The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Y16 and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04s edges out the vivo Y16 thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly faster charging, and generally better display. While the Y16 is a decent option, the A04s provides a more polished and future-proof experience for a similar price.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| 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) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 195 g (6.88 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 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| 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, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@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 (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Drizzling Gold, Stellar Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | V2204, V2214 | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y16
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sleek design (subjective)
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Limited storage options
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- More powerful chipset
- Faster charging
- Better display brightness
- More versatile camera
- Samsung's software support
- Design may be less appealing to some
- Plastic build quality
- Can still experience lag with very demanding tasks
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a slightly brighter display (389 nits vs. likely around 350-360 nits for the Y16, based on typical vivo specs) and a similar contrast ratio (1614:1). While both offer decent viewing, the A04s's brightness advantage makes it more comfortable to use outdoors. Both likely use a standard 6.5-inch LCD panel.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the Galaxy A04s generally has a more capable camera system. It likely features a higher resolution main sensor and potentially better image processing. The Y16's camera is adequate for basic snapshots, but the A04s will produce more detailed and vibrant images.
Performance
The Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04s is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Mediatek Helio P35 in the vivo Y16. The 8nm process allows for better power management and smoother multitasking. Expect noticeable lag on the Y16 when handling demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the Galaxy A04s claiming an endurance rating of 114 hours. The vivo Y16 also provides excellent battery life, likely in the 90-100 hour range. However, the A04s's 15W charging is slightly faster than the Y16's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y16 is a good choice for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for those wanting a slightly better performance, a more vibrant display, and a more versatile camera system, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A04s has a significantly better chipset (Exynos 850) compared to the vivo Y16's Helio P35, resulting in smoother performance and better multitasking.
❓ Is the vivo Y16 worth buying?
The vivo Y16 is a decent option if you're on a very tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers better value overall.
