Coolpad offers two compelling options in the budget smartphone space: the CP12p and the Legacy 5G. While both aim for affordability, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. The CP12p represents a basic, entry-level experience, while the Legacy 5G steps up with a more modern chipset and 5G connectivity. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers substantially better performance and future-proofs the device with 5G support. While the CP12p is cheaper, the performance gap is too significant to ignore for anyone beyond the most basic smartphone tasks.
| 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, 20, 28, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 15 | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April 15 | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.54 x 3.02 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 | 194 g (6.84 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 (~80.5% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.0", PDAF
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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, 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, Light Blue | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad CP12p
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly slower performance
- No 5G connectivity
- Slow charging speed
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Much faster and more responsive performance
- Faster charging with Quick Charge 3.0
- Higher price than the CP12p
- May still lack premium features found in higher-end phones
- Battery life may be average
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the CP12p's positioning, it likely features a lower-resolution panel and less accurate color reproduction. The Legacy 5G, benefiting from a more modern chipset, may have a slightly better display, but both will likely target the budget segment with LCD panels. Expect both to have standard 60Hz refresh rates.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, it's reasonable to assume the Legacy 5G benefits from the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 765G. This translates to better image processing, improved low-light performance, and potentially more advanced features. The CP12p's camera will likely be adequate for basic snapshots, but will struggle in challenging conditions. The presence of a more capable chipset in the Legacy 5G suggests a higher likelihood of features like HDR and scene recognition.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad CP12p utilizes the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22, a 12nm process chip with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is an entry-level processor designed for basic tasks. Conversely, the Coolpad Legacy 5G boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, built on a more efficient 7nm process. Its octa-core CPU, featuring Kryo 475 cores with varying clock speeds (up to 2.4 GHz), offers a substantial performance advantage. The 7nm node translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Legacy 5G will sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. This difference is critical for gaming and multitasking. The Snapdragon 765G also includes an integrated 5G modem, a feature absent in the CP12p.
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 significant advantage over the CP12p's 10W charging. While a larger battery capacity is always preferable, faster charging can mitigate the impact of a smaller battery. The Legacy 5G will likely reach a full charge much quicker, reducing downtime. The efficiency gains from the 7nm Snapdragon 765G may also contribute to better battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad CP12p if you need a functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and your budget is extremely limited. You prioritize cost above all else and don't anticipate demanding applications. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, the ability to connect to 5G networks, and a phone that can handle moderate gaming and multitasking without significant slowdowns. You value performance and future-proofing over the absolute lowest price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Legacy 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It's not a flagship gaming chip, but it's a significant step up from the Helio P22 and will provide a much more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Does the Coolpad Legacy 5G support all 5G bands available in the US?
5G band support varies by carrier and region. You'll need to check the specific model number of the Legacy 5G and compare its supported bands with your carrier's 5G network to ensure compatibility. Coolpad's website or your carrier's documentation will provide this information.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the CP12p painfully slow?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by today's standards. Expect it to take several hours to fully charge the device from 0%. This is a significant drawback if you frequently need to top up your battery throughout the day.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Legacy 5G compared to 4G LTE?
5G speeds can be significantly faster than 4G LTE, potentially offering download speeds several times higher. However, actual speeds depend on network coverage, congestion, and your carrier's infrastructure. In ideal conditions, you could experience download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, while 4G LTE typically maxes out around 50 Mbps.
