Introduction
With the launch of the Coolpad Cool1, the low-cost smartphone segment in the Chinese market received renewed attention. Low-cost models are increasingly adopting features once reserved for flagship devices. The Coolpad Cool1 was introduced at RMB 1099 with dual 13 MP rear cameras, a rare configuration at this price point. The Redmi Pro, released shortly before, also uses a dual rear camera design. This article compares the two dual-camera budget phones to highlight their differences and similarities.
1. Specifications comparison
Below is an overview of the main hardware similarities and differences between the Coolpad Cool1 and the Redmi Pro. Both phones share similar body dimensions, materials, display specifications, network compatibility, memory and storage options, color choices, and battery capacity. Key differences appear in processor, camera specifications, system software, and some pricing configurations.
To keep the comparison fair, the selected models are the Coolpad Cool1 4GB+32GB version and the Redmi Pro standard version, which are both listed at RMB 1499 and share many common specifications.
- Coolpad Cool1 (higher configuration): 5.5-inch 1080p display; Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 octa-core processor; 4GB RAM and 32GB storage; price RMB 1499.
- Redmi Pro (standard): 5.5-inch 1080p display; MediaTek Helio X20 deca-core processor; 3GB RAM and 32GB storage; price RMB 1499.
Overall, because the two models are similar in screen resolution, storage capacity, battery size, network support, and body material, the hardware gap is not large. The main distinctions lie in the processor choice, camera modules, and system software.
2. Appearance comparison
Both the Coolpad Cool1 and the Redmi Pro use a unibody metal construction, but they differ in design details and finishing.
Coolpad Cool1 uses a unibody metal design and is available in gold, silver, and rose gold. The front adopts a LeEco-style bezel-minimized design with symmetrical top and bottom elements; however, the screen does not use 2.5D glass.
The Cool1 rear is aluminum with a three-section layout: a metal center with plastic sections at the top and bottom to allow antenna signal passage. The curved shaping provides a good hand feel, though the large-capacity battery makes the body slightly thicker. The top of the phone includes an infrared port for controlling home devices. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port and speaker holes in a symmetrical arrangement.
Redmi Pro also uses a unibody metal design and is offered in gray, silver, and gold. Its front is simple and features a 5.5-inch 1080p 2.5D curved screen with a front fingerprint sensor. The rear is CNC-machined with textured finishing for a more refined visual effect. The Redmi Pro likewise adopts a dual-camera layout on the back.
Summary
Both phones follow the prevailing metal-unibody trend and present conservative, mainstream styling. Visually, the Coolpad Cool1's bezel-minimized front delivers a stronger first impression. Since both models include dual rear cameras and fingerprint sensors, they offer comparable user experiences while each retains distinct design touches.
