The Coolpad Legacy and Nokia G20 represent the lower end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, even within this segment, key differences emerge. The Legacy leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 450, while the G20 opts for MediaTek’s Helio G35. This comparison dissects these choices, revealing which device offers the best balance of performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 emerges as the slightly better choice. While its 10W charging is slower, the Helio G35’s more efficient 12nm process and higher clock speeds provide a noticeable performance boost over the Legacy’s Snapdragon 450, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May. Released 2019, May | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 80.5 x 8.4 mm (6.53 x 3.17 x 0.33 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170 g (6.00 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2160 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~380 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.36 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~78.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, AF
5 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver | Glacier, Night |
| Models | - | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Coolpad Legacy
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially smoother software experience (Coolpad's US presence)
- Established brand recognition in some markets
- Older, less efficient Snapdragon 450 chipset
- Lower peak CPU performance
- Likely slower app loading times
Nokia G20
- More modern and efficient Helio G35 chipset
- Higher peak CPU clock speeds
- Improved multitasking and responsiveness
- Slower 10W charging
- Less established brand reputation in some regions
- Potential for more software bloat
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI smoothness. The G20’s more powerful processor will contribute to a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the panel itself is similar in quality. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the typical sensor quality found in this price bracket. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic image processing. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions, and users should expect soft details and limited dynamic range.
Performance
The Nokia G20’s MediaTek Helio G35, fabricated on a 12nm process, holds a clear advantage over the Coolpad Legacy’s 14nm Snapdragon 450. While both CPUs feature Cortex-A53 cores, the G35’s split configuration (4x2.3 GHz & 4x1.8 GHz) provides a peak clock speed 25% higher than the Legacy’s consistent 1.8 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times and improved multitasking. The Snapdragon 450’s older architecture will show its age in demanding scenarios. The G35’s GPU, while still entry-level, will also offer a slightly better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a complex equation. While the exact battery capacities are unknown, the G20’s more efficient Helio G35 chipset should translate to longer runtimes on a similar-sized battery. However, the Legacy’s 15W charging is significantly faster than the G20’s 10W, meaning quicker top-ups when needed. The slower charging on the G20 will be a drawback for users who frequently need to recharge throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Legacy if you prioritize a slightly more established brand reputation within the US market and are comfortable with a potentially smoother software experience, though performance will be noticeably slower. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value a more modern chipset architecture for improved responsiveness and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. The G20 is the better option for users who occasionally engage in light gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram?
While the Helio G35 isn't a powerhouse, it should handle basic social media usage without significant issues. Expect some occasional slowdowns when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods, but it's generally sufficient for casual browsing and content consumption.
❓ Is the Coolpad Legacy a good choice for someone upgrading from a very old smartphone?
The Coolpad Legacy is a viable option for users upgrading from extremely old devices, offering a modern Android experience. However, be prepared for a noticeable performance gap compared to even mid-range smartphones. It's best suited for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, both phones can handle less demanding mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. However, don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Nokia G20 will likely provide a slightly smoother experience due to its more powerful GPU.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
These phones typically ship with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both devices almost certainly support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. Check the specific model's specifications to confirm the maximum supported microSD card size.
