The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G and vivo Y15a represent two distinct approaches: the Redmi 10 5G brings 5G connectivity and a modern chipset to the table, while the Y15a focuses on providing a functional experience at the lowest possible price. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the vivo Y15a’s Helio P35, and the inclusion of 5G future-proofs the device. While the Y15a is cheaper, the Redmi 10 5G’s benefits justify the price difference.
| 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, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 x 76.1 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| 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 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Graphite Gray, Chrome Silver, Aurora Green |
| Models | V2134 | 22041219G, 22041219NY |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y15a
- Significantly faster performance with the Dimensity 700 chipset
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Faster 18W wired charging
- More efficient 7nm process
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May have a less refined software experience (depending on MIUI version)
Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G
- Lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slow Helio P35 processor
- No 5G connectivity
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the focus here is on performance, not pixel density. The Redmi 10 5G’s display benefits from the more powerful chipset’s ability to drive it smoothly, while the Y15a’s Helio P35 may struggle with complex animations. Details like peak brightness and color accuracy are likely similar, given the market segment, but the Redmi 10 5G’s processing power will contribute to a more fluid visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature modest camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the Redmi 10 5G’s more powerful image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 700, will likely deliver better image processing, resulting in improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The Y15a’s Helio P35 ISP will be less capable in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 5G modem in the Redmi 10 5G suggests a more modern overall design, potentially extending to the camera module.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y15a’s 12nm Mediatek Helio P35. The Dimensity 700 features a more modern CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the Y15a’s Cortex-A53 – resulting in significantly faster single-core and multi-core performance. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Redmi 10 5G also benefits from 5G connectivity, enabling much faster data speeds where available. The Helio P35 in the Y15a is adequate for basic tasks, but will show its limitations with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
The Redmi 10 5G’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Y15a’s 10W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet. The Dimensity 700’s 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. The Y15a’s 10W charging will require a longer charging duration to reach full capacity, making the Redmi 10 5G more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y15a if you absolutely need the most affordable smartphone possible for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10 5G if you want a smoother, more responsive experience, faster download speeds with 5G, and a device that will handle more demanding apps and occasional gaming without significant lag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10 5G’s 5G connectivity actually make a difference in my daily use?
The benefit of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with strong 5G signals, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds, making streaming, gaming, and large file transfers much quicker. Even without 5G, the Dimensity 700 supports advanced 4G features for improved connectivity.
❓ Is the Helio P35 in the vivo Y15a powerful enough for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While PUBG Mobile may *run* on the Y15a, the experience will likely be far from ideal. Expect low frame rates, significant lag, and graphical settings limited to the lowest possible options. The Helio P35 simply lacks the processing power to deliver a smooth gaming experience.
❓ Does the Redmi 10 5G support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. While the Dimensity 700 chipset is capable of supporting VoWiFi, you'll need to check with your mobile carrier to confirm if they offer this service on the Redmi 10 5G.
