The vivo S1 and Motorola One Action represent compelling options in the competitive sub-₹20,000 smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take different approaches to achieving it. The vivo S1 prioritizes a newer chipset and faster charging, while the Motorola One Action focuses on a potentially more efficient processor and a respectable battery endurance rating. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing everyday performance and faster charging, the vivo S1 emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P65 chipset, while not a flagship, offers a slight edge in CPU performance, and the 18W charging is significantly faster than the Motorola One Action’s 10W. However, the Motorola One Action’s battery endurance rating is competitive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - Asia | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 38, 41, 66 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July 17. Released 2019, July | 2019, August 16. Released 2019, October 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 160.1 x 71.2 x 9.2 mm (6.30 x 2.80 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2520 pixels, 21:9 ratio (~432 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 94.0 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | IPS LCD |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Exynos 9609 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm (ultrawide), dedicated video camera (1080p)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 12 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Skyline Blue, Cosmic Green | Denim Blue, Pearl White, Aqua Teal |
| Models | 1907, V1907, 1907_19, V1913A | XT2013-1, XT2013-2, XT2013-4 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | ₹ 17,200 | - |
| 128GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 17,200 | - |
| 64GB 6GB RAM | ₹ 17,990 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -93.7dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 66h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1237:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 67dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 84dB
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 148748 (v7)
GeekBench: 5271 (v4.4) |
vivo S1
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially more responsive CPU with Helio P65
- Multiple RAM options (4GB/6GB)
- Battery capacity not specified
- Display specifications largely unknown
Motorola One Action
- Efficient 10nm Exynos 9609 processor
- Good battery endurance rating (66h)
- Measured display brightness and contrast ratio
- Slow 10W charging
- Potentially less responsive CPU compared to Helio P65
Display Comparison
The Motorola One Action boasts a measured peak brightness of 459 nits and a 1237:1 contrast ratio, providing a reasonably viewable experience. However, the vivo S1’s display specifications are not provided, leaving a gap in direct comparison. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The Motorola’s contrast ratio, while decent, isn’t exceptional, suggesting blacks may appear grayish. Without knowing the vivo S1’s brightness, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Motorola’s measured data provides a concrete baseline.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering little specific detail. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving primarily as a marketing feature. The Motorola One Action’s camera likely benefits from Motorola’s software optimizations, but without sample images or detailed specs, it’s impossible to assess its performance relative to the vivo S1.
Performance
The chipset is where these phones diverge significantly. The vivo S1 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P65, a 12nm process chip with an octa-core configuration featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. The Motorola One Action, conversely, employs the Exynos 9609, built on a more efficient 10nm process, with four Cortex-A73 cores at 2.2 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.6 GHz. While the Exynos 9609’s cores are clocked higher, the Helio P65’s newer architecture and core arrangement may offer a more balanced performance profile for multitasking. The 10nm process of the Exynos *should* translate to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained loads, but real-world testing would be needed to confirm this. The vivo S1’s RAM options (4GB or 6GB) versus the Motorola’s 6GB configuration also play a role, with the higher RAM potentially benefiting multitasking on the Motorola.
Battery Life
The Motorola One Action claims an endurance rating of 66 hours, a respectable figure indicating good battery optimization. The vivo S1’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Motorola’s 10W charging. This means the vivo S1 can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime. While the Motorola may last longer on a single charge, the convenience of quicker charging could be more valuable for many users. A full charge on the Motorola will take considerably longer than on the vivo S1.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S1 if you need a phone that charges quickly and handles daily tasks with a bit more responsiveness. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps and appreciate a modern processor. Buy the Motorola One Action if you prioritize long-lasting battery life and a potentially cooler operating temperature, even if it means slower charging and slightly less snappy performance. This phone is better suited for users who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and light social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9609 in the Motorola One Action tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the 10nm process of the Exynos 9609 *should* offer better thermal efficiency, sustained gaming can still generate heat. The Motorola One Action’s thermal management capabilities are not widely documented, but it’s likely to experience some throttling after extended periods of intense use. The Helio P65 in the vivo S1 may also throttle, but the difference in thermal performance is difficult to predict without dedicated testing.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo S1 a significant improvement over the 10W charging on the Motorola One Action in real-world use?
Yes, the difference is substantial. 18W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the vivo S1, potentially shaving off an hour or more compared to the Motorola One Action. This is particularly beneficial for users who frequently find themselves with low battery and need a quick top-up.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, how much should the camera be a deciding factor between these two phones?
Not much. Both phones offer basic 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing details, it's impossible to assess their relative performance. If camera quality is a priority, you should consider phones in a higher price bracket with more detailed specifications.
