The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo V25 and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer compelling features and attractive designs, but which one truly comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, from display quality to camera performance, to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V25 edges out the Galaxy A53 5G thanks to its significantly faster charging, brighter display, and slightly better endurance rating. However, the A53 5G boasts Samsung's reliable software and a more established brand reputation. Ultimately, the V25 offers better value for money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 17 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 21 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 74.2 x 7.8 mm (6.27 x 2.92 x 0.31 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Color changing back panel color | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G68 MC4 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 61% in 30 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Elegant Black, Sunrise Gold, Surfing Blue | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | V2202 | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 350 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 120h
|
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.3 LUFS (Average)
|
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 461428 (v9)
GeekBench: 2023 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V25
- Faster Charging (44W)
- Brighter Display (781 nits)
- Longer Endurance Rating (120h)
- Stylish Design
- Vibrant Color Reproduction
- Less Established Brand
- Potentially Less Software Support than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Samsung's One UI
- Reliable Software Updates
- Established Brand Reputation
- AMOLED Display (deeper blacks)
- Slightly Larger Battery Capacity (5000mAh)
- Slower Charging (25W)
- Lower Endurance Rating (113h)
- Less Vibrant Colors (more natural)
Display Comparison
The vivo V25 takes the lead in display brightness, boasting a measured 781 nits compared to the Galaxy A53 5G's 830 nits. While the A53 5G has a slightly higher peak brightness, the V25's color accuracy and vibrancy are noteworthy. Both feature 'Infinite' contrast ratios, a nominal term indicating excellent contrast. The A53 5G's AMOLED panel offers deeper blacks, but the V25's OLED display is still excellent.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is subjective. The vivo V25 is expected to offer vibrant and saturated colors, while the Galaxy A53 5G typically delivers more natural-looking images. Both phones feature versatile camera systems with multiple lenses, including main, ultrawide, and macro lenses. Low-light performance is generally good on both, but the A53 5G's larger sensor might provide a slight advantage. Video recording capabilities are similar, with both supporting 4K resolution.
Performance
Both phones utilize an Octa-core CPU with the same core configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55). However, the chipset differs: the vivo V25 uses a Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm), while the Galaxy A53 5G employs an Exynos 1280 (5nm). The Exynos 1280's 5nm process generally translates to slightly better efficiency and potentially smoother performance in demanding tasks, but real-world differences are often minimal. Gaming performance is comparable on both devices.
Battery Life
The vivo V25 shines in this category with an impressive endurance rating of 120 hours, surpassing the Galaxy A53 5G's 113 hours. However, the A53 5G's larger battery capacity (5000mAh vs V25's 4500mAh) contributes to its respectable endurance. The V25's 44W wired charging is a significant advantage, charging to 61% in just 30 minutes, while the A53 5G is limited to 25W charging.
Buying Guide
The vivo V25 is ideal for users prioritizing fast charging, a vibrant display, and a stylish design. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is a better choice for those who value Samsung's One UI, long-term software support, and a more recognizable brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G generally receives longer and more consistent software updates due to Samsung's commitment to its mid-range devices.
❓ Is the vivo V25 worth buying if I prefer natural-looking photos?
While the vivo V25 tends to produce more vibrant colors, it still captures good photos. If you strongly prefer natural colors, the Galaxy A53 5G might be a better fit.
