Coolpad Cool 40i

The Coolpad Cool 40i has entered the market as an affordable smartphone with a focus on practicality and performance. Announced and released in December 2024, this device targets users seeking a reliable daily driver that doesn’t break the bank. With an appealing design, versatile connectivity, and decent performance for its price point, the Cool 40i is a noteworthy addition to the budget smartphone segment.

Design and Build

The Coolpad Cool 40i features a sleek and minimalistic design, with dimensions of 166.2 x 77 x 8.3 mm and a weight of 202 grams, ensuring a comfortable grip despite its large display. The dual Nano-SIM slots make it ideal for users who need to manage multiple numbers, whether for work or personal use. Available in four attractive colors—Phantom Black, Glacier Blue, Lite Pink, and Ivory White—the Cool 40i offers aesthetic options to suit different tastes.

Display

The smartphone boasts a 6.56-inch IPS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and animations. With a resolution of 720 x 1612 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 269 ppi, the display offers decent clarity and vibrant colors for its price. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive experience for video streaming and gaming.

Performance

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G37 chipset (12 nm), the Cool 40i delivers a balanced performance for day-to-day activities. The octa-core CPU is split into four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz, ensuring efficiency for multitasking. The PowerVR GE8320 GPU supports casual gaming, making it suitable for users who enjoy lightweight apps and games. Running on Android 14 with Coolpad’s proprietary CoolOS, the device offers a clean and user-friendly interface, coupled with the latest security and software updates.

Storage and Expandability

The Coolpad Cool 40i comes with two storage options: 128GB with 4GB RAM and 256GB with 6GB RAM, both utilizing eMMC 5.1 storage technology. The inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot provides expandable storage, catering to users with extensive multimedia needs.

Camera System

On the rear, the Cool 40i features a dual-camera setup, comprising a 50 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture for sharp, detailed photos and a 0.3 MP depth sensor for portrait shots. The camera supports features like HDR, panorama, and LED flash, with video recording capped at 1080p@30fps. The 8 MP front-facing camera ensures clear selfies and smooth video calls, also capable of recording 1080p videos.

Battery and Charging

The 4500 mAh battery ensures a full day of moderate use, while the 10W wired charging support, though basic, keeps the device functional with minimal downtime.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Cool 40i offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, and LTE networks, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 5.0. Navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO ensure accurate positioning. The NFC capability enhances convenience, though its availability may vary by region. Sensors like the side-mounted fingerprint scanner, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass round out the feature set.

Conclusion

The Coolpad Cool 40i offers a well-rounded package for budget-conscious buyers. With a capable chipset, expandable storage, versatile camera setup, and smooth display, it delivers excellent value for its price. While it may not compete with premium devices, its reliable performance and stylish design make it an ideal choice for users prioritizing functionality and affordability.