The vivo Y19 (2019) and Samsung Galaxy A50s represent a fascinating snapshot of the mid-range smartphone market from 2019. While both aimed for affordability, they took different approaches to performance and features. Today, as these devices find new life in the used market, understanding their core differences is crucial for budget-conscious buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and a more refined software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A50s is the better choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, offers a noticeable CPU performance advantage over the vivo Y19’s Helio P65, despite the slightly lower charging wattage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2019, November 01. Released 2019, November | 2019, August 22. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 74.5 x 7.7 mm (6.24 x 2.93 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~85.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magnetic Black, Spring White | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush Violet2 |
| Models | 1915 | SM-A507F, SM-A507FN, SM-A5070 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 0.72 W/kg (head) 0.31 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 154761 (v7)
GeekBench: 5295 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 9.2fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y19 (2019)
- More affordable price point (likely)
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging
- Helio P65 is adequate for basic tasks
- Less powerful processor than the A50s
- 12nm process leads to lower efficiency
- Likely inferior image processing
Samsung Galaxy A50s
- More powerful Exynos 9611 processor
- 10nm process for better efficiency
- Superior image processing capabilities
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Potentially higher price (even used)
- May experience some throttling under heavy load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, common for this price bracket in 2019. However, detailed display specs like resolution and peak brightness are unavailable. The A50s benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The lack of high refresh rate technology on either device is typical for the era, but impacts smoothness compared to modern phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information beyond the presence of a macro lens on both, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the A50s likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which are generally more sophisticated. The Exynos 9611’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is likely more capable than the Helio P65’s, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely of limited utility, offering minimal detail and serving primarily as a marketing feature.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A50s holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its Exynos 9611, fabricated on a 10nm process, features four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, compared to the vivo Y19’s Helio P65 with two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A73 architecture in the A50s is more efficient and delivers superior single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 10nm process of the Exynos also contributes to better thermal management, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The Helio P65’s 12nm process is less efficient, meaning it will generate more heat under load.
Battery Life
The battery capacity of both devices is unknown. However, the Samsung Galaxy A50s supports 15W wired charging, while the vivo Y19 offers 18W. While the Y19 has a higher wattage, the Exynos 9611’s greater power efficiency could offset this difference, resulting in comparable real-world charging times. The Y19’s inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, a benefit the A50s lacks.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y19 (2019) if you need a very affordable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value the inclusion of reverse wired charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A50s if you prefer a more powerful processor for smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and a generally more responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy A50s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 is more powerful than the Helio P65, it's not a flagship-level chip. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming, but the 10nm process helps mitigate overheating compared to the Y19's 12nm Helio P65. Performance will likely dip slightly after 30-45 minutes of demanding games.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the vivo Y19 and Samsung Galaxy A50s are largely marketing gimmicks. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images with limited detail and often poor clarity. They are best avoided in favor of the main camera.
❓ Can the vivo Y19 charge my wireless earbuds using its reverse charging feature?
The vivo Y19's 5W reverse wired charging can charge devices that support wired charging, including some wireless earbud cases. However, the charging speed will be very slow, and it's primarily useful for emergency top-ups rather than a full charge.
