Coolpad's CP12s and Defiant represent different approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Defiant, utilizing older Qualcomm silicon, prioritizes basic functionality, while the CP12s aims to deliver a more modern experience with a newer Unisoc chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the vast majority of users, the Coolpad CP12s is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset provides a substantially faster and more responsive experience than the aging Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant, making it worth the likely small price premium.
| 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, November 29 | 2017, June. Released 2017, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 29 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.7 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.32 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 | 209.7 g (7.41 oz) | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@24fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 216 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 15 h (3G) |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 2450 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Glacier Blue, Mint Green, Starlight Black | Storm gray |
| Price | - | About 80 EUR |
Coolpad CP12s
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better sustained performance
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life during heavy use
- May be marginally more expensive than the Defiant
Coolpad Defiant
- Potentially longer standby time due to less power-hungry processor
- Likely the more affordable option
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks
- Slow and outdated Snapdragon 425 processor
- Poor performance for multitasking and demanding apps
- Slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the Defiant's older chipset, it's likely to feature a lower resolution and less color accurate panel. The CP12s, benefiting from a more recent design cycle, likely has a more modern display, though still within the budget segment. Expect both to be LCD panels, and brightness levels will likely be similar, prioritizing visibility over vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a precise comparison is difficult. However, it's reasonable to assume the CP12s benefits from a more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Unisoc T616. This ISP likely offers improved noise reduction and image processing algorithms compared to the older ISP in the Defiant. While both phones likely feature basic camera setups, the CP12s will likely produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The absence of information prevents analysis of sensor sizes or optical image stabilization.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Coolpad CP12s' Unisoc Tiger T616, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with a mix of Cortex-A75 and A55 cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Coolpad Defiant's Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a significantly older 28nm node. The T616's architecture allows for faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 425 is less efficient, meaning it will generate more heat and consume more power for the same tasks. This translates to a noticeably snappier experience on the CP12s for everyday use and a greater ability to handle demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Coolpad Defiant's Snapdragon 425, being a less powerful and older chip built on a larger process node, will likely consume less power than the Unisoc T616 in the CP12s *during idle usage*. However, the T616's efficiency gains become apparent when actively using the phone. The CP12s supports 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Defiant, which likely has a slower charging rate. This means the CP12s can replenish its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. While the Defiant might offer slightly longer standby time, the CP12s' faster charging and superior performance during use make it the more practical choice.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad CP12s if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, video streaming, and light gaming without significant lag. It's ideal for users who value responsiveness and future-proofing, even on a tight budget. Buy the Coolpad Defiant if your primary needs are basic communication – calls and texts – and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less power-hungry (though slower) processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad CP12s be able to run popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset in the CP12s is more than capable of handling social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core processor and improved architecture provide a much smoother experience compared to the Snapdragon 425 in the Defiant, which may struggle with these apps.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 425 in the Coolpad Defiant sufficient for basic web browsing and making calls?
Yes, the Snapdragon 425 is adequate for very basic tasks like web browsing and making calls. However, expect slow loading times and a generally sluggish experience, especially when multiple apps are open. It's best suited for users who primarily need a phone for communication and have minimal expectations for performance.
❓ How much faster is the Unisoc T616 compared to the Snapdragon 425 in real-world usage?
The Unisoc T616 is significantly faster – roughly 50-75% faster in benchmark tests, and this translates to a noticeable difference in everyday use. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and the overall user experience is far more responsive on the CP12s. The older Snapdragon 425 will exhibit noticeable lag even with simple tasks.
