A sleek, unassuming box arrives, and within it lies Coolpad’s latest offering, a device that aims to disrupt the fiercely competitive budget to mid-range segment. In a market saturated with iterative updates, Coolpad appears to have taken a calculated risk, focusing on a few key areas where users genuinely feel the difference. This isn’t just another spec-sheet warrior; it’s a statement of intent. The immediate impression is one of surprising heft and solidity. The matte-finished plastic back, a practical choice at this price point, eschews garish gradients for a sophisticated, monolithic look that is both fingerprint-resistant and pleasantly grippy. The camera module is a clean, rectangular island, housing multiple sensors without unnecessary flair. The physical placement of the fingerprint sensor, integrated into the power button on the right-hand side, is instantly intuitive and lightning-fast to recognize, a small but significant win for ergonomics.
Powering on the device reveals a 6.58-inch FHD+ LCD display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This is arguably the phone’s headline feature and its most significant hand-on differentiator. Scrolling through social media feeds, browsing web pages, and navigating the interface is an exceptionally fluid experience, a stark contrast to the standard 60Hz norm in this price bracket. The high refresh rate makes every interaction feel premium and responsive. While it may not boast the pitch blacks of an AMOLED panel, the LCD here is more than competent. Colors are vibrant and accurate out of the box, brightness is adequate for comfortable outdoor use, and the 240Hz touch sampling rate ensures gaming inputs are registered with impressive speed. The waterdrop notch for the 8MP front-facing camera is discreet, maximizing screen real estate for immersive video consumption and gaming.
The true test of any modern smartphone lies in its performance, and here, Coolpad has made a shrewd decision. Under the hood lies the MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G processor. This 6nm chipset is the engine room, providing not just next-generation connectivity but also robust, efficient performance. In daily hands-on use, the device handles multitasking with ease. Switching between a dozen Chrome tabs, streaming music, and jumping into a messaging app reveals no noticeable stutter or lag. The 120Hz display is perfectly complemented by the capable silicon, ensuring the smooth visuals are matched by smooth operation. For gamers, this combination is a revelation at this price. Titles like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact run on medium to high settings with consistently high frame rates. The device warms up under sustained load but never throttles to an uncomfortable or unplayable degree, a testament to its cooling management and chipset efficiency. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage, the package delivers a level of day-to-day speed and app load times that challenges more expensive competitors.
Extending the performance conversation is the software experience. The phone runs a near-stock version of Android 12, dubbed COOLOS 2.0. The hands-on benefit of this software choice cannot be overstated. It is clean, bloatware-free, and devoid of the heavy, cartoonish skins that often plague budget devices. Animations are snappy, the settings menu is logical and easy to navigate, and the overall feel is minimalist and modern. Coolpad promises two major Android updates and three years of security patches, a commendable commitment that adds significant long-term value. Small software enhancements, like customizable always-on display options and a useful game mode that blocks notifications during gameplay, are implemented thoughtfully without cluttering the core Android experience. This focus on a clean, update-friendly software layer is a strategic masterstroke, ensuring the hardware’s potential is fully realized without software-induced slowdowns.
Turning the device over, the camera system presents an interesting proposition. The primary 50MP sensor, using pixel-binning technology to output detailed 12.5MP shots, is the workhorse. In ample daylight, results are impressive. Photos exhibit good dynamic range, accurate color reproduction, and a surprising amount of resolved detail when pixel-peeping. The autofocus is quick and reliable. The 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens is a welcome addition for capturing landscapes and group shots, though there is a noticeable dip in detail and color consistency compared to the main shooter. Low-light photography is the expected challenge for a device in this category. Night mode does a respectable job of brightening scenes and suppressing noise, but images can appear soft and lack the clarity of more expensive systems. The 2MP macro sensor feels more like a spec-sheet filler; its utility is limited and the results are often underwhelming. Video capture tops out at 1080p 60fps and is serviceable for casual use, with electronic image stabilization (EIS) doing a fair job of smoothing out hand tremors. For the social media user and casual photographer, this system is more than capable, punching above its weight in ideal conditions.
All this power and smooth scrolling would be for naught without reliable battery life. The 4400mAh battery is a solid unit, easily providing a full day of heavy use that includes hours of screen-on time, 5G connectivity, GPS navigation, and media consumption. The real story, however, is the included 33W wired fast charger. In a hands-on test, the charger took the device from 15% to over 70% in just 30 minutes, a game-changing feature for users on the go. The ability to top up quickly mitigates any battery anxiety and underscores Coolpad’s focus on practical, user-centric innovations. The phone lacks wireless charging, an expected omission at this price, but the sheer speed of the wired solution makes it a non-issue.
Connectivity is thoroughly modern, with full sub-6 5G support ensuring future-proofed network speeds. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack will be celebrated by audiophiles and those not yet ready to embrace a fully wireless lifestyle. The single, bottom-firing speaker is a relative weak point; it gets sufficiently loud but lacks bass and can sound tinny at higher volumes. For a better media experience, the headphone jack or Bluetooth headphones are recommended. The haptic feedback motor provides sharp, precise vibrations that enhance the typing experience and system interactions, another small detail that elevates the perceived quality.
The physical design extends to its durability. The phone features a special protective coating on its internal components, touted to safeguard against moisture and humidity. While not an IP-rated waterproof device, this offers a layer of peace of mind against accidental spills or use in humid environments. The pre-applied screen protector and included transparent silicone case in the box are thoughtful touches that demonstrate an understanding of the target audience’s needs right out of the gate.