Coolpad offers two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space: the CP12 and the Defiant. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, but they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact everyday performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad CP12 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant, making it more responsive for multitasking and app usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41 - International | 2, 4, 12 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 15 | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 144.5 x 71.4 x 10.2 mm (5.69 x 2.81 x 0.40 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 216 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 2450 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Storm gray |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Coolpad CP12
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking performance.
- More responsive user experience for app loading and switching.
- Potentially faster image processing.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially shorter battery life during heavy use.
Coolpad Defiant
- Power-efficient Snapdragon 425 chipset.
- Potentially longer standby time.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking.
- Noticeable lag when running multiple apps.
- Slower overall performance.
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides display specifications beyond size, so a detailed comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Expect similar viewing angles and color reproduction on both devices, though neither will compete with higher-end OLED displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither device will excel in low-light conditions. Any megapixel differences are likely negligible in real-world image quality given the limitations of the overall camera system. Focusing on the chipset, the CP12’s more capable processor *could* offer slightly faster image processing, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad CP12’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU comprised of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Coolpad Defiant’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.4 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the octa-core architecture of the SC9863A provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The Cortex-A55 cores, while less powerful individually than the A53, are more efficient, and the sheer number of cores allows the CP12 to handle more simultaneous processes. This translates to quicker app launches and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 425, while adequate for basic tasks, will exhibit more noticeable lag when pushed with multiple apps or demanding processes.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Coolpad CP12’s 10W wired charging is slower than what might be expected on the Defiant, assuming it utilizes standard charging protocols for its chipset. The Snapdragon 425 is known for its power efficiency, potentially leading to longer standby times on the Defiant. However, the CP12’s more powerful processor will consume more power during active use, potentially offsetting any standby gains. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad CP12 if you prioritize smoother app loading times and a more responsive user interface, even if it means slightly slower charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light social media browsing. Buy the Coolpad Defiant if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you value simplicity and potentially longer standby times due to the less power-hungry chipset, accepting a slower overall experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad CP12 handle basic games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant lag?
Yes, the Coolpad CP12’s octa-core processor should handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without major issues. While it won’t deliver a high-end gaming experience, it provides enough processing power for these less demanding titles. The Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant might struggle with even these games, exhibiting noticeable frame drops.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Unisoc SC9863A and Snapdragon 425 noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing the web and checking email?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The CP12’s octa-core processor will result in faster web page loading times, smoother scrolling, and quicker app launches compared to the Defiant. While both phones can handle basic tasks, the CP12 offers a more responsive and fluid user experience.
❓ Does the Coolpad Defiant have any advantages for users who primarily use their phone for calls and texts?
The Coolpad Defiant’s power-efficient Snapdragon 425 chipset could translate to longer standby times, which is beneficial for users who primarily use their phone for calls and texts and don’t engage in heavy app usage. However, the difference is likely marginal.
