Released around the same timeframe, the Prestigio MultiPhone 3540 Duo and Huawei Ascend Y300 represent competing visions for the entry-level Android smartphone market. Both aimed to deliver smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they took different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their choice of chipset and CPU architecture. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the better experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more modern architecture, the Huawei Ascend Y300 emerges as the better choice. While both phones feature a 1.0 GHz processor, the Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play’s dual-core Cortex-A5 architecture offers a more efficient and generally smoother experience than the Prestigio’s single-core Cortex-A9.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - Y300-0100 model |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 - Y300-0151 model |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013. Released 2013 | 2013, March. Released 2013, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118 x 62 x 13 mm (4.65 x 2.44 x 0.51 in) | 124.5 x 63.8 x 11.2 mm (4.90 x 2.51 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 130 g (4.59 oz) | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 320 x 480 pixels, 3:2 ratio (~165 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.5 inches, 36.5 cm2 (~49.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~57.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6575 (40 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX531 | Adreno 203 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 3.15 MP | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 480p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 22 h 30 min | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 300 h | Up to 320 h (2G) / Up to 320 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h | Up to 5 h (2G) / Up to 5 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1730 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Black, White |
| Models | - | Y300-0100, Y300-0151 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.82 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.75 W/kg (head) 0.77 W/kg (body) |
Prestigio MultiPhone 3540 Duo
- Potential for greater software customization due to Mediatek chipset.
- Single-core Cortex-A9 may offer slightly higher peak performance in single-threaded tasks (though less relevant in typical usage).
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Less power-efficient chipset (40nm process).
- Single-core processor limits multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially less refined user experience.
Huawei Ascend Y300
- More power-efficient chipset (28nm process).
- Dual-core processor improves multitasking and responsiveness.
- Qualcomm’s ISP generally provides better image quality.
- Likely smoother and more stable Android experience.
- May have limited software customization options.
- Cortex-A5 cores are less powerful individually than the Cortex-A9.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the era, both likely feature similar resolutions and panel technologies (likely TFT LCD). However, the absence of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the chipset’s impact on UI rendering. A smoother chipset, like the one in the Y300, will make the display *feel* more responsive, even if the raw panel specs are identical.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups typical of the time. It’s reasonable to assume both have similar limitations in low-light performance and image quality. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes it impossible to declare a clear winner; however, Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP) generally offers better image quality than Mediatek’s at this level.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Prestigio utilizes the Mediatek MT6575, built on a 40nm process, with a single 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 core. The Huawei employs the Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play, also at 1.0 GHz, but with a dual-core Cortex-A5 configuration. While clock speeds are the same, the Cortex-A5 architecture, though less powerful per core than the A9, benefits from having two cores, enabling better multitasking and parallel processing. The Snapdragon’s 28nm process node also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation compared to the Mediatek’s 40nm node, potentially mitigating thermal throttling during sustained use.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, the Qualcomm MSM8225’s superior power efficiency due to its 28nm process node gives the Huawei Ascend Y300 a likely advantage in battery life. Even with a similar battery capacity, the Y300 should deliver longer usage times between charges. The Mediatek MT6575, built on a larger 40nm process, will consume more power for the same tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Prestigio MultiPhone 3540 Duo if you prioritize potential software customization and are comfortable with a potentially less refined user experience. Its Mediatek chipset may offer greater flexibility for custom ROMs. Buy the Huawei Ascend Y300 if you value a more polished, stable Android experience and a chipset known for better power efficiency, resulting in potentially longer battery life during typical usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the Prestigio 3540 Duo and the Huawei Y300?
Yes, you likely will. The Huawei Y300’s dual-core Cortex-A5 processor will generally load apps faster than the Prestigio’s single-core Cortex-A9, especially when multiple apps are already running. The A5 architecture, while less powerful per core, handles multitasking more efficiently.
❓ Is the power efficiency difference between the Mediatek MT6575 and Qualcomm MSM8225 noticeable in daily use?
Absolutely. The Qualcomm MSM8225, built on a 28nm process, is significantly more power-efficient than the Mediatek MT6575’s 40nm process. This translates to longer battery life, especially during tasks like web browsing, video playback, and social media use. You’ll likely need to charge the Prestigio more frequently.
❓ Can I play basic Android games on either of these phones?
Both phones can handle basic Android games from the era, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Huawei Y300’s dual-core processor will provide a slightly smoother gaming experience, particularly in games that utilize multiple threads. More demanding games may struggle on both devices.
