Allview targets the entry-level smartphone market with both the Viva Home and P5 Life. While both aim to deliver affordable connectivity, they differ significantly under the hood. This comparison dissects the core hardware – specifically the Mediatek MT8163 in the Viva Home versus the MT6582 in the P5 Life – to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Allview Viva Home emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek MT8163 chipset, featuring a Cortex-A53 CPU, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the P5 Life’s older MT6582 and Cortex-A7, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience, despite the slightly lower CPU clock speed.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | - |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2014, December. Released 2014, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 418.5 x 266.3 x 19.5 mm (16.48 x 10.48 x 0.77 in) | 133.2 x 66.4 x 9 mm (5.24 x 2.61 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | No | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 2018.3 g (4.45 lb) | 127 g (4.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~127 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~218 ppi density) |
| Size | 17.3 inches, 825.1 cm2 (~74.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~63.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8163 | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400MP2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 5.0 (Lollipop) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| No | - |
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 1080p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, USB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 185 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 8 h 25 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 1850 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black |
| Price | About 250 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) |
Allview Viva Home
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Potentially better graphics performance
- Likely more efficient chipset (MT8163)
- Specific display specs unknown
- Camera quality likely limited by budget sensors
Allview P5 Life
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward operation
- Suitable for basic communication tasks
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A7)
- Less efficient chipset (MT6582)
- Likely slower performance and responsiveness
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, display specifications are not provided. However, given the target market, both devices likely feature LCD panels with 720p resolution. The Viva Home’s newer chipset *may* indicate slightly better graphics processing capabilities, potentially leading to smoother UI animations, but this is speculative. Bezels are likely substantial on both models, typical of this price bracket. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong point on either device.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are absent, making a direct comparison difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups. Given the price point, image quality will likely be heavily reliant on software processing. The newer chipset in the Viva Home *could* offer slightly faster image processing speeds, but the sensor quality will be the primary determinant of image quality. We can expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Allview Viva Home’s Mediatek MT8163, with its quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, represents a more modern architecture than the P5 Life’s MT6582 and 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. While the clock speed difference is only 0.2 GHz, the Cortex-A53 offers improved instructions per clock (IPC) compared to the A7, resulting in better overall performance. The MT6582 is built on a 28nm process, which is less efficient than newer nodes, potentially leading to higher power consumption and more heat generation under load. This translates to a more responsive experience on the Viva Home, particularly when switching between apps or browsing the web.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified. However, the MT6582’s less efficient 28nm process in the P5 Life suggests it will likely drain faster than the Viva Home, even with a similar battery size. The Viva Home’s MT8163, while not exceptionally power-efficient, benefits from a more modern manufacturing process. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Allview Viva Home if you need a device capable of handling basic multitasking, social media, and light app usage without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a smoother, more modern software experience. Buy the Allview P5 Life if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and very basic app usage, and you’re seeking the absolute lowest possible price point. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Allview P5 Life struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
The MT6582 chipset in the P5 Life is relatively old and may exhibit noticeable lag when running more demanding apps like WhatsApp or Facebook, especially with multiple conversations or tabs open. The limited processing power and RAM could lead to frequent app crashes or slow loading times.
❓ Is the Allview Viva Home suitable for playing casual games?
The Allview Viva Home, with its MT8163 chipset, is better suited for casual gaming than the P5 Life. While it won't handle graphically intensive titles, it should be able to run simpler games like Candy Crush or Angry Birds without significant issues. Expect lower graphics settings and potential frame rate drops in more demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones likely have, and can it be expanded?
Given the budget nature of these devices, expect internal storage to be limited – likely 8GB or 16GB. Both phones almost certainly include a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps. Check the specifications for the maximum supported microSD card capacity.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, the Allview P5 Life is sufficient. Its older chipset won't hinder call quality or text messaging. However, the Viva Home offers a more future-proof experience, even for basic tasks, and will likely remain usable for a longer period due to its more modern hardware.
