Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers a decent experience? The vivo Y15a and Y17 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 Y17 edges out the Y15a primarily due to its significantly faster 18W charging. Both phones share the same processor and RAM, but the Y17's quicker charging makes it a more practical choice for everyday use, especially if you value speed.
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| 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 + 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (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, 128GB 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 | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm - Global
16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm - China |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Mineral Blue, Mystic Purple, Peach Pink, Peacock Blue |
| Models | V2134 | 1902, V1901A, V1901, 1901, 1902_19 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y15a
- Affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent display
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera performance
- HD+ resolution
vivo Y17
- Faster 18W charging
- Slightly more versatile camera (macro lens)
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Still a budget phone
- HD+ resolution
- Performance is not exceptional
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y15a and Y17 typically feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is standard for this price range, expect decent color reproduction and viewing angles. There's little to differentiate them here; both offer a similar visual experience.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y15a usually features a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor, while the Y17 often includes a 13MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a front-facing 8MP camera. The Y17's additional macro lens provides slightly more versatility. Image quality on both is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and typically 4GB or 6GB of RAM, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they should handle everyday usage without major hiccups. The shared chipset means performance will be very similar.
Battery Life
The vivo Y15a typically has a 5000mAh battery, while the Y17 also boasts a 5000mAh battery. However, the Y17's 18W fast charging is a significant advantage over the Y15a's 10W charging. This means the Y17 will charge considerably faster.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y15a is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't mind slower charging. The vivo Y17 is ideal for those who want a slightly better overall experience, particularly faster charging, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y15a good for gaming?
The vivo Y15a can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. It's best suited for casual gaming.
❓ What is the difference in charging speed between the Y15a and Y17?
The vivo Y17 charges significantly faster with its 18W fast charging, compared to the Y15a's 10W charging. This can save you a considerable amount of time.
