The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A55s and vivo Y21a represent two distinct approaches to affordability. The A55s leverages the power of Mediatek's Dimensity 700 5G chipset, while the Y21a aims for efficiency with the Helio P22 (or P35 in Egypt). This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A55s is the superior choice. Its Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the vivo Y21a’s Helio P22/P35, offering a smoother experience for multitasking and gaming. While the Y21a’s reverse charging is a niche benefit, it doesn’t outweigh the A55s’ processing power.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA 800 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2022, April 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2022, April 18 |
| 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 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 |
|---|
| 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 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Black, Blue, Gold |
| Models | - | CPH2309 |
| Price | - | About 160 EUR |
vivo Y21a
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life
- More advanced ISP for potentially better image processing
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Lacks reverse charging capability
- Display details are unknown
Oppo A55s
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset
- 18W fast charging
- Lower price point (likely)
- Significantly slower processor (Helio P22/P35)
- Limited performance for demanding apps and games
- No 5G connectivity
- Older CPU architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Details regarding resolution and refresh rate are missing, but the core difference lies within. The A55s benefits from the processing power to potentially handle more complex display features, though this is speculative without further information. The Y21a's display is likely optimized for power efficiency, complementing its Helio chipset.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar in real-world usage, given the focus on affordability. Both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with depth or macro sensors. The A55s’ image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 700, is more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction. However, without knowing the megapixel count and sensor size of the primary cameras, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Oppo A55s’ Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y21a’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) or P35 (12nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes Cortex-A76 performance cores alongside A55 efficiency cores, offering a noticeable improvement in CPU and GPU performance. The Y21a’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are significantly older architecture. The 7nm process node of the Dimensity 700 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads. The Egypt variant of the Y21a with the Helio P35 offers a slight CPU clock speed boost (2.35GHz vs 2.0GHz), but it doesn't close the gap with the Dimensity 700’s architectural advantages.
Battery Life
The vivo Y21a’s battery capacity is not specified, but it likely prioritizes longevity. The 18W charging is a plus, but the Oppo A55s’ 10W charging is a drawback. However, the Dimensity 700’s superior efficiency may offset the charging speed difference in daily use. The Y21a’s 2.5W reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, but its utility is limited by the slow charging speed. The A55s lacks this feature.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21a if you prioritize a slightly longer-lasting battery and occasionally need to top up other devices via reverse wired charging. It’s a good fit for users with very basic smartphone needs – calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Oppo A55s if you want a more responsive and future-proof device capable of handling demanding apps, 5G connectivity, and a better overall user experience. It’s ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who wants a phone that won’t feel sluggish after a few months of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A55s struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Dimensity 700 isn't a flagship chipset, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it's a significantly better gaming experience than the vivo Y21a.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the vivo Y21a actually useful?
The 2.5W reverse charging is very slow. It's best suited for emergency top-ups of accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, rather than fully charging another phone. It's a niche feature, but can be convenient in specific situations.
❓ Which phone is better for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The Oppo A55s will provide a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. The Dimensity 700’s processing power ensures apps launch quickly and multitasking is seamless, unlike the Y21a which may exhibit lag with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Oppo A55s support 5G networks?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset integrated into the Oppo A55s includes an integrated 5G modem, allowing you to connect to 5G networks where available. The vivo Y21a does not support 5G.
