Key points
- The Coolpad Cool X Wide is priced at 999 Yuan, approximately $150, for the base model.
- It features a 6.38-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate.
- The phone ships with Android 16 but is limited to 4G network connectivity.
The Coolpad Cool X Wide is a budget Android smartphone that features a significantly wider screen than traditional slab phones, adopting a design trend previously seen in expensive folding devices. According to The Verge, this device offers the visual real estate of a small tablet or closed foldable without the associated high costs, repair risks, or screen creases that often accompany flexible displays.
How it unfolded
- The Verge reports that widescreen folding phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Huawei Pura X View are influencing traditional phone designs.
- Coolpad launched the Cool X Wide in China, mirroring the wider aspect ratio of the Huawei Pura X View which arrived in August.
- Preorders opened on JD.com for 999 Chinese Yuan, with shipping expected to begin on November 8th.
Who is affected
Budget-conscious consumers in China can preorder the device in black, red, or white. The base model includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Buyers can upgrade to 256GB of storage for approximately $180, or increase the RAM to 12GB for around $209. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, which limits connectivity to 4G networks despite running Android 16.
What happens next
Shipping is scheduled to start on November 8th. The device measures 3.72 inches in width, making it noticeably wider than the 2.83-inch-wide iPhone 18 Pro, while maintaining a similar height. Users will experience a 6.38-inch display with a resolution of 1,158x720 pixels. The hardware includes a 50-megapixel main camera and a 4,600mAh battery, providing standard endurance for a phone in this price category.
The background in plain language
Manufacturers are experimenting with screen proportions to differentiate devices without adding mechanical complexity. A wider aspect ratio provides more horizontal space, which can improve media viewing or multitasking. This approach allows companies to offer a premium visual experience at a lower price point. Teams usually evaluate whether the added width impacts one-handed usability. Check whether the wider form factor aligns with your daily carrying habits and case compatibility before purchasing.
What to do and how to stay safe: Coolpad
- Verify the network compatibility of the device, as the processor limits support to 4G networks only.
- Check if your existing phone cases or accessories fit the wider 3.72-inch chassis before ordering.
- Confirm the specific RAM and storage configuration that matches your budget, as upgrades increase the price.
- Monitor shipping updates from JD.com to ensure timely delivery after the November 8th start date.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security for Small Business: Control Without Cost
General security guidance from the Circuit Observer newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Coolpad Cool X Wide have a folding screen?
No, the device has a traditional rigid slab design with a 16:10 aspect ratio, avoiding the cost and crease issues of foldables.
What operating system does the phone run?
The phone comes with Android 16 out of the box, according to The Verge.
Is the phone compatible with 5G networks?
No, the MediaTek Helio G99 processor limits the device to 4G network connectivity.
