The vivo U10 and Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, but they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on the impact of their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets on everyday performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the vivo U10 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Redmi 8A Pro’s Snapdragon 439, making it noticeably smoother for multitasking and demanding apps, despite both offering 18W charging.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September. Released 2019, September | 2020, April 02. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm (6.16 x 2.97 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190.5 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), planned upgrade to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Thunder Black, Electric Blue, Black, Blue, Red | Sky White, Sea Blue, Midnight Grey |
| Models | 1916, V1928A | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.45 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo U10
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 665)
- More efficient chipset for potentially longer battery life
- Better performance for multitasking and gaming
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Display likely similar in quality to the Redmi 8A Pro
Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro
- Convenient 2.5W reverse wired charging
- Potentially slightly larger display (based on market trends)
- Lower price point (typically)
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 439)
- Less responsive user experience
- Struggles with demanding applications
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize standard IPS LCD panels. The Redmi 8A Pro’s appeal may lie in its slightly larger screen size (typically 6.22 inches vs the U10’s 6.35 inches, based on market trends), but without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors. The U10’s stronger processing power could translate to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Redmi 8A Pro’s inclusion of 2.5W reverse wired charging suggests a focus on accessory power, but doesn’t inherently improve image quality. We can assume both will deliver acceptable results for casual photography, but neither is likely to excel.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo U10’s Snapdragon 665, built on an 11nm process, is a significant upgrade over the Redmi 8A Pro’s Snapdragon 439 (12nm). The 665’s Kryo 260 cores – split into 4x2.0 GHz Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Silver – offer a more efficient and powerful architecture compared to the 439’s 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the U10. The 11nm process also suggests better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The 439, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, offering relatively quick top-ups. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, typical capacities for these models are around 5000mAh. The Snapdragon 665 in the U10, being more power-efficient, could potentially offer slightly longer battery life despite similar capacity. The Redmi 8A Pro’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge accessories like wireless earbuds, a convenience the U10 lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo U10 if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as moderate gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior processor will provide a more fluid and enjoyable user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 8A Pro if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize the convenience of reverse wired charging for accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 439 in the Redmi 8A Pro struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 439 is likely to struggle with PUBG Mobile, even at lower settings. Expect noticeable frame drops and lag, especially during intense action sequences. The vivo U10’s Snapdragon 665 will provide a significantly smoother gaming experience.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Redmi 8A Pro useful for everyday use?
The 2.5W reverse charging is primarily useful for topping up small accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It’s too slow to significantly charge a smartphone, but it offers a convenient way to keep smaller devices powered on the go.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the two processors?
The difference will be quite noticeable in everyday tasks. The vivo U10 will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between them, and browsing the web. The Redmi 8A Pro may exhibit lag and slowdowns during these activities, especially with multiple apps open.
