Coolpad offers two compelling options in the budget 5G space: the CP12 and the Legacy 5G. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging, and the overall user experience to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the CP12’s Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience. The faster 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 support is also a significant advantage.
| 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 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June 15 | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 15 | Cancelled |
| 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) | 165 x 77 x 9.5 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad CP12
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable for minimal smartphone use
- Slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging speed
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- Significantly faster performance
- Faster 18W charging with QC3
- Better gaming capabilities
- Higher price than the CP12
- May still exhibit some throttling under heavy load
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies elsewhere. The Legacy 5G’s more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, improving perceived display quality. We can assume both displays target a 720p+ resolution, common in this segment, but the Legacy 5G’s GPU will handle rendering more efficiently.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Legacy 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 765G will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. While both phones likely feature a primary camera and depth sensor, the Legacy 5G’s chipset can handle more complex computational photography algorithms, potentially improving dynamic range and detail. The CP12’s image processing will be more limited by its weaker chipset.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Coolpad CP12’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features a split-core CPU design with slower Cortex-A55 cores. In contrast, the Coolpad Legacy 5G boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm), utilizing Kryo 475 cores with a prime core clocked at 2.4GHz. This translates to a significantly faster CPU and a more capable Adreno 620 GPU. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 765G also offers superior power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Users intending to play even moderately demanding games will find the Legacy 5G far more playable.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, the Legacy 5G’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 support is a clear advantage over the CP12’s 10W charging. This means significantly faster top-ups, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the CP12 could partially offset the slower charging, the Snapdragon 765G’s superior power efficiency in the Legacy 5G means it will likely deliver comparable or better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad CP12 if your primary need is basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize absolute affordability above all else. You're willing to accept slower performance and limited multitasking capabilities. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you want a more capable device for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a smoother overall experience, and are willing to spend a bit more for the improved performance and faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Legacy 5G handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to use medium or low graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The CP12’s Unisoc SC9863A will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Coolpad Legacy 5G compared to the CP12?
The Legacy 5G’s 18W charging with Quick Charge 3.0 will significantly reduce charging times. While exact 0-100% times aren’t available, expect the Legacy 5G to charge at least 50% faster than the CP12’s 10W charging. This is a substantial difference for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on both phones the same?
Both phones support 5G, but the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G has a more advanced 5G modem, potentially offering better signal reception and faster data speeds in areas with strong 5G coverage. The CP12’s modem is likely a more basic implementation.
