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.
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - I9060, I9060I |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | - | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - I9062 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, December. Released 2014, December | 2014, January. Released 2014, February |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.4 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) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~186 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.7 inches, 64.2 cm2 (~68.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.01 inches, 71.4 cm2 (~64.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6582 (28 nm) | Broadcom BCM23550Spreadtrum SC8830 - GT-I9060I |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | Broadcom VideoCore IVMali-400MP2 - GT-I9060I |
| OS | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) - GT-I9060I |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | VGA/ 2 MP, GT-I9060I |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 32 h | Up to 38 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G) | Up to 430 h |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 11 h |
| Type | 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | White, Midnight Black, Orange, Lime Green |
| Models | Y28 | GT-I9060I, GT-I9062, GT-I9060, GT-I9060C, GT-I9060M, GT-I9060L, GT-I9168I |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 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.