Coolpad targets the entry-level smartphone market with both the Cool 40i and the Defiant. While both aim to deliver affordability, they take drastically different approaches to internal hardware. The Cool 40i prioritizes processing power with a newer MediaTek chipset, while the Defiant relies on an older Qualcomm platform. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Coolpad Cool 40i is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant, making it better suited for multitasking, app usage, and even light gaming. While both offer basic functionality, the Cool 40i delivers a smoother, more responsive experience.
| 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, 39, 40, 41 - International | 2, 4, 12 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 77 x 8.3 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 144.5 x 71.4 x 10.2 mm (5.69 x 2.81 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 14, CoolOS | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| 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 | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 216 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 2450 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue, Lite Pink, Ivory White | Storm gray |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 40i
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More power-efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Better suited for multitasking and app usage
- 10W charging is slow
- Display specifications are unknown, likely basic
Coolpad Defiant
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable for basic communication
- Slow and outdated processor
- Poor performance with demanding apps
- Less power-efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of brightness or color accuracy. The focus here is on internal components, as display quality is likely similar and basic on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Given the target market, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. It's reasonable to assume the Cool 40i, benefiting from a more modern chipset, may have slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will likely be minimal. Focusing on the processor's ability to handle image processing algorithms, the G37 has a clear advantage, even if the sensors themselves are similar.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 40i’s Mediatek Helio G37, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53). This contrasts sharply with the Coolpad Defiant’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a significantly older 28nm process. The 12nm node of the Helio G37 offers improved power efficiency and higher clock speeds, translating to noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The architectural advantage of eight cores versus four is substantial for multi-threaded tasks. The Snapdragon 425 will struggle with demanding applications, while the G37 offers a more usable experience.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging. While battery capacity isn't specified, the more efficient 12nm Helio G37 in the Cool 40i will likely result in better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Defiant. The Snapdragon 425’s 28nm process is inherently less power-efficient, meaning the Defiant will drain its battery faster under similar usage conditions. The 10W charging speed on both is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 40i if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks like calls and messaging. It's ideal for users who enjoy social media, streaming videos, or playing casual games. Buy the Coolpad Defiant if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for essential communication and you prioritize simplicity over performance. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 40i handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset in the Cool 40i provides enough processing power to run social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will be a much smoother experience than the Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant.
❓ Is the Coolpad Defiant a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Coolpad Defiant excels at basic functionality. If your primary needs are making calls, sending texts, and occasional light browsing, the Defiant is a reliable and affordable option. However, be aware that it will struggle with more demanding tasks.
❓ Can I play games on the Coolpad Cool 40i?
The Cool 40i can handle casual games reasonably well. Don't expect to play graphically intensive titles at high settings, but games like Candy Crush or simple racing games should be playable. The Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant will struggle even with basic games.
