Coolpad Small Square Launches as a Budget-Friendly Compact Phone With a Square Display
Coolpad is drawing fresh attention with the launch of an unusual compact smartphone called the Coolpad Small Square. As its name suggests, the device features a small square-shaped screen, making it stand out in a market dominated by tall rectangular phones.
The design will look familiar to anyone who has seen the Ikko MindOne series, a compact square phone lineup introduced earlier with a flip camera, AMOLED display, and optional keyboard case. However, Coolpad’s version takes a more affordable route, offering a similar pocket-friendly form factor at a much lower price.
The Coolpad Small Square comes with a 3.95-inch LCD display featuring a 720 x 720 resolution. That makes it slightly smaller than the 4.02-inch AMOLED screen found on the Ikko MindOne and MindOne Pro. Coolpad has not confirmed whether the display includes any special protective glass, while the higher-end MindOne Pro is known for offering sapphire glass protection.
Inside, the Coolpad Small Square is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor. It is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, giving it enough power for everyday tasks, social media, messaging, streaming, and light gaming. The Ikko MindOne Pro uses the same chipset and RAM amount, but offers more storage.
One of the most eye-catching features of the Coolpad Small Square is its flip camera design. Instead of using separate front and rear cameras, the phone uses a single rotating camera module. Coolpad has equipped the device with a 13MP camera, which is more modest than the 50MP sensor found on the MindOne Pro.
Battery capacity is another area where the Coolpad Small Square offers a practical setup. The phone includes a 2,450mAh battery with 10W charging support. While this is not a large battery by modern smartphone standards, it is slightly bigger than the 2,200mAh battery in the Ikko MindOne, and the smaller display should help with power efficiency.
Coolpad has also added a few useful extras. The Small Square includes an IR blaster, allowing it to function as a remote control for compatible home appliances. It also features a dedicated AI button, giving users quick access to its built-in AI companion.
The AI assistant is one of the phone’s key selling points. According to Coolpad, it can handle tasks through voice commands, including ordering a cab, shopping online, and posting content to WeChat. The company has not confirmed which Android version the device runs, but the inclusion of AI tools suggests Coolpad is positioning the phone as more than just a compact novelty device.
Unlike the Ikko MindOne Pro, which offers an optional QWERTY keyboard case with its own battery, built-in DAC, and audio jack, Coolpad has not announced any keyboard accessory for the Small Square. Because its screen is slightly smaller, it may not be compatible with accessories designed for Ikko’s model.
The Coolpad Small Square is available in four color options: Obsidian Black, Radiant Purple, Pink, and Frosty White. Pricing is one of its biggest advantages. The phone is listed at CNY 1,099, which is around $162 or €139. A launch discount lowers the price to CNY 999, roughly $148 or €127.
By comparison, the Ikko MindOne Pro is priced much higher, normally selling for $499, though it has been offered at a discounted price of $429. This makes the Coolpad Small Square a far more affordable option for users who want a compact square smartphone without paying premium pricing.
With its unique design, flip camera, AI features, IR blaster, and budget-friendly price, the Coolpad Small Square could appeal to buyers looking for something different from the usual smartphone experience. It may not match the premium specifications of the MindOne Pro, but it delivers a similar concept at a fraction of the cost.
