The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y18e and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, each prioritizing different strengths. The Y18e leans on MediaTek's Helio G85 for processing power, while the A05s opts for Qualcomm's Snapdragon 680, aiming for a balance of performance and efficiency. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 offers efficient performance, and the measured 11:32h active use score demonstrates superior endurance. While the Y18e boasts a slightly faster CPU clock speed, the A05s’ overall package is more compelling.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 29 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 528 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | V2350 | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | - | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y18e
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for the price.
- May offer a more aggressive price point.
- MediaTek Helio G85 is capable of handling moderate gaming.
- Less efficient 12nm process leads to higher power consumption.
- Likely inferior display quality compared to the A05s.
- Slower charging speed (15W).
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Superior battery life (11:32h active use).
- Brighter and higher contrast display (468 nits, 1418:1).
- Faster 25W wired charging.
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset (6nm).
- CPU clock speed slightly lower than the Y18e.
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y18e.
- Camera performance relies heavily on software optimization.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 468 nits, compared to the unstated brightness of the vivo Y18e. This translates to better visibility outdoors. Furthermore, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio indicates deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ superior measurements suggest better quality control and potentially improved viewing angles. The Y18e’s display specifications are currently unknown, making a direct comparison difficult, but the A05s clearly holds an advantage in this area.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera analysis is hampered by a lack of specific sensor information for both devices. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The focus should be on image processing capabilities, which are heavily influenced by the chipset. The Snapdragon 680’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally more advanced than that found in the Helio G85, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos and videos. Without detailed sensor specs, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the A05s has a slight edge due to its more capable chipset.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A05s’ Snapdragon 680 (6nm) and the vivo Y18e’s Helio G85 (12nm) represent different approaches to mobile processing. The Snapdragon 680, built on a smaller 6nm process, inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal management. While the Y18e’s Helio G85 features a higher peak CPU clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 2.4 GHz on the A05s’ Kryo Gold cores), the Snapdragon’s architecture – with four performance cores (Kryo 265 Gold) – is designed for sustained performance. The 6nm process also means less heat generation, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Y18e’s Cortex-A75 cores are older generation, and the 12nm process will likely result in higher power consumption for similar tasks.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery performance, achieving an impressive 11:32h active use score. While the Y18e’s battery capacity is unknown, the A05s’ score demonstrates real-world endurance. The A05s also supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Y18e’s 15W charging. This means the A05s can replenish its battery much quicker, minimizing downtime. The Snapdragon 680’s power efficiency further contributes to the A05s’ superior battery life, allowing users to go longer between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18e if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks and occasional gaming, and prioritize a potentially higher peak CPU performance for the price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you prefer a phone with longer battery life, a brighter and more visible display in sunlight, and a more refined software experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw CPU horsepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process helps prevent excessive throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming sessions. However, users should expect to make compromises on graphical fidelity for a smooth experience.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the 15W charging on the vivo Y18e and the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A05s?
The 25W charging on the A05s will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a significantly faster 0-100% charge compared to the Y18e. While exact times depend on battery capacity, the A05s will likely gain several hours of usage with just a short 30-minute charge, a convenience the Y18e can't match.
❓ Is the image processing on the Samsung Galaxy A05s likely to produce more natural-looking photos compared to the vivo Y18e?
Generally, Qualcomm's ISPs are known for producing more balanced and natural-looking images, with better dynamic range and accurate color reproduction. While both phones likely employ software enhancements, the A05s' Snapdragon 680 has a processing advantage that should translate to more pleasing results, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
