The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y03 and the Infinix Smart 8 Plus aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take slightly different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Smart 8 Plus offers a slightly better value proposition. Its 18W charging with reverse wired capability and marginally faster CPU clock speeds provide a more convenient and responsive experience, despite the Helio G36 being a step down in raw GPU power compared to the Y03's Helio G85.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 13 | 2024, January 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 13 | Available. Released 2024, February |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 163.7 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 204 g (7.20 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13 (Go edition), XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black |
| Models | V2332 | X6526 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 100 EUR |
vivo Y03
- More powerful GPU (Helio G85)
- Stronger single-core performance due to Cortex-A75 cores
- Potentially better sustained gaming performance
- Slower charging speed (15W)
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Infinix Smart 8 Plus
- Faster charging (18W)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Higher CPU clock speeds (A53 cores)
- Less powerful GPU (Helio G36)
- Weaker single-core performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and around 400-500 nits respectively. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. Both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and softness in low light. The focus should be on capturing memories, not professional-grade photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y03 features the Mediatek Helio G85, built on a 12nm process, with an octa-core configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus uses the Helio G36, also 12nm, but with a different core arrangement: 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53. While the G36 has higher clocked A53 cores, the G85’s inclusion of the more powerful Cortex-A75 cores provides a significant advantage in single-core performance and overall responsiveness. However, the G85’s Mali-G52 MC2 GPU is more powerful than the G36’s PowerVR GE8320, making the Y03 better suited for gaming. The lack of LPDDR5x RAM specification suggests both likely use LPDDR4X, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
Both phones will offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Infinix Smart 8 Plus has a charging advantage with its 18W wired charging, compared to the vivo Y03’s 15W. This translates to faster top-ups, reducing downtime. The inclusion of reverse wired charging on the Smart 8 Plus is a significant convenience feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. While battery capacity isn't specified, the faster charging speed of the Infinix is a clear benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y03 if you prioritize sustained gaming performance and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. The Helio G85's more capable GPU will provide a smoother experience in graphically demanding titles. Buy the Infinix Smart 8 Plus if you value convenience, faster charging, and the added functionality of reverse wired charging, making it ideal for users who frequently share power with friends or accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 8 Plus be able to handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G36 can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The G36's PowerVR GE8320 GPU is less powerful than the G85's Mali-G52 MC2, so don't expect high frame rates at maximum settings. The vivo Y03 will offer a better gaming experience overall.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the vivo Y03 with the 15W charger?
Given the likely battery capacity (estimated around 5000mAh), a full charge with the 15W charger will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This is significantly slower than the Infinix Smart 8 Plus's 18W charging.
❓ What is the benefit of reverse wired charging on the Infinix Smart 8 Plus?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use the Infinix Smart 8 Plus as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or even another smartphone. This is a convenient feature for users who are often on the go and may not have access to a power outlet.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the Helio G36 and G85 noticeable in everyday tasks?
The higher clock speeds of the G36's Cortex-A53 cores will provide a slight boost in responsiveness for basic tasks like browsing and social media. However, the G85's Cortex-A75 cores offer a more significant performance advantage in more demanding applications.
