Released in 2014, the vivo Y27 and HTC Desire 510 represent a similar tier of the burgeoning budget smartphone market. Both devices aimed to deliver a smartphone experience to price-sensitive consumers, relying heavily on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 410 (or 400 in the case of the US Desire 510) chipset. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on where each phone excels and who would benefit most from choosing one over the other.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the HTC Desire 510 edges out the vivo Y27. While both share the Snapdragon 410 chipset in their EU variants, the Desire 510’s reported 70-hour endurance rating provides a tangible advantage in real-world usability, offsetting any minor differences in other areas.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - EMEA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7 | 3, 7, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 25, 26, 41 - Sprint |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, December. Released 2014, December | 2014, August. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 136.9 x 68.1 x 7 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.28 in) | 139.9 x 69.8 x 10 mm (5.51 x 2.75 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 137 g (4.83 oz) | 158 g (5.57 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~312 ppi density) | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~208 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~62.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 - EU modelQuad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 - USA model |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) - EU modelQualcomm Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) - USA model |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Adreno 306 - EU modelAdreno 305 - USA model |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), Sense UI 5.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA/ 1.3 MP, Sprint |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/operator dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 32 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 410 h (2G) / Up to 410 h (3G) | Up to 646 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 17 h (3G) |
| Type | 2260 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 2100 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Vanilla White, Jet Black, Dark Grey, Deep Navy Blue |
| Models | Y27L | Desire 510, 0PCV1 |
| Price | - | About 200 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.48 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.6dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 70h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1159 (nominal), 1.34 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 63dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 66dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 448Basemark X: 1906 |
vivo Y27 (2014)
- Potentially lower purchase price
- Shares the Snapdragon 410 chipset with the EU Desire 510
- Compact form factor (likely)
- Battery life is unspecified and likely shorter than the Desire 510
- Limited camera information suggests a basic camera system
HTC Desire 510
- 70-hour endurance rating offers excellent battery life
- Shares the Snapdragon 410 chipset (EU model)
- Comparable display contrast ratio to the vivo Y27
- US model uses the older Snapdragon 400 chipset
- Basic camera specifications
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y27 and HTC Desire 510 feature displays with a nominal contrast ratio of 1159, and a significantly reduced contrast ratio of 1.34 in direct sunlight. This indicates similar panel technology and limitations in outdoor visibility. While neither device boasts a high-end display, the shared contrast ratio suggests a comparable viewing experience in typical indoor conditions. The lack of information regarding resolution or panel type (IPS, TFT) prevents a deeper analysis, but given the price point, it’s safe to assume both utilize cost-optimized panels.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with simply 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering no specifics on sensor size, resolution, or features. This suggests both phones feature basic camera systems geared towards casual photography. Given the market segment, it’s likely both utilize relatively low-resolution sensors. Without further details, it’s impossible to determine which phone offers a superior camera experience. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or advanced image processing techniques further reinforces the assumption of basic camera functionality.
Performance
The core of both phones, at least in the European market, is the Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410. This 28nm chipset houses a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. However, the US variant of the HTC Desire 510 utilizes the older Qualcomm Snapdragon 400. The Snapdragon 410 offers a slight architectural improvement over the 400, potentially leading to marginally better performance in CPU-intensive tasks. Both CPUs are based on the Cortex-A53 architecture, meaning performance will be similar for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. The shared 28nm process node suggests similar thermal characteristics, though the 400 might run slightly cooler due to its lower clock speed. Neither chipset is suited for demanding gaming or multitasking.
Battery Life
The HTC Desire 510 distinguishes itself with a reported endurance rating of 70 hours. This is a significant advantage over what would be expected from a phone with a similar battery capacity, suggesting efficient power management and optimized software. The vivo Y27’s battery life is not specified, making a direct comparison difficult. However, given the identical chipset and similar display characteristics, it’s reasonable to assume the Y27 will offer shorter battery life than the Desire 510. The 70-hour endurance rating translates to approximately 3 days of typical use for the Desire 510, a compelling benefit for users who prioritize longevity.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y27 (2014) if you prioritize a potentially lower purchase price and are comfortable with a device that may require more frequent charging. Buy the HTC Desire 510 if you value longer battery life and a slightly more refined display experience, even if it means potentially paying a small premium or dealing with the Snapdragon 400 variant in the US market.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 400 in the US HTC Desire 510 a significant downgrade compared to the 410?
While not a massive difference, the Snapdragon 410 offers a slight performance improvement over the 400 due to architectural refinements. Expect marginally slower app loading times and potentially more noticeable lag when multitasking on the US Desire 510. However, for basic tasks, the difference will likely be minimal.
❓ How does the battery life of the HTC Desire 510 compare to other phones released in 2014?
A 70-hour endurance rating was quite impressive for a smartphone in 2014, particularly in the budget segment. Many flagship phones of the time offered similar or even shorter battery life. This makes the Desire 510 a standout choice for users prioritizing longevity.
❓ Are there any known issues with the software on either of these devices?
Both devices are quite old, and official software support has long ended. Users may encounter compatibility issues with newer apps and security vulnerabilities. Custom ROMs are an option for advanced users, but require technical expertise.
