The sub-€100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y15, with its focus on affordability, clashes with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro, a device that aimed to deliver a near-flagship experience on a budget. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which phone provides the most compelling package for everyday users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and camera quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 675 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Helio P22 in the vivo Y15, making it better suited for multitasking and gaming. While the Y15 is cheaper, the performance trade-offs are substantial.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, May 28. Released 2019, May | 2019, February 28. Released 2019, March 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 612 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, (gyro-EIS) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, 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 | - | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Burgundy Red | Nebula Red, Neptune Blue, Space Black, Astro White |
| Models | - | M1901F7S |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 260 EUR |
| SAR | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | € 72.66 | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 180754 (v7), 215308 (v8)
GeekBench: 6620 (v4.4), 1624 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y15
- Significantly lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially longer standby time (depending on battery capacity)
- Substantially slower performance
- Inferior camera quality
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro
- Much faster processor (Snapdragon 675)
- Better camera performance
- Faster charging (18W QC4)
- Higher price compared to the vivo Y15
- May have slightly shorter standby time (depending on usage)
- Larger size and weight
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Details on the vivo Y15’s panel are scarce, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a standard IPS LCD. The Redmi Note 7 Pro also features an IPS LCD, but its larger 6.3-inch size and higher resolution (Full HD+) provide a sharper image. While neither supports high refresh rates, the Redmi Note 7 Pro’s superior resolution translates to a more enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
While both phones feature multiple rear cameras, the Redmi Note 7 Pro holds a clear advantage. Details on the vivo Y15’s camera sensors are limited, but it’s likely to feature lower-resolution sensors compared to the Redmi Note 7 Pro. The Redmi Note 7 Pro’s primary camera, while not specified in the provided data, was known for its 48MP sensor and capable image processing. This allows for more detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions. The Redmi Note 7 Pro’s image processing algorithms also offer better dynamic range and noise reduction. The presence of a dedicated night mode further enhances low-light photography capabilities, a feature likely absent on the vivo Y15.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 (11nm) is architecturally superior to the vivo Y15’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 675 employs a Kryo CPU architecture with performance and efficiency cores (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver), offering a substantial advantage over the Helio P22’s homogenous Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 675 also contributes to better power efficiency and thermal management, meaning sustained performance is less likely to be throttled during extended use. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Redmi Note 7 Pro.
Battery Life
The vivo Y15’s battery capacity is not provided, but given its focus on affordability, it’s likely to be in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Redmi Note 7 Pro benefits from a larger 4000 mAh battery and, crucially, 18W Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support. This faster charging capability significantly reduces charging times, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed. While the Y15 may offer comparable battery life in light usage scenarios, the Redmi Note 7 Pro’s larger battery and faster charging provide a more convenient and versatile experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y15 if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a functional device for those prioritizing cost above all else. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro if you prefer a smoother user experience, better camera capabilities, and the ability to handle more demanding applications, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the vivo Y15 struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the MediaTek Helio P22 is a relatively low-end chipset and will likely struggle to run demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty smoothly, even on low settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and potential lag. The Redmi Note 7 Pro’s Snapdragon 675 offers a much more playable experience.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro support software updates and security patches?
While Xiaomi’s update track record isn’t perfect, the Redmi Note 7 Pro received several MIUI updates during its lifespan, including security patches. However, it’s important to note that official support may be limited at this point, given the phone’s age. The vivo Y15’s update support is likely to be even more limited.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the two phones noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 675 in the Redmi Note 7 Pro provides a significantly smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. App loading times will be faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less prone to lag compared to the vivo Y15’s Helio P22.
