The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y18e and the itel A70 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they diverge significantly in their core processing power, with the vivo leveraging a MediaTek Helio G85 while the itel opts for a Unisoc T603. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing consistent performance in everyday tasks and occasional gaming, the vivo Y18e is the better choice. Its Helio G85 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the Unisoc T603 in the itel A70. While the itel A70 is more affordable, the performance trade-off is substantial.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 29 | 2023, October 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, November |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 8.6 mm thickness |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 528 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Unisoc T603 |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | - |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Brilliant Gold, Stylish Black, Field Green, Azure Blue |
| Models | V2350 | A665L |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
vivo Y18e
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Likely slightly higher price
- May not have significant camera improvements
itel A70
- More affordable price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life (though slow to charge)
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on resolution or refresh rate, but on the underlying processing power needed to drive the UI smoothly. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Helio G85’s stronger GPU will contribute to a more responsive user interface and smoother scrolling, even if the panels themselves are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G85 is likely more capable than the one in the Unisoc T603, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. The difference won't be dramatic, but the vivo Y18e should produce slightly more refined images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Expect both to struggle with low-light photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y18e’s MediaTek Helio G85, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), offers a significant performance advantage over the Unisoc T603 in the itel A70. The Cortex-A75 cores in the Helio G85 are considerably more powerful than the cores found in the T603, resulting in faster app launch times and improved multitasking. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G85 is also more mature, potentially leading to better thermal management under sustained load. The Unisoc T603, while an octa-core unit, lacks the architectural sophistication of the Helio G85, resulting in a less fluid experience.
Battery Life
The vivo Y18e supports 15W wired charging, while the itel A70 is limited to 10W. This difference in charging speed is significant. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the 15W charging on the vivo Y18e will result in noticeably faster top-ups. A full charge on the itel A70 will take considerably longer, potentially exceeding 3 hours, while the vivo Y18e should be closer to 2 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18e if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who want a smoother experience and are willing to spend a little more. Buy the itel A70 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize affordability above all else. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A70 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the itel A70 can run WhatsApp and Facebook, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. The Unisoc T603 is a basic processor and isn't optimized for demanding applications. Expect a slower, less responsive experience compared to the vivo Y18e.
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the vivo Y18e capable of playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G85 can handle PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve playable frame rates. Don't expect a high-end gaming experience, but it's capable of providing a reasonably enjoyable experience for casual gamers. The itel A70 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With its 15W charging, the vivo Y18e should fully charge in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The itel A70, with its 10W charging, will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 3.5-4 hours, to reach 100%.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging standards like Power Delivery or Quick Charge?
Neither phone is expected to support advanced fast charging standards like Power Delivery or Quick Charge. They both utilize standard USB charging protocols. The difference lies in the wattage – 15W for the vivo Y18e and 10W for the itel A70.
