The Coolpad Cool S and TCL 30 SE represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Cool S leans on a slightly older, but more powerful, Helio P60 chipset, while the 30 SE opts for the newer, efficiency-focused Helio G25. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw performance and occasional gaming, the Coolpad Cool S is the better choice due to its Helio P60 chipset. However, the TCL 30 SE’s 15W charging offers a quicker top-up, making it more suitable for users who value convenience and longer periods between charges.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EMEA/APAC |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EMEA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 08. Released 2021, January 08 | 2022, February 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 8.9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.78", 0.9µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 | Yes (6165H/6165H1 only) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Lapis Blue, Night Black | Atlantic Blue, Space Gray, Glacial Blue |
| Models | 2039 | 6165H, 6156H1, 6165A, 6165A1, 6165S |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
Coolpad Cool S
- More powerful Helio P60 processor for better performance.
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience.
- Faster image processing (potentially).
- Slower 10W charging.
- Likely less optimized software.
TCL 30 SE
- Faster 15W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially better battery efficiency during light use.
- TCL's reputation for color calibration (potential).
- Less powerful Helio G25 processor.
- Slower app launch times and multitasking.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize standard LCD panels common in this price bracket. Expect 720p+ resolution and adequate, but not exceptional, color reproduction. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both, as manufacturers prioritize cost savings. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to differentiate, but TCL often focuses on color calibration even in budget models, potentially giving it a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is challenging. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing rather than professional photography. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely more for marketing than practical use. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise. The Coolpad Cool S’s slightly more powerful processor *could* translate to faster image processing times, but the sensor quality will be the primary determinant of image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool S’s MediaTek Helio P60 utilizes a more sophisticated CPU architecture – a combination of Cortex-A73 and A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the TCL 30 SE’s Helio G25, which employs four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz paired with four slower Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz. The P60’s A73 cores provide a significant performance boost in single-core tasks and overall responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the P60’s architecture translates to better multitasking and smoother app launches. The G25 prioritizes efficiency, potentially offering slightly better battery life during light usage, but at the cost of processing power.
Battery Life
The TCL 30 SE’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Coolpad Cool S’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up. The Coolpad Cool S, despite potentially having a slightly larger battery (a common trend in this segment), will take longer to charge, making it less convenient for on-the-go users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool S if you need a phone capable of handling moderately demanding apps and light gaming without significant slowdowns. Its more powerful processor will provide a smoother experience for multitasking and resource-intensive tasks. Buy the TCL 30 SE if you prioritize battery convenience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone functions like calling, texting, and social media browsing. The faster charging will be a significant benefit for those who don't want to wait long for a full charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G25 in the TCL 30 SE struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio G25 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you might experience occasional slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The chipset is designed for efficiency, not peak performance, so it's best suited for light usage.
❓ Is the Coolpad Cool S a good option for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Coolpad Cool S, with its Helio P60, is *marginally* better suited for gaming than the TCL 30 SE. However, don't expect a high-framerate experience. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates, and even then, some stuttering is possible. It's suitable for casual gaming, but not for competitive or graphically intensive titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the TCL 30 SE from 0% with the 15W charger?
While the exact charging time depends on background processes, you can expect the TCL 30 SE to fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours with the included 15W charger. This is significantly faster than the Coolpad Cool S’s 10W charging.
