Coolpad Note 3 Lite Black Edition: What has changed?

Note3 and Note3 Lite Black

We all know that Coolpad Note 3 Lite is very popular with the budget buyers in the country. The Lite variant was launched as a successor to the Coolpad Note3 which in many ways turned the budget segment on it’s head last year. We have already reviewed both these phones. But a lot of people have asked us to take the Coolpad Note3 Lite version, more specifically the black variant and tell them what has changed. So here goes

Note3 and Note3 Lite Black

So, the word Lite implies that it is a toned down version of the Note3, but this little one by itself can give the other budget handsets quite a run for their money. And the pricing of INR 7000 is where the fight starts. The screen size is the only apparent change that the end user can discern as a physical diference. So, has anything else changed under the hood?

Back Bottom

Design-wise the whole feel hasn’t changed much between the original Note 3 and the Note 3 Lite. The key changes are very cosmetic, the first one is the location of the LED flash on the rear has switched sides. It made no diference to the photos though. They were the same as the original Note 3.

The Original Note3 had a slightly smooth white back and the Note 3 Lite Black edition has a more firm matte-like finish. Technically the Black Lite 3 grips better and is less prone to slip. Not that the Note 3 was slippery. This one is just better to grip.

Coolpad collage

You will  experience very similar performance as the Coolpad Note 3 Lite Black comes with 3GB DDR3 RAM, same as its elder sibling. The processor is a tad notch down. The Coolpad Note 3 Black comes with a  1.3GHz 64-bit Mediatek MT6753 octa-core processor and the Note 3 Lite ran on the same chipset but on a quad-core configuration. The key difference between the two processors here lies in how the processor cores are set up. Put in layman’s terms, octa-core processors are two sets of quad-core processors that are used according to the demand of the task being executed. So technically the Note 3 Lite Black is a little less powered then it’s elder sibling! During actual usage this was true, but given the price of INR 7000/- and what the competitors have at that range, not complaining at all.

Both the devices have 16 GB internal storage with the option of expansion, so no change there at all. Both phones come with  Android 5.1 Lollipop-based Cool UI 6.0. The overall experience, smoothness and theme customization are maintained consistently. The Lite variant is also expected to receive Android 6.0 Marshmallow in the future. We need to watch Coolpad communication for the exact schedule.

All four Coolpads

Most importantly the very popular and accurate fingerprint scanner that made the Coolpad Note3 very successful is retained in the Coolpad Note3 Lite Black. This is very welcome. The Fingerprint based access control app that offered very granular access control and security driven by fingerprint has also been retained. This is a big big plus. There are no other similar devices with that functionality, so it good to see the younger black sibling get this.

Another subtle advantage is that the black variant can be used a little bit more freely without worrying about staining or dirt accumulation. The surface is good that way.

So these are the changes that we found out between the Coolpad Note3 and Note3 Lite Black.

If the question is “Black or white?” – I would say that black is better, more durable and is easier to grip and sturdier. The Black feels regal in hand. Assured glances and conversation when someone sees you with it! So, go and get it, you won’t regret it! Ever!

 

About Shakthi

I am a Tech Blogger, Disability Activist, Keynote Speaker, Startup Mentor and Digital Branding Consultant. Also a McKinsey Executive Panel Member. Also known as @v_shakthi on twitter. Been around Tech for two decades now.

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