The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Coolpad Cool S, leveraging the older Mediatek Helio P60, and the Xiaomi Redmi 10C, powered by the newer Snapdragon 680, both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and longevity, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the Coolpad Cool S’s 12nm Helio P60. While the Cool S might offer a slightly lower initial price, the Redmi 10C’s improved chipset and faster charging provide a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 08. Released 2021, January 08 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 8.9 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| 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 | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 25 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.78", 0.9µm | 5 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Lapis Blue, Night Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | 2039 | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Coolpad Cool S
- Potentially lower initial price
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- May be readily available in certain markets
- Less efficient Helio P60 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Likely inferior camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved camera processing capabilities
- Better long-term performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Potentially less readily available in some regions
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Redmi 10C benefits from the Snapdragon 680’s improved ISP, potentially leading to better image processing for display output. The Cool S’s older chipset may struggle with color accuracy and dynamic range compared to the Redmi 10C.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 680’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio P60’s. This means the Redmi 10C will likely produce better-quality photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Expect improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The Redmi 10C’s ISP also supports more advanced camera features, potentially including better HDR processing. The Cool S will likely rely more heavily on software processing to compensate for its older hardware.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a clear upgrade over the Coolpad Cool S’s Mediatek Helio P60 (12nm). The 6nm process translates to significantly better power efficiency, meaning the Redmi 10C will run cooler and maintain performance for longer periods. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations, the Snapdragon 680’s Kryo 265 Gold cores (2.4 GHz) offer a substantial clock speed advantage over the Helio P60’s Cortex-A73 cores (2.0 GHz). This will be noticeable in app launch times and overall system responsiveness. The Redmi 10C is the better choice for multitasking and light gaming.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10C’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Cool S’s 10W charging. This translates to considerably faster charging times, reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 680’s superior power efficiency means the Redmi 10C will likely offer longer battery life on a single charge, even with a similar capacity battery. The Cool S will require more frequent charging due to the less efficient Helio P60.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool S if you need a phone *right now* and find it at a significantly discounted price, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you prioritize longer battery life, smoother multitasking, and a more future-proofed experience, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The Redmi 10C is the better option for users who play casual games or frequently use multiple apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. However, don't expect a flagship gaming experience. The Helio P60 in the Cool S will struggle with these titles, requiring significantly lower settings and potentially experiencing noticeable lag.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Redmi 10C compared to the Cool S?
The Redmi 10C’s 18W charging is significantly faster than the Cool S’s 10W charging. While exact 0-100% times depend on battery capacity, the Redmi 10C will likely charge in around 2-2.5 hours, while the Cool S could take 3+ hours. This difference is substantial for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 680 a significant upgrade over the Helio P60 for everyday tasks?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 offers a noticeable improvement in everyday tasks. App launch times will be faster, multitasking will be smoother, and the overall system will feel more responsive. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal management, preventing performance throttling during prolonged use.
