The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y15a and Infinix Note 11 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y15a prioritizes simplicity, while the Note 11 attempts to offer more performance and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and faster charging, the Infinix Note 11 is the clear winner. Its Helio G88 chipset and 33W charging significantly outperform the vivo Y15a’s Helio P35 and 10W charging, making it a more future-proof and convenient daily driver.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, November 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2021, December 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED, 650 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769H Helio G88 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, XOS 10 |
| 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 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lenses |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with dual speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Celestial Snow, Glacier Green, Graphite Black |
| Models | V2134 | X663, X663B |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
vivo Y15a
- Potentially longer battery life due to optimized power efficiency.
- Simpler user experience, ideal for first-time smartphone users.
- Reliable for basic communication and light tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Note 11.
- Extremely slow 10W charging.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Infinix Note 11
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Helio G88.
- 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking.
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than the Y15a.
- May experience more heat during intensive tasks.
- Potentially more complex software features.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on internal performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, given the cost constraints. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar in real-world usage, given the focus on cost reduction. Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G88 of the Note 11 likely offers better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in slightly improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be a challenge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Note 11’s Mediatek Helio G88 (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y15a’s Helio P35 (12nm). The G88 features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the P35’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to noticeably faster app launch times and smoother multitasking on the Note 11. The A75 cores provide a significant performance boost in single-threaded tasks, while the A55 cores improve efficiency. While both use the same 12nm process, the architectural improvements of the G88 outweigh the clock speed difference, making it the superior choice for users who demand more from their phone. Gaming performance will also be significantly better on the Note 11, capable of handling less demanding titles with acceptable frame rates.
Battery Life
The vivo Y15a’s battery capacity is not specified, but it likely prioritizes longevity. However, the Infinix Note 11’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer. The Y15a’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring significantly longer to reach a full charge. While the Note 11’s battery capacity may be slightly smaller, the faster charging speed mitigates this, offering a more convenient user experience. A full charge on the Note 11 will take considerably less time, reducing downtime and ensuring you’re ready to go when you need it.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y15a if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and battery longevity is paramount. You’ll appreciate its simplicity and potentially longer standby time. Buy the Infinix Note 11 if you prefer a more responsive experience for multitasking, occasional gaming, and value the convenience of significantly faster charging – even if it means slightly reduced battery life compared to the Y15a.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Note 11 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G88 chipset in the Infinix Note 11 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram smoothly. The improved CPU architecture provides a noticeable performance boost over the vivo Y15a, ensuring a responsive experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to charge the Infinix Note 11 from 0% to 100%?
With 33W fast charging, the Infinix Note 11 can typically charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on usage during charging. This is a significant improvement over the vivo Y15a’s 10W charging, which could take over 3 hours for a full charge.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio G88 and Helio P35 noticeable for casual users?
Yes, even for casual users, the difference is noticeable. App launch times will be faster on the Note 11, and multitasking will be smoother. While the Y15a can handle basic tasks, the Note 11 provides a more fluid and responsive experience overall.
