The vivo V17 Neo and Samsung Galaxy A50s represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both aimed to deliver a balance of features and affordability, but they took different approaches to achieving that goal, primarily in their core processing power and manufacturing process. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy A50s is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo V17 Neo’s Helio P65, and is less prone to thermal throttling during extended use. While the V17 Neo offers a slightly faster charging speed, the A50s’ overall package is more refined.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2019, August 22. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 158.5 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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 | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black brilliant, Blue Pearl | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush Violet2 |
| Models | - | SM-A507F, SM-A507FN, SM-A5070 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 154761 (v7)
GeekBench: 5295 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 9.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V17 Neo
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
- Slightly newer CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Less efficient 12nm chipset
- Potentially lower sustained performance
- Inferior CPU core count for multi-tasking
Samsung Galaxy A50s
- More efficient 10nm Exynos 9611 chipset
- Stronger CPU performance (Cortex-A73)
- Better thermal management
- Potentially superior image processing
- Slower 15W wired charging
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. The display quality is likely similar, with both targeting a 1080p+ resolution typical of the segment. The real difference lies in how well the chipset can drive the display – a task the Exynos 9611 handles more effectively.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around the 12-48MP range, common in this price bracket. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Exynos 9611 likely offers more sophisticated image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in challenging lighting conditions. The V17 Neo may rely more heavily on software enhancements to compensate for a potentially less capable ISP. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A50s’ Exynos 9611, fabricated on a 10nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration: four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, alongside four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This contrasts with the vivo V17 Neo’s MediaTek Helio P65, utilizing two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. The 10nm process of the Exynos 9611 is significantly more efficient than the 12nm process of the Helio P65, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. The A73 cores in the A50s also offer a performance uplift over the A75 cores in the V17 Neo, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the A50s.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely hover around the 4000-5000 mAh range. The vivo V17 Neo’s 18W wired charging is faster than the Samsung Galaxy A50s’ 15W charging. However, the Exynos 9611’s superior efficiency means the A50s will likely consume less power during typical usage, potentially offsetting the slower charging speed and resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The more efficient processor also means less heat generation, which can degrade battery health over time.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V17 Neo if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are primarily focused on casual smartphone use like social media and light browsing. Its 18W charging is a plus for quick top-ups. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A50s if you value smoother multitasking, better gaming performance, and a more efficient processor that will hold up better over time. The A50s is the better option for users who push their phones harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy A50s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is generally well-behaved in terms of thermal management, thanks to its 10nm fabrication process. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive gaming, it's less prone to significant throttling compared to the Helio P65 in the V17 Neo, allowing for more consistent frame rates over longer periods.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo V17 Neo significantly faster in real-world use?
While 18W is faster than 15W on paper, the difference in 0-100% charge times will likely be minimal – perhaps 15-20 minutes. The Exynos 9611’s efficiency means the A50s consumes less power, reducing the overall time needed to replenish the battery.
❓ Will I notice a difference in app loading times between these two phones?
Yes, you will. The Exynos 9611’s more powerful CPU and efficient architecture result in noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Helio P65. This is particularly evident with larger, more complex applications.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras typically lack the detail and clarity to produce truly impressive macro shots. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful addition to the camera system.
