The Coolpad Cool S and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Cool S, powered by the Mediatek Helio P60, aims for a balance of features at a competitive price. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A12 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and the Exynos 850 chipset, focusing on efficiency and a streamlined user experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficient power usage, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable advantage in thermal management and overall responsiveness compared to the Coolpad Cool S’s older 12nm Helio P60. While the Cool S offers a slightly lower entry price, the A12’s efficiency justifies the small premium.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 08. Released 2021, January 08 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 8.9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.0, 120˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.78", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Lapis Blue, Night Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | 2039 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Coolpad Cool S
- Potentially lower price point
- Helio P60 adequate for basic tasks
- May offer expandable storage
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Helio P60 prone to thermal throttling
- Slower 10W charging
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More efficient 8nm Exynos 850
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s refined software experience
- Slightly higher price
- May lack certain features found on competitors
- Potentially limited RAM configuration
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Details regarding panel type and resolution are missing for both, but the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device suggests a focus on power conservation rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable given the price points, and color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature a primary camera supplemented by auxiliary lenses (likely including a depth and macro sensor). The image processing capabilities of Samsung’s software are generally more refined than those found on Coolpad devices, potentially leading to more pleasing results in various lighting conditions. The A12’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Exynos 850, likely offers more advanced features like scene optimization and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility for detailed close-up photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, offers a significant architectural advantage over the Coolpad Cool S’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P60. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with a 2.0 GHz clock speed, the Exynos 850 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A55 cores across all eight, whereas the Helio P60 mixes Cortex-A73 and A53 cores. This translates to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling on the A12, particularly during prolonged gaming or multitasking. The 8nm process inherently generates less heat, allowing the Exynos 850 to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods. The Cool S’s Helio P60, while capable, will likely experience more performance dips under heavy load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices, but the Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency gives the Galaxy A12 a distinct advantage. The A12 supports 15W wired charging, while the Cool S is limited to 10W. This means the A12 will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Exynos 850’s efficiency will result in longer screen-on time and overall battery life for the A12.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool S if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. Its Helio P60 is sufficient for these workloads. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, enjoy occasional gaming, and value a more efficient chipset that minimizes heat buildup and extends battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850’s 8nm process and efficient core design significantly reduce the risk of overheating. While some throttling may occur during extremely demanding games, it will be less pronounced than on the Coolpad Cool S with its Helio P60, ensuring a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included as a marketing feature but rarely deliver truly impressive results. Expect soft images with limited clarity when using the macro mode on either the Coolpad Cool S or the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India).
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) handle games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Exynos 850 can likely run PUBG Mobile at balanced graphics settings and 60fps, but achieving consistently smooth performance may require lowering the graphics settings further depending on the specific device configuration (RAM, storage speed). The Coolpad Cool S may struggle to maintain a stable 60fps even at lower settings due to the Helio P60’s limitations.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos and streaming content?
While display specifics are missing, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is likely to offer a slightly better viewing experience due to Samsung’s generally more refined software and potentially better color calibration. The Exynos 850’s efficiency also contributes to longer battery life during video playback.
