The Coolpad Cool 5 and Honor 8X Max represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects the differences between the Mediatek Helio P22-powered Coolpad and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660-equipped Honor, focusing on real-world performance implications and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 8X Max offers a more refined experience thanks to the Snapdragon 660's superior processing power and 18W fast charging. While the Coolpad Cool 5 is a viable option for basic tasks, the 8X Max provides a noticeable performance boost for multitasking and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2018, September. Released 2018, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157 x 76 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 177.6 x 86.3 x 8.1 mm (6.99 x 3.40 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2244 pixels, 18.7:9 ratio (~350 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.12 inches, 127.8 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 512 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9 (Pie), EMUI 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | ARE-AL00, ARE-L22HN, ARE-AL10 |
| Price | About 8000 INR | About 250 EUR |
Coolpad Cool 5
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- May offer longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely inferior camera quality
- Slower charging speeds
Honor 8X Max
- Faster and more responsive performance
- 18W fast charging
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially higher price
- May experience slightly faster battery drain under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Specifications are unavailable for the Coolpad Cool 5's display, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel. The Honor 8X Max, similarly, is expected to have an IPS LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 660's ISP may offer slightly better image processing. However, both will likely exhibit limited color accuracy and viewing angles compared to higher-end panels.
Camera Comparison
Camera details beyond sensor existence are unavailable for the Coolpad Cool 5. The Honor 8X Max is also lacking detailed camera specs. Given the price bracket, both phones likely feature basic camera setups focused on capturing acceptable images in good lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance and minimal image processing capabilities. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which is less effective. The focus should be on daylight photography, and users shouldn't expect flagship-level image quality.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Honor 8X Max’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (14nm) is a significant step up from the Coolpad Cool 5’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 660 utilizes a Kryo architecture with a split core configuration (4x1.95 GHz Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Silver) designed for efficient performance scaling. The Helio P22, with its homogenous Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup, is less sophisticated. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Honor 8X Max. The 14nm process node of the Snapdragon 660, while larger than the Helio P22’s 12nm, doesn’t necessarily equate to worse efficiency; Qualcomm’s architecture is optimized for power management. Users intending to play even moderately demanding games will find the Snapdragon 660 a far more capable performer.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details for the Coolpad Cool 5 are unavailable. The Honor 8X Max features 18W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the Coolpad. While the Coolpad Cool 5 offers only standard wired charging, the Honor 8X Max’s faster charging significantly reduces downtime. The 5W reverse charging, while slow, allows the 8X Max to act as a power bank for smaller devices like wireless earbuds. The combination of faster charging and reverse charging capabilities gives the Honor 8X Max a clear advantage in convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 5 if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets. Buy the Honor 8X Max if you value smoother performance, faster charging, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending a bit more. It's the better choice for users who occasionally game or multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Helio P22 can run these apps, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when switching between them. The processor is designed for basic tasks and may not handle resource-intensive apps efficiently.
❓ How much faster is the Snapdragon 660 in the Honor 8X Max for gaming compared to the Helio P22?
The Snapdragon 660 offers a substantial performance advantage for gaming. It can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings with playable frame rates, while the Helio P22 will likely struggle with even less demanding titles. Expect significant frame drops and stuttering on the Coolpad Cool 5 during gaming.
❓ Does the Honor 8X Max's 18W charging make a significant difference in real-world usage?
Yes, the 18W charging significantly reduces charging time compared to standard charging. You can expect to charge the Honor 8X Max from 0% to 50% in approximately 30-45 minutes, while the Coolpad Cool 5 will likely take considerably longer.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Honor 8X Max useful for everyday carry?
While 5W reverse charging is slow, it's useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It's not a replacement for a dedicated power bank, but it adds a layer of convenience.
