The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y30 Standard and Nokia 5.3 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 5.3 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y30 Standard’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Nokia’s chipset offers a more future-proof platform.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 16. Released 2020, December 16 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.3 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191.4 g (6.77 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Shatter proof glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.55 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 13.1 MP, f/2.4, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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/ac, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Music play | Up to 40 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 550 h (2G) / Up to 530 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 14 h (3G) | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora, Glacier Blue | Cyan, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | V2036A | TA-1234, TA-1223, TA-1227, TA-1229 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 290 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 0.56 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -81.9dB / Crosstalk -81.3dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 48h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 705:1 (nominal) / 2.462:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 60dB / Noise 58dB / Ring 61dB
| - |
vivo Y30 Standard
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging
- Decent sunlight contrast ratio (705:1 nominal)
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful Helio P35 chipset
- Larger 12nm process node impacts efficiency
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Nokia 5.3
- More efficient Snapdragon 665 chipset
- 11nm process node for better thermal management
- Smoother multitasking and app switching
- Lacks reverse wired charging
- Display specifications are limited
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both devices lack detailed display specifications beyond basic contrast ratios. The vivo Y30 Standard boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 705:1, increasing to 2.462:1 in sunlight, suggesting decent outdoor visibility. The Nokia 5.3’s display specs are not provided, but given its market positioning, it likely features a similar IPS LCD panel. Without knowing the Nokia 5.3’s brightness output, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Y30 Standard’s sunlight contrast ratio is a positive indicator for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a direct comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both may include one, but these typically offer limited real-world benefit. The Nokia 5.3, benefiting from Qualcomm’s image signal processor, *may* offer slightly better image processing, but this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 5.3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (SM6125), fabricated on an 11nm process, offers a clear advantage over the vivo Y30 Standard’s MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765) built on a 12nm process. The smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. Both utilize octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration (4x high-performance, 4x efficiency), but the Snapdragon 665’s Kryo 260 Gold cores operate at 2.0 GHz, while the Helio P35’s Cortex-A53 cores peak at 2.35 GHz. However, raw clock speed isn’t everything; the Snapdragon 665’s architecture is more efficient, resulting in better sustained performance. This benefits users engaging in multitasking, light gaming, and app switching.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 10W wired charging, a standard for this price range. The vivo Y30 Standard uniquely includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a niche but potentially useful feature. Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 48 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite potentially different battery capacities (which are not specified). The Snapdragon 665’s improved power efficiency *could* translate to slightly longer screen-on time, but the difference is likely marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y30 Standard if you prioritize reverse wired charging for powering accessories and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. Buy the Nokia 5.3 if you value a more responsive user experience, slightly better performance for gaming and multitasking, and a chipset from a more established mobile platform provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.3 struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 665 isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Helio P35 in the vivo Y30 Standard will likely require even lower settings and may exhibit more noticeable performance drops.
❓ How significant is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 665 in everyday use?
The difference is most noticeable when multitasking or switching between apps. The Snapdragon 665’s more efficient architecture allows for smoother transitions and less lag. For basic tasks like browsing and social media, the difference will be less apparent, but the Nokia 5.3 will feel more responsive overall.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y30 Standard useful?
It's a niche feature, but can be handy for topping up accessories like Bluetooth headphones or a smartwatch in a pinch. Don't expect to fully charge another smartphone with it, as 5W is a very slow charging speed. It's a differentiating factor, but not a primary reason to choose this phone.
