The vivo U3 and Huawei nova 5T represent compelling options in the mid-range smartphone market, but cater to slightly different priorities. The U3, powered by the Snapdragon 675, aims for efficient all-day performance, while the nova 5T leverages the Kirin 980 for a more potent, albeit potentially less efficient, experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing raw performance and faster charging, the Huawei nova 5T is the clear winner. Its Kirin 980 chipset delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo U3. However, the U3 remains a viable option for those seeking a balanced device with respectable performance at a potentially lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.8 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Kirin 980 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Mali-G76 MP10 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1"
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 24 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Crush Blue, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green |
| Models | V1941A, V1941T | YAL-L21, YAL-L61, YAL-L71, YAL-L61D |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 340 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 313024 (v7), 395503 (v8)
GeekBench: 10013 (v4.4), 2504 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo U3
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Snapdragon 675 chipset
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Less powerful processor than the nova 5T
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Huawei nova 5T
- More powerful Kirin 980 chipset
- Faster 22.5W fast charging
- Advanced ISP for better image processing
- Potentially higher price
- Kirin 980 may consume more power
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like OLED vs. LCD) are missing, both likely utilize IPS LCDs common in this price bracket. The focus here is on processing power, not screen fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of 2019. Color accuracy will likely be adequate for everyday use, but neither is targeted at content creators.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is challenging. However, the Kirin 980’s image signal processor (ISP) in the nova 5T is more advanced than the Snapdragon 675’s, enabling better image processing, noise reduction, and dynamic range. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the nova 5T’s ISP will likely extract more detail and produce more visually appealing images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the nova 5T, if equipped, would further enhance image quality and video stabilization.
Performance
The Kirin 980 (7nm) in the Huawei nova 5T represents a significant architectural leap over the Snapdragon 675 (11nm) in the vivo U3. The Kirin 980’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores, provides a substantial advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The Snapdragon 675’s Kryo cores are competent, but the Kirin 980’s smaller fabrication process and more advanced core design translate to superior performance and potentially better thermal management under sustained load. This benefits users who frequently multitask, edit photos/videos, or play graphically demanding games.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 5T’s 22.5W fast charging is a clear advantage over the vivo U3’s 18W charging. The nova 5T claims a 50% charge in just 24 minutes, significantly reducing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Kirin 980’s higher power consumption may offset some of the charging speed benefit. The U3’s 5W reverse wired charging is a niche feature, useful for topping up accessories, but unlikely to be a primary purchasing factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo U3 if you need a reliable daily driver with good battery life and don't demand the absolute highest performance for gaming or demanding tasks. It's ideal for users who prioritize efficiency and value. Buy the Huawei nova 5T if you prefer a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience, and are willing to trade some battery life for that extra performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Kirin 980 in the Huawei nova 5T prone to overheating during extended gaming sessions?
While the Kirin 980 is a powerful chip, its thermal performance depends on Huawei's cooling solution. Reports from the time suggest it could get warm under sustained load, but throttling wasn't a major issue. The 7nm process helps mitigate heat compared to older chipsets.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo U3 support PUBG Mobile at high frame rates (60fps)?
The Snapdragon 675 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but achieving consistently high frame rates (60fps) will likely require lower graphics settings. The U3 is best suited for medium settings to balance visual quality and performance.
❓ How does the camera performance of the Huawei nova 5T compare in low-light conditions?
The nova 5T's Kirin 980 ISP excels in low-light photography, capturing more detail and reducing noise compared to the Snapdragon 675's ISP. Night mode processing is likely more effective on the nova 5T, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
