vivo Y28 (2014) vs Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo: A Deep Dive into Budget Android

Released around the same time, the vivo Y28 (2014) and Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo represent a generation of affordable Android smartphones aimed at first-time buyers. Both devices offered a gateway to smartphone functionality, but differed in their internal hardware and approach to the budget segment. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which provides the better experience, even years after their initial release.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user seeking a functional, albeit basic, smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo edges out the vivo Y28 (2014). Its slightly better display contrast and proven 59-hour endurance rating offer a more reliable and visually comfortable experience, despite the marginal CPU performance difference.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y28 (2014) Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - I9060, I9060I
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 900 / 2100
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 MbpsHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / HSPA
 -GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - I9062
Launch
Announced2014, December. Released 2014, December2014, January. Released 2014, February
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions137.4 x 68.6 x 9.8 mm (5.41 x 2.70 x 0.39 in)143.7 x 77.1 x 9.6 mm (5.66 x 3.04 x 0.38 in)
SIMMicro-SIMSingle SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by)
Weight156 g (5.50 oz)163 g (5.75 oz)
Display
Resolution540 x 960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density)480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~186 ppi density)
Size4.7 inches, 64.2 cm2 (~68.1% screen-to-body ratio)5.01 inches, 71.4 cm2 (~64.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDTFT
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
ChipsetMediatek MT6582 (28 nm)Broadcom BCM23550Spreadtrum SC8830 - GT-I9060I
GPUMali-400MP2Broadcom VideoCore IVMali-400MP2 - GT-I9060I
OSAndroid 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) - GT-I9060I
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal8GB 1GB RAM8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP, AF5 MP, f/2.6, AF
Video1080p@30fps720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MPVGA/ 2 MP, GT-I9060I
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, EDR4.0, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Music playUp to 32 hUp to 38 h
Stand-byUp to 430 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G)Up to 430 h
Talk timeUp to 14 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G)Up to 11 h
Type2100 mAh, removableLi-Ion 2100 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsWhiteWhite, Midnight Black, Orange, Lime Green
ModelsY28GT-I9060I, GT-I9062, GT-I9060, GT-I9060C, GT-I9060M, GT-I9060L, GT-I9168I
PriceAbout 100 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR EU-0.21 W/kg (head)     0.32 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 59h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 786:1 (nominal), 1.393 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 72dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 73dB

vivo Y28 (2014)

  • Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.3 GHz vs 1.2 GHz)
  • More recent chipset architecture (MT6582)
  • Potentially better power efficiency due to 28nm process

  • No battery life data available
  • Likely limited camera performance
  • Performance still limited by Cortex-A7 architecture

Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo

  • Proven 59-hour battery endurance rating
  • Slightly better display contrast (786:1 nominal, 1.393 sunlight)
  • Established brand reputation (Samsung)

  • Slightly slower CPU clock speed (1.2 GHz)
  • Older chipset (Broadcom BCM23550/Spreadtrum SC8830)
  • Limited performance for modern apps

Display Comparison

Both the vivo Y28 (2014) and Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo share the same nominal contrast ratio of 786:1, improving to 1.393 in sunlight. This suggests a similar level of outdoor visibility. However, without knowing the screen resolution or panel type (TFT is highly probable for both), it's difficult to assess image quality beyond contrast. The absence of information regarding color gamut coverage implies neither device is geared towards color-accurate content creation or consumption. Bezels were likely substantial on both, typical of the era.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed with simply 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering no specifics on sensor size, resolution, or features. Given their market segment, image quality is expected to be basic, suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The lack of detail suggests neither device features optical image stabilization (OIS) or advanced image processing algorithms. Any mention of a 2MP macro camera would be largely irrelevant, as image quality would be severely limited.

Performance

The vivo Y28 (2014) utilizes the Mediatek MT6582, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor built on a 28nm process. The Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo employs the Broadcom BCM23550/Spreadtrum SC8830, also a quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7. While the Y28 boasts a slightly higher clock speed, the architectural differences and manufacturing process are minimal. Real-world performance will likely be comparable, both struggling with modern, demanding applications. The 28nm node of the MT6582 *may* offer marginally better power efficiency, but this is offset by the slightly higher clock speed. Neither chipset is capable of handling intensive gaming or multitasking.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo holds a significant advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 59 hours. This rating, while based on older testing methodologies, indicates a reliably longer runtime compared to the vivo Y28 (2014), for which battery life data is unavailable. Without knowing the Y28's battery capacity or charging wattage, it's reasonable to assume the Grand Neo provides a more dependable experience for users who prioritize all-day usage. The Grand Neo's endurance rating suggests efficient power management, compensating for its older chipset.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y28 (2014) if you prioritize a slightly newer chipset architecture and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo if you value a demonstrably longer battery life and a display with slightly improved contrast, making it better suited for outdoor visibility and general media consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo likely to overheat during prolonged use?
Given the Broadcom BCM23550/Spreadtrum SC8830 chipset's relatively low power consumption and the device's age, overheating is unlikely to be a significant issue, even with moderate usage. The chipset isn't powerful enough to generate substantial heat under normal circumstances.
❓ Can either of these phones run modern messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram reliably?
Yes, both the vivo Y28 (2014) and Samsung Galaxy Grand Neo can run WhatsApp and Telegram, but performance will be limited. Expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially with multiple chats or media sharing. These apps are optimized for low-end hardware, but the Cortex-A7 architecture is showing its age.
❓ What kind of storage options were available for these phones, and is it expandable?
Both devices typically came with limited internal storage (around 4-8GB), but crucially, both supported microSD card expansion. This is essential for storing photos, videos, and apps, as the internal storage would quickly fill up with even basic usage. Check the specific model for maximum supported microSD capacity.