Coolpad Cool S vs. Coolpad Legacy 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Options

Coolpad offers two compelling budget options: the Cool S, leveraging a Mediatek Helio P60, and the Legacy 5G, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects the core differences between these devices, focusing on performance, charging, and the implications of their respective chipsets for everyday users.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers significantly better performance and 5G connectivity, justifying the likely price premium. While the Cool S offers a basic smartphone experience, the Legacy 5G provides a smoother, more future-proof option.

PHONES
Phone Names Coolpad Cool S Coolpad Legacy 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900
4G bandsLTELTE
5G bands-SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2021, January 08. Released 2021, January 082020, January
StatusDiscontinuedCancelled
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, plastic frame-
Dimensions161.2 x 76.2 x 8.9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM
Weight-195 g (6.88 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, HDR10
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCmicroSD
Internal128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM
 -UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.0, 120˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.78", 0.9µm16 MP
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANYesWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired18W wired, QC3
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsMoon White, Lapis Blue, Night BlackYellow/Blue
Models2039-
PriceAbout 160 EURAbout 360 EUR

Coolpad Cool S

  • Most affordable option
  • Functional for basic tasks
  • Simple and easy to use

  • Outdated chipset
  • Slow charging (10W)
  • No 5G connectivity

Coolpad Legacy 5G

  • Faster Snapdragon 765G processor
  • 5G connectivity
  • Faster charging (18W with QC3)

  • Likely more expensive
  • May experience some app compatibility issues (less common)
  • Potentially larger physical size

Display Comparison

Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Cool S's positioning, it likely features a standard LCD panel. The Legacy 5G, being a more recent and feature-rich device, may incorporate a higher-quality panel with improved color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of details like resolution and refresh rate suggests both are targeting the budget segment, prioritizing cost over display excellence.

Camera Comparison

Without specific camera sensor details, a detailed comparison is difficult. However, it's reasonable to assume the Legacy 5G benefits from Qualcomm's image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 765G, offering improved image processing capabilities compared to the Helio P60's ISP. The Legacy 5G likely features a more capable main sensor, potentially with features like phase detection autofocus, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. The Cool S likely relies on more basic camera hardware and software.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool S utilizes the Mediatek Helio P60, a 12nm process chip with an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53). This is a capable chip for basic tasks, but it will struggle with demanding applications. The Coolpad Legacy 5G, however, 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 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) offers a significant performance uplift, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The 7nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. The Snapdragon 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the Cool S.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Cool S's 10W wired charging is significantly slower than the Legacy 5G's 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3 (QC3) support. This means the Legacy 5G will recharge much faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Cool S could partially offset the slower charging, the Legacy 5G's QC3 support provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Coolpad Cool S if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It's a functional device for those on a very tight budget. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you value performance, 5G connectivity, and faster charging. It’s ideal for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming, or simply want a more responsive and capable smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the Helio P60 in the Cool S, with less stuttering and better frame rates.
❓ Does the Coolpad Legacy 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 765G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster download and upload speeds. However, actual speeds will depend on your carrier's network and coverage in your area. The Cool S, lacking 5G, cannot utilize this feature.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Cool S slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take well over 3 hours. This is a significant drawback for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. The Legacy 5G's 18W QC3 charging is a much more practical solution.