Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y15a and Y91 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y91 generally edges out the Y15a thanks to its slightly more responsive performance and potentially better software support. However, the Y15a's reverse charging capability is a unique selling point. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities and budget.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat5 150/75 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2018, November. Released 2018, November |
| 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) | 155.1 x 75.1 x 8.3 mm (6.11 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 163.5 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.9% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 | 4030 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Starry Black, Ocean Blue |
| Models | V2134 | 1816, 1817, 1820, 1811, PD1818BF_EX |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y15a
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly newer chipset (Helio P35)
- Decent battery life
- Lower performance compared to Y91
- Potentially shorter software support
- HD+ display resolution
vivo Y91
- Better overall performance (Snapdragon 439)
- Potentially longer software support
- Good battery life
- No reverse charging
- HD+ display resolution
- Can feel slightly dated
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.3-inch HD+ (720 x 1544 pixels) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y91 might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to potentially better panel calibration. However, the difference is likely to be subtle.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y15a typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Y91 often has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor as well. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y91 might have a slight edge in low-light performance due to potentially better image processing algorithms. Both phones offer a front-facing camera around 5MP for selfies.
Performance
The vivo Y91, powered by the Snapdragon 439, generally performs better than the Y15a's Helio P35. The Snapdragon chipset often exhibits better efficiency and responsiveness in everyday tasks and light gaming. The Y15a's chipset is adequate for basic usage but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Y91's more efficient Snapdragon chipset could translate to slightly better real-world battery performance. The Y15a's unique selling point is its 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y15a is ideal for users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly newer chipset, even if the performance difference is minimal. The vivo Y91 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother overall experience and potentially longer software updates, especially if price is a significant factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y91 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 439 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Y91 will handle lighter games more smoothly.
❓ Does the vivo Y15a get software updates regularly?
Software update support for both phones is limited. However, the vivo Y91, being slightly newer, might receive updates for a marginally longer period.
