Coolpad is making waves in the budget smartphone space with the CP12s and Legacy 5G. Both offer 5G connectivity at attractive price points, but they diverge significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Unisoc-powered CP12s and the Snapdragon 765G-equipped Legacy 5G, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Coolpad Legacy 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset delivers noticeably faster performance and better efficiency than the Unisoc T616 in the CP12s, translating to a smoother user experience and improved gaming capabilities. While both charge at 18W, the Legacy 5G's QC3 support offers faster real-world charging speeds.
| 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, November 29 | 2020, January |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 29 | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 169.7 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.32 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 | 209.7 g (7.41 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~264 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.79 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~84.1% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 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 Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSD |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 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 | 18W wired | 18W wired, QC3 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl White, Glacier Blue, Mint Green, Starlight Black | Yellow/Blue |
| Price | - | About 360 EUR |
Coolpad CP12s
- Most affordable option
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- 5G connectivity
- Significantly slower performance
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially lower camera quality
Coolpad Legacy 5G
- Faster and more responsive performance
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G
- QC3 fast charging support
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly better in ideal lighting conditions
- Still a budget device with potential compromises
Display Comparison
Neither Coolpad provides detailed display specifications. However, given the price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The Snapdragon 765G’s superior GPU will render graphics more smoothly, even on a similar display. The Legacy 5G’s chipset also benefits from better image signal processing, potentially leading to slightly more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the one found in the Unisoc T616. This translates to better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality, even with similar sensors. The Legacy 5G is likely to produce sharper, more detailed photos and videos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of Qualcomm’s processing will also improve autofocus speed and accuracy.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Coolpad Legacy 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc Tiger T616 (12nm) in the CP12s. The Snapdragon 765G features a Kryo 475 Prime core clocked at 2.4GHz, alongside a Kryo 475 Gold core at 2.2GHz, and six Silver cores at 1.8GHz. This contrasts with the CP12s’ dual 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and six 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon 765G also provides better power efficiency, reducing thermal throttling during sustained workloads. Users who game or frequently multitask will experience a much smoother experience on the Legacy 5G.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, but the Legacy 5G benefits from Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) support. QC3 allows for faster charging speeds with compatible chargers, potentially reducing 0-100% charge times compared to the CP12s’ standard 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s superior power efficiency means the Legacy 5G will likely offer comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad CP12s if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media use. It's a viable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Coolpad Legacy 5G if you value performance, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, especially if you plan to use 5G data or play mobile games. The Snapdragon 765G provides a significant upgrade in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Coolpad Legacy 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 765G 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 Unisoc T616 in the CP12s will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Does the Coolpad Legacy 5G support carrier aggregation for faster 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 765G supports carrier aggregation, which allows it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster download and upload speeds. This is a significant advantage over the CP12s, which likely has limited carrier aggregation support due to its less advanced modem.
❓ Is the 18W charging on both phones the same, or does QC3 make a difference?
While both phones support 18W charging, the Coolpad Legacy 5G’s inclusion of Quick Charge 3.0 (QC3) is a key advantage. QC3 dynamically adjusts the voltage and current to optimize charging speed, resulting in faster 0-100% times compared to the standard 18W charging on the CP12s, *provided* you use a QC3-compatible charger.
