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Review: Coolpad Catalyst for T-Mobile

Hardware Software Wrap-Up Comments 2

The Coolpad Catalyst is a disappointment. This phone may cost only $100, but it's not worth that much.

The hardware is uninspired and looks cheap. The rough rear panel is questionable. The screen is simply awful. Data performance was sluggish. The camera is practically useless. Did I mention that the screen sucks?

On the upside, battery life is decent. Moreover, phone call quality is one of the Catalyst's only redeeming features: voice calls are superb. It's nice to see stock Android, but Lollipop doesn't taste good any more.

I'd only recommend the Catalyst to those who need a good voice phone with some smartphone features, like email, navigation, and so on. Even then, you'd probably be much better off spending $40 more on the LG K7 from T-Mobile. Better yet, move over to MetroPCS (owned/operated by T-Mobile) which has a good selection of solid phones for under $100, such as the LG K10 or Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime.

Our Ratings

Overall

Reception

Battery Life

Hardware Usability

Hardware Quality

Display

Interface Speed

Audio Volume

Camera

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Coolpad Catalyst

5" display 480 x 854 pixels
Snapdragon 210 processor 1 GB RAM
2,200 mAh battery
Memory Card Slot, Headphone Jack (3.5mm)

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