Looking for an affordable Android phone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Honor Play6C and vivo Y81 are both contenders in the budget smartphone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor Play6C takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, offering better performance and 5G connectivity. While the vivo Y81 is a decent option, the Play6C's superior processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, October 13 | 2018, June. Released 2018, June |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.1 x 8.7 mm (6.44 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 155.1 x 75 x 7.8 mm (6.11 x 2.95 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 146.5 g (5.15 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Magic UI 5 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted) - only 4 GB model; accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 22.5W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 3260 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver | Black, Gold |
| Models | VNE-AN40 | 1808, 1803, V1732A, 1808i |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
Honor Play6C
- Significantly faster processor
- 5G Connectivity
- Better gaming performance
- Potentially better camera processing
- May have slightly less RAM than the vivo Y81 (speculation)
- Design might be less premium
vivo Y81
- Potentially larger display
- Very budget-friendly price
- Decent battery life
- Slow processor
- No 5G
- Lower performance
- Less capable camera
Display Comparison
The vivo Y81 likely features a larger display (around 6.2 inches) with a standard resolution, while the Honor Play6C probably has a slightly smaller display (around 6.5 inches) with a similar resolution. Both will likely use IPS LCD technology, offering decent color accuracy but not exceptional brightness. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a dual-camera setup on the rear. The Honor Play6C's more powerful processor may allow for better image processing and potentially slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Expect both to produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
This is where the Honor Play6C shines. The Snapdragon 480+ 5G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio P22. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Play6C. The vivo Y81 will struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, suggesting similar battery life. However, the Honor Play6C's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Honor Play6C is ideal for users who prioritize performance, 5G connectivity, and a smoother overall experience. The vivo Y81 might appeal to those seeking a very budget-friendly option with a focus on basic functionality and a potentially larger screen, but be prepared for compromises in speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Honor Play6C worth the extra money compared to the vivo Y81?
Yes, the Honor Play6C's superior performance and 5G connectivity make it a worthwhile investment if you value speed and future-proofing.
❓ Can the vivo Y81 handle basic tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the vivo Y81 can handle basic tasks, but it may feel sluggish at times, especially when multitasking.
