Coolpad offers two compelling budget options: the Cool 30i, focused on affordability, and the Legacy 5G, aiming to bring 5G connectivity to a wider audience. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device provides the best value for your money, focusing on the substantial differences in their processing power and connectivity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a significant leap in processing and graphics capabilities compared to the Cool 30i’s Helio G37, justifying the potential price difference. However, the Cool 30i remains a viable option for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197.6 g (6.98 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 13, CoolOS | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.6 (wide), PDAF
Depth camera | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cream White, Desert Gold, Lavender Purple, Sky Blue | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | - | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 30i
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Limited gaming capabilities
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Faster charging with QC3 support
- Higher price compared to the Cool 30i
- Potentially shorter battery life due to more powerful processor
- May require a 5G data plan
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cool 30i's positioning, it likely features a lower-resolution panel and less sophisticated color calibration. The Legacy 5G, being a step up, may offer a slightly better viewing experience, though both will likely be LCD panels at this price point. Expect standard 60Hz refresh rates on both.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a precise comparison. However, the Legacy 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 765G will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. Expect both phones to feature multiple rear cameras, but the Legacy 5G is more likely to offer features like improved dynamic range and faster autofocus. The Cool 30i will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for its less capable hardware.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 30i utilizes the Mediatek Helio G37, a 12nm processor with an octa-core configuration split between 2.3 GHz and 1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This is a basic processor designed for efficiency, not raw power. Conversely, the Coolpad Legacy 5G boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, built on a more efficient 7nm process. Its CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers significantly better single-core and multi-core performance. The Snapdragon 765G also includes a more capable Adreno 620 GPU, providing a substantial advantage in gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the Legacy 5G.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Coolpad Legacy 5G’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 3 (QC3) support offers a significant advantage over the Cool 30i’s 10W charging. QC3 allows for faster and more efficient charging, meaning less time tethered to a wall outlet. While the Cool 30i might have a slightly larger battery, the Legacy 5G’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently use their phones throughout the day. The 7nm process of the Snapdragon 765G also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any battery capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 30i if you need a phone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. You'll be sacrificing performance and 5G connectivity. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you prioritize a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, 5G connectivity for improved data speeds, and the ability to handle more demanding applications and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Helio G37 in the Cool 30i, which will struggle with demanding titles.
❓ Does the Coolpad Legacy 5G support all 5G bands?
5G band support varies by region and carrier. You'll need to check the specific model number of the Legacy 5G and confirm compatibility with your carrier's 5G network before purchasing. Coolpad typically lists supported bands on their website or in the phone's specifications.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Cool 30i noticeably slow?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours. This is a trade-off for the lower price point, but it may be inconvenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I see between the Helio G37 and Snapdragon 765G?
The difference is substantial. The Snapdragon 765G offers roughly 50-70% faster CPU performance and significantly better GPU performance. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Cool 30i will feel noticeably slower in comparison.
