Gold, Gray |
| Models | - | 3505I |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 30 Play
- Significantly faster processor for smooth performance
- 33W fast charging for quick power-ups
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- May be more expensive than the Note 5 Lite
- Specific display details (resolution, brightness) are unknown
Coolpad Note 5 Lite
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Suitable for basic communication tasks
- Outdated processor struggles with modern apps
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
While display specifications aren't provided for the Note 5 Lite, it's reasonable to assume a 720p panel given its chipset and target market. The Cool 30 Play, benefiting from its more modern architecture, likely features a higher resolution display, though specifics are missing. The key difference isn't resolution, but the underlying processing power to drive a smoother visual experience. The Helio G99's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks far better, resulting in less stuttering and a more fluid user interface.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for either device, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Cool 30 Play benefits from the processing power of the Helio G99, enabling more sophisticated image processing algorithms. It’s likely to produce sharper, more detailed photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Note 5 Lite’s older chipset will limit its ability to effectively process images, resulting in softer, less dynamic photos. The presence of a more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the G99 is a critical advantage.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is immense. The Coolpad Cool 30 Play’s Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. This is a substantial leap over the Coolpad Note 5 Lite’s quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The G99’s architecture, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides significantly better performance per watt, meaning less heat and more sustained performance. The Note 5 Lite’s processor will struggle with even moderately demanding tasks, while the Cool 30 Play can handle casual gaming and multitasking with relative ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the Note 5 Lite, but it's likely smaller than the Cool 30 Play's. More importantly, the Cool 30 Play’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. The Note 5 Lite likely supports only 5W or 10W charging, meaning a full charge could take several hours. The Cool 30 Play can replenish its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. While battery life depends on usage, the G99’s efficiency contributes to better overall endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 30 Play if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and benefit from faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a responsive experience without breaking the bank. Buy the Coolpad Note 5 Lite if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require basic functionality like calls, texts, and very light web browsing; it's a suitable option for a first smartphone or a backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 30 Play run demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio G99 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Note 5 Lite, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings. Expect some frame drops during intense action.
❓ Is the Coolpad Note 5 Lite still a viable option for basic use like calls and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Coolpad Note 5 Lite is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like making calls, sending texts, and using apps like WhatsApp. However, be prepared for slower app loading times and occasional lag. It's best suited for users who prioritize affordability over performance.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Coolpad Cool 30 Play compared to the Note 5 Lite?
The Cool 30 Play's 33W charging is exponentially faster. While the Note 5 Lite likely takes 3-4 hours for a full charge, the Cool 30 Play can achieve a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on battery level and charging conditions.
