The Realme U1 and Coolpad Cool 5 represent a segment of the market where value is paramount. Both devices aim to deliver a smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which phone offers the best overall package for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme U1 emerges as the superior choice. Its Helio P70 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Coolpad Cool 5’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the U1’s processing power gives it an edge.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2018, November. Released 2018, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157 x 76 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 157 x 74 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@90fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 25 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Midnight Blue | Ambitious Black, Brave Blue, Fiery Gold |
| Models | - | RMX1831, RMX1833 |
| Price | About 8000 INR | About 130 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 93h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1830:1 (nominal), 2.815 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 144436 (v7)
GeekBench: 6004 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 7.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Coolpad Cool 5
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Suitable for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker processor
- Less responsive user experience
- Likely inferior camera performance
Realme U1
- More powerful Helio P70 processor
- Smoother multitasking and gaming
- Potentially better camera performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Similar battery endurance to Coolpad Cool 5
Display Comparison
Both the Coolpad Cool 5 and Realme U1 share the same nominal contrast ratio of 1830:1 and a sunlight contrast ratio of 2.815:1, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, detailed display specifications like resolution, panel type (IPS vs. AMOLED), and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of information regarding peak brightness makes it difficult to assess which device offers a more vibrant viewing experience, but the similar contrast ratios suggest comparable image quality under direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having photo and video capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, and image processing are absent. Without this information, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the market positioning suggests the Coolpad Cool 5 likely features a more basic camera setup. The Realme U1, often marketed with a focus on camera performance, may incorporate features like AI scene detection or improved low-light processing. The absence of details regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone includes this feature.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Realme U1’s MediaTek Helio P70 is a significant upgrade over the Coolpad Cool 5’s Helio P22. The P70 utilizes a more modern architecture with a combination of four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.1 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz, compared to the P22’s eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. This means the U1 will exhibit faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The P70’s improved GPU also translates to a better gaming experience, handling more demanding titles with higher frame rates. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural improvements in the P70 provide a clear performance advantage.
Battery Life
Both the Coolpad Cool 5 and Realme U1 boast an endurance rating of 93 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage scenarios. Both support 10W wired charging. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified, the similar endurance ratings suggest they are equipped with batteries of comparable size. The Realme U1’s more efficient Helio P70 chipset *could* translate to slightly longer real-world battery life, but the difference is likely minimal. The 10W charging speed on both devices is relatively slow by modern standards, requiring several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 5 if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality is sufficient. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device for calls and light tasks. Buy the Realme U1 if you value performance and responsiveness, especially if you enjoy mobile gaming or frequently use demanding applications. The U1’s more powerful processor justifies the potential price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme U1 a good choice for playing PUBG Mobile?
The Realme U1’s Helio P70 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you’ll likely need to use medium graphics settings for a smooth experience. The P70’s GPU provides a noticeable improvement over the Helio P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5, making it a more viable option for mobile gaming.
❓ How does the Helio P70 in the Realme U1 compare to the Helio P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5 for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
For everyday tasks, the Realme U1’s Helio P70 will feel significantly snappier. App loading times will be faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag. The P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5 is adequate for basic use, but the P70 offers a more fluid and responsive experience.
❓ Are there any significant differences in the software experience between the Coolpad Cool 5 and Realme U1?
While both likely run Android, the software experience will differ. Realme UI, based on Android, is generally considered more polished and feature-rich than Coolpad’s custom skin. Realme also tends to provide more frequent software updates and security patches.
