The vivo Y21G and Motorola Moto G31 represent a competitive segment of the smartphone market – the sub-$200 range. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. However, subtle differences in their core components, particularly the Mediatek Helio G70 in the Y21G and the Helio G85 in the G31, dictate their performance characteristics. This comparison will dissect these differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G31 edges out the vivo Y21G. While the difference isn't massive, the Helio G85 offers a slight performance boost, and the G31's more efficient charging, despite the lower wattage, provides a better overall user experience. The Y21G remains a viable option for those prioritizing a specific aesthetic or finding a significantly lower price.
| 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 | 2022, April 07 | 2021, November 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 07 | 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | 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 | 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, 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 | V2152 | XT2173-3 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y21G
- Potentially lower price point
- Faster wired charging (18W)
- Similar battery life to Moto G31
- Slightly less powerful chipset (Helio G70)
- Potentially slower software updates
- Less efficient power management
Motorola Moto G31
- More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Potentially more efficient power management
- Slower wired charging (10W)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar camera performance to Y21G
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on the internal hardware. Display quality will likely be similar, with both offering adequate viewing angles and clarity for everyday use. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, contributing to a less immersive experience compared to higher-end models.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Both devices likely feature a primary camera sensor around 13-16MP, though specific details are missing. The inclusion of 2MP macro and depth sensors on both is largely for marketing purposes and offers limited real-world benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low-light scenarios. The G85’s slightly improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) *may* result in marginally better image processing, but the difference will be subtle.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola Moto G31 features the Mediatek Helio G85, a slightly more refined version of the Helio G70 found in the vivo Y21G. The G85’s CPU features a marginally higher clock speed for the Cortex-A55 cores (1.8 GHz vs 1.7 GHz), which translates to a small but measurable improvement in multi-core performance. Both utilize the same 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores for peak performance. The 12nm fabrication process is identical for both, meaning thermal management will be comparable. The G85’s GPU offers a modest performance uplift, making it slightly better suited for casual gaming. However, neither chipset is designed for demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both phones feature similar battery capacities, likely around 5000mAh, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The vivo Y21G supports 18W wired charging, while the Motorola Moto G31 is limited to 10W. Despite the lower wattage, the G31’s more efficient power management, stemming from the G85 chipset, may result in comparable or even slightly faster overall charging times. The Y21G’s 18W charging will be beneficial if you frequently need to top up quickly, but the difference won’t be dramatic.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21G if you prioritize a potentially lower purchase price and are a very light user primarily focused on basic communication and social media. Buy the Motorola Moto G31 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks, appreciate faster (though still slow) charging, and anticipate occasional light gaming or multitasking. The G31 is the better all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G31 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Helio G85 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing. While it won't offer a blazing-fast experience, it will provide a smooth and responsive user experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo Y21G significantly faster in real-world use?
While 18W is higher than the Moto G31's 10W, the difference in charging speed won't be dramatic. The Y21G will likely charge slightly faster, but the G31's more efficient power management may close the gap. Expect both phones to take around 2.5-3.5 hours for a full charge.
❓ Can either of these phones handle playing PUBG Mobile?
Both phones can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Moto G31's Helio G85 will offer a slightly smoother experience, but neither phone is ideal for serious PUBG gaming.
