The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the vivo Y21a and the Oppo A53. Both promise decent features at an affordable price, but which one truly delivers? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo A53 edges out the vivo Y21a thanks to its slightly more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset and generally better performance. While both offer solid battery life, the Oppo's processor provides a smoother user experience, making it the preferable choice for most users.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2020, August 20. Released 2020, August 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Discontinued |
| 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) | 163.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Fairy White, Electric Black, Fancy Blue |
| Models | - | CPH2127, CPH2131 |
| Price | - | £ 158.16 / € 169.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.77 W/kg (head) 0.97 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21a
- Reverse wired charging
- Compact design
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower performance
- Less versatile camera
- Basic display
Oppo A53
- Better performance (Snapdragon 460)
- More versatile camera system
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- Good value for money
- No reverse charging
- Larger notch
- Basic display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. The Oppo A53 has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio due to its smaller notch. Viewing angles and color accuracy are comparable, making this a draw. Expect decent, but not exceptional, visuals.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A53 typically features a quad-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro + 2MP monochrome), while the vivo Y21a usually has a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Oppo A53's additional lenses offer more versatility. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Performance
Here's where the Oppo A53 takes a lead. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) generally outperforms the Mediatek Helio P22/P35 (12nm) found in the vivo Y21a. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and slightly better gaming performance on the Oppo A53. The Y21a can feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Oppo A53 might offer slightly better real-world battery performance due to its more efficient chipset. Both lack fast charging beyond 18W, but the vivo Y21a includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21a is a good option for users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly more compact design. The Oppo A53 is ideal for those seeking better overall performance and a more responsive experience, especially for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Oppo A53 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Oppo A53 will handle games more smoothly.
❓ Does the vivo Y21a support reverse charging?
Yes, the vivo Y21a supports 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices using the phone's battery.
