The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Y16 and the Samsung Galaxy A04. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset, meaning performance is largely similar. The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the vivo Y16 due to Samsung's typically better software support and slightly more refined design, despite the vivo having faster charging. Ultimately, it's a close call.
| 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, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splashproof | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS 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 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | V2204, V2214 | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y16
- Faster 10W Charging
- Potentially Brighter Display
- Sleek Design (subjective)
- Slower Software Updates
- Less Versatile Camera
- Lower Brand Recognition
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Samsung's Brand Reputation
- Longer Software Support
- Potentially Better Camera Image Processing
- More Refined Design (subjective)
- Slower Charging Speed
- Basic Performance
- HD+ Display Quality
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While both are adequate for everyday use, Samsung often has slightly better display calibration and color accuracy. The vivo Y16 *might* have a slightly brighter panel, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04 likely has a slightly more versatile camera system, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and a depth sensor. The vivo Y16's camera performance will be adequate, but likely not as impressive. Image processing is where Samsung often has an advantage.
Performance
With the identical Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, expect similar performance. Neither phone is a powerhouse, and demanding games will require low settings. Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic apps will run smoothly on both.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the vivo Y16 has a distinct advantage with 10W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A04 likely charges at a slower rate (typically 5W-7.5W). This means the vivo Y16 will recharge faster.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y16 is a good choice for those prioritizing slightly faster charging speeds and potentially a more vibrant display (depending on panel specifics). The Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for users who value Samsung's brand reputation, longer software support, and a generally more polished user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is likely to receive longer and more frequent software updates compared to the vivo Y16.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. You'll need to lower the graphics settings for smooth gameplay.
