Coolpad's budget lineup offers compelling options for first-time smartphone buyers or those seeking a reliable secondary device. The Cool 40i represents a more recent entry, boasting a newer chipset, while the Note 5 Lite remains available as a more affordable alternative. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices to determine which delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Cool 40i is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Note 5 Lite’s older MT6735CP, resulting in a smoother user experience and better app responsiveness. While the Note 5 Lite is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, December | 2017, March. Released 2017, March |
| 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) | 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 | 202 g (7.13 oz) | 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6735CP |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T720MP2 |
| OS | Android 14, CoolOS | Android 6 (Marshmallow), Cool UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 16GB 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| 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 | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue, Lite Pink, Ivory White | Gold, Gray |
| Models | - | 3505I |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 40i
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- Likely improved image processing capabilities
- Only 10W charging
- May be slightly more expensive than the Note 5 Lite
Coolpad Note 5 Lite
- Lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Slow processor struggles with modern apps
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Older chipset with less efficient power consumption
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price segment. However, detailed display specs like resolution and brightness are unavailable. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Cool 40i’s Helio G37 has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother animations and faster app loading times on the screen. Without specific display data, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or viewing angles, but the newer chipset suggests a generally improved visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are unavailable for both devices. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Cool 40i’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G37 chipset likely provides better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly improved photo quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The Note 5 Lite’s older ISP will likely produce images with more noise and less detail. Without knowing sensor sizes or lens apertures, a definitive camera comparison is impossible, but the Cool 40i has a processing advantage.
Performance
The Coolpad Cool 40i’s Mediatek Helio G37 is the clear winner in performance. Its octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) significantly outperforms the Note 5 Lite’s quad-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The G37’s higher clock speeds and additional cores translate to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The Note 5 Lite, with its older chipset, will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag during everyday use. The 12nm process node of the G37 also offers better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node of the MT6735CP.
Battery Life
Battery capacity information is missing for both devices. However, the Cool 40i’s 10W charging suggests a focus on efficiency rather than rapid charging. The Note 5 Lite’s charging speed is also likely similar. The Helio G37’s 12nm process node contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the Note 5 Lite. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Cool 40i’s more efficient chipset should provide comparable or slightly better endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 40i if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a responsive experience and future-proofing. Buy the Coolpad Note 5 Lite if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. It’s a suitable option for those on a very tight budget or as a simple backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Cool 40i handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G37 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance, but don't anticipate a high-end gaming experience. The Note 5 Lite’s MT6735CP will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Coolpad Note 5 Lite a good option for someone who only needs a phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Coolpad Note 5 Lite is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its older processor is sufficient for these functions, and its lower price makes it an attractive option for users with minimal smartphone needs.
❓ Does the Coolpad Cool 40i support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Coolpad Cool 40i supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. A full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take around 2-3 hours. The Note 5 Lite likely has similar charging speeds.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
Storage configurations are not specified in the provided data. However, given the budget nature of these phones, expect limited internal storage (likely 32GB or 64GB) with microSD card support for expansion. Check retailer listings for specific configurations.
