Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers a decent experience? The vivo Y15a and Y15 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y15a boasts a slightly more powerful chipset and reverse charging, while the Y15 offers a more modern design and a competitive price. Ultimately, the Y15a provides a marginal performance edge, but the Y15 remains a strong contender, especially considering its cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2019, May 28. Released 2019, May |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Aqua Blue, Burgundy Red |
| Models | V2134 | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | € 72.66 |
vivo Y15a
- Slightly more powerful chipset
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging speed
- Basic camera features
- HD+ display
vivo Y15
- Competitive price
- Stylish design
- Decent battery life
- Multiple rear cameras
- Less powerful chipset
- Slow charging speed
- HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y15 might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially more modern panel technology. Viewing angles and brightness are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y15a typically features a 13MP main camera with depth sensor, while the Y15 often includes a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is expected to be similar, with decent performance in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance will likely be average on both.
Performance
The vivo Y15a's Mediatek Helio P35 chipset offers a slight performance advantage over the Y15's Helio P22. This translates to smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. However, both phones are best suited for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Y15a has a slight advantage with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices in a pinch. Charging speeds are both slow at 10W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y15a? Users prioritizing a bit more processing power and the convenience of reverse charging. Who should buy the vivo Y15? Budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish and reliable phone with a good balance of features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y15a worth the extra cost?
If you need a bit more processing power for multitasking or occasional gaming, the Y15a's slightly better chipset might justify the price difference. Otherwise, the Y15 offers excellent value.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The Y15a's reverse charging is a bonus, but doesn't impact overall battery performance.