The smartphone market is brimming with options, especially in the budget segment. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the vivo Y30 5G, offering 5G connectivity, and the Huawei nova 3i, known for its stylish design and capable camera. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y30 5G takes the win thanks to its significantly faster chipset and 5G capabilities. While the Huawei nova 3i boasts a sleek design and decent camera, the Y30 5G's performance advantage makes it the better choice for most users seeking a modern smartphone experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 25 | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 25 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 157.6 x 75.2 x 7.6 mm (6.20 x 2.96 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Kirin 710 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
2 MP, depth sensor |
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, EDR, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3340 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Pearl White, Iris Purple |
| Models | V2160 | INE-LX1, INE-LX1r, INE-LX1, Sydney 6353, INE-LX2r, INE-AL00, INE-TL00 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo Y30 5G
- 5G Connectivity
- Faster Processor (Dimensity 700)
- Slightly Better Battery Efficiency
- Larger Display (typically)
- Camera not as impressive as nova 3i
- Slow 10W Charging
- Plastic Build
Huawei nova 3i
- Stylish Design
- Good Selfie Camera
- Reliable Performance for Everyday Tasks
- Decent Value
- Older Chipset (Kirin 710)
- No 5G
- Slow 10W Charging
- Software Updates (potential concerns)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature LCD displays, but the vivo Y30 5G typically has a slightly larger screen size (around 6.51 inches) compared to the Huawei nova 3i (around 6.26 inches). Resolution is generally FHD+ on both, offering decent sharpness. Viewing angles and color accuracy are typical for their price range, with neither phone excelling in this area.
Camera Comparison
The Huawei nova 3i historically had a reputation for a good camera, particularly for its selfie camera. It typically features a triple-lens setup with a main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and depth sensor. The vivo Y30 5G also has a multi-lens setup, but the image quality is generally considered slightly less impressive than the nova 3i, especially in low light. However, the Y30 5G's processing might be more consistent.
Performance
This is where the vivo Y30 5G truly shines. The Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Kirin 710. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Y30 5G. The Dimensity 700's 7nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
Both phones offer a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the vivo Y30 5G's more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in battery endurance. Both phones share the same slow 10W charging, which is a significant drawback.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y30 5G is ideal for users who prioritize speed, future-proofing with 5G, and a smoother overall experience. The Huawei nova 3i is a good option for those who value aesthetics, a reliable camera for everyday photos, and are less concerned about cutting-edge performance or 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y30 5G worth the extra cost over the Huawei nova 3i?
If 5G connectivity and a faster processor are important to you, then yes. The Y30 5G offers a more future-proof and smoother experience. However, if you're on a tight budget and prioritize camera quality, the nova 3i might still be a viable option.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The vivo Y30 5G typically runs Funtouch OS, while the Huawei nova 3i runs EMUI. Both are Android-based but have their own unique interfaces and features. Software update support for Huawei devices has been a concern in recent years, so consider this before purchasing.
