Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y15a and Y33s are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y33s is the clear winner. While the Y15a is a decent budget option, the Y33s boasts a significantly faster processor, better camera capabilities, and faster charging, making it a more compelling choice for most users.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2021, August 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| 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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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 | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Mirror Black, Midday Dream |
| Models | V2134 | V2109 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 210 EUR |
vivo Y15a
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Reverse charging capability
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
vivo Y33s
- Faster performance (Helio G80)
- Better camera quality
- Faster charging (18W)
- Sleek design
- Slightly higher price than Y15a
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Y33s might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially improved panel technology, but the difference is likely minimal. Expect similar viewing experiences for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Y33s generally has a more capable camera system. While both likely feature a primary 13MP front camera, the Y33s typically has a higher resolution main rear camera (often 50MP) and additional macro/depth sensors. Expect better image quality, especially in low light, and more versatile shooting options with the Y33s.
Performance
This is where the Y33s shines. The Helio G80 chipset in the Y33s is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35 in the Y15a. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y33s. The Y15a will handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Y33s's faster 18W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Y15a's 10W charging. The Y15a will take considerably longer to fully charge.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y15a? Those on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. Who should buy the vivo Y33s? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better camera performance, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y15a good for gaming?
The vivo Y15a is adequate for very light gaming, but it will struggle with more demanding titles. The Y33s is a much better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor.
❓ Does the vivo Y33s support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y15a nor the vivo Y33s support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
