The vivo Y21 and Motorola Moto G31 represent a common battleground in the smartphone market: delivering essential features at an accessible price point. Both rely on Mediatek’s Helio series, but employ different chips – the Helio P35 in the Y21 and the Helio G85 in the G31. This comparison dissects the architectural differences and real-world implications of these chipsets, helping you determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G31 offers a more compelling experience. The Helio G85’s more modern CPU architecture provides a noticeable performance boost over the Helio P35 in the vivo Y21, making it better suited for multitasking and moderately demanding apps. While the Y21 has slightly faster charging, the G31’s overall performance advantage is more impactful.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 20 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.37 x 2.91 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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 |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Mineral Grey, Baby Blue |
| Models | V2111 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially longer standby time due to the P35's focus on efficiency
- Lower price point (likely)
- Significantly weaker CPU performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Inferior gaming performance
Motorola Moto G31
- More powerful Helio G85 chipset
- Smoother multitasking and app launches
- Better gaming performance
- More advanced ISP for improved image processing
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on panel technology, but on the processing power needed to drive the display. The G85’s more capable GPU will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar (data not provided).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the processing capabilities of the Helio G85 in the Moto G31 will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The G85’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, allowing for more effective noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. While both phones likely feature similar sensor resolutions in their main cameras, the G31’s chipset provides the computational horsepower to extract more detail and clarity from those sensors.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21’s Mediatek Helio P35 uses a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and 1.8 GHz. This older architecture prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. The Motorola Moto G31’s Helio G85, however, features two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores represent a significant architectural leap, offering substantially improved single-core performance – crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. This translates to a snappier experience on the G31, particularly when switching between applications. The G85 also has a more capable GPU, improving gaming performance.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the Helio G85 is generally more power-efficient under load. The vivo Y21 compensates with 18W wired charging, compared to the Moto G31’s 10W. This means the Y21 will likely charge from 0-100% faster, potentially offering a convenience advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. However, the G31’s more efficient chipset may offset the slower charging speed with longer overall battery life during typical use.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21 if your primary needs are basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, light social media – and you prioritize a slightly faster charging experience. It’s a suitable choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G31 if you want a phone that can handle more demanding tasks, such as gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously, and you value a smoother, more responsive user experience. The G31 is the better option for users who anticipate using their phone for more than just basic communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G31 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Helio G85 isn't a flagship gaming chip, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it's a playable experience. The Helio P35 in the vivo Y21 would likely struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 18W and 10W really noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. 18W charging will significantly reduce the time it takes to fully charge the vivo Y21. While 10W isn't *slow*, it requires a longer charging period, which can be inconvenient if you need a quick top-up before leaving the house. The Y21 can gain a substantial percentage of battery in the time it takes the G31 to charge a smaller amount.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and web browsing?
The Motorola Moto G31 is still the better choice, even for basic usage. The smoother performance of the Helio G85 will make scrolling through social media feeds and browsing the web a more fluid and enjoyable experience. The Y21 will function adequately, but the G31 offers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness.
