The sub-€100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y15 and Samsung Galaxy M30s represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the Y15 focuses on a newer, albeit less powerful, chipset, while the M30s leverages an older but more capable processor and a brighter display. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M30s is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Helio P22 in the vivo Y15, and the significantly brighter 642 nit display enhances usability in outdoor conditions. While the Y15 is cheaper, the M30s offers a more refined and capable experience.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May 28. Released 2019, May | 2019, September 18. Released 2019, October 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Burgundy Red | Opal Black, Sapphire Blue, Pearl White |
| Models | - | SM-M307F, SM-M307FN, SM-M307F/DS, SM-M307FN/DS, SM-M3070 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | € 72.66 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -93.2dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 130h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 152075 (v7), 180321 (v8)
GeekBench: 5566 (v4.4), 1288 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y15
- Lowest possible price point
- Relatively modern chipset (Helio P22)
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Significantly weaker performance than the M30s
- Likely lower display quality
- Limited camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy M30s
- More powerful Exynos 9611 processor
- Brighter and more usable display (642 nits)
- Faster 15W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Older chipset architecture
- May exhibit some throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy M30s boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 642 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the vivo Y15. This difference is crucial for outdoor visibility. While both displays are likely LCD panels given the price point, the M30s’ higher brightness translates to a far more usable experience in direct sunlight. Contrast ratio is listed as 'Infinite' for the M30s, a marketing term for LCDs, but it suggests a decent level of black reproduction. The Y15’s display specifications are minimal, suggesting a more basic panel.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Samsung’s generally stronger image processing algorithms, the M30s is likely to produce more consistently pleasing photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Y15 is unlikely to provide significant value, as image quality will be limited by the small sensor and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M30s utilizes the Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, featuring a heterogeneous core configuration with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture provides a substantial performance boost over the vivo Y15’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm), which relies solely on eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Exynos 9611’s A73 cores offer significantly higher single-core performance, impacting app launch speeds and responsiveness. While both phones have 4GB of RAM, the superior processing power of the M30s will result in smoother multitasking and a more fluid user experience.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y15 and Samsung Galaxy M30s achieve an endurance rating of 130 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the M30s supports 15W wired charging, which will result in faster charging times compared to the likely slower charging capabilities of the Y15. While both offer all-day battery life for moderate users, the M30s’ faster charging provides a convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y15 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M30s if you prioritize smoother performance for multitasking, enjoy media consumption, and value a brighter, more visible display, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy M30s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship processor, it's generally well-behaved in terms of thermal management. Expect some throttling after extended gaming, but it shouldn't reach uncomfortable temperatures or cause significant performance drops for moderate gaming sessions. The 10nm process helps with efficiency.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the vivo Y15 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera on the Y15 is unlikely to deliver impressive results. The small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization mean images will likely be soft, noisy, and lack detail. It's primarily a marketing feature and shouldn't be a deciding factor in your purchase.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M30s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Exynos 9611 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to medium graphics settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect around 30-40 FPS, which is playable but not ideal for competitive gaming. The Helio P22 in the Y15 will struggle with PUBG Mobile even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy M30s with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, the Samsung Galaxy M30s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This is significantly faster than the likely charging time for the vivo Y15, which likely uses a slower charger.
