The vivo Y30 and Samsung Galaxy A31 represent compelling options in the sub-$200 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Y30 prioritizes a streamlined experience with a basic chipset, while the A31 attempts to offer a more well-rounded package with a brighter display and slightly faster processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and a brighter, more visible display, the Samsung Galaxy A31 is the better choice. Its Helio P65 chipset and 635 nit display offer a noticeable advantage over the vivo Y30’s Helio P35 and unspecified display brightness, despite both phones sharing an identical endurance rating.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A315F |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - SM-A315F |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 09 | 2020, March 24. Released 2020, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.36 in) | 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm (6.27 x 2.88 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.47 inches, 102.8 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dazzle Blue, Moonstone White | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Red, Prism Crush White |
| Models | 1938 | SM-A315F, SM-A315F/DS, SM-A315G/DS, SM-A315G, SM-A315N |
| Price | About 190 EUR | £ 139.00 / € 138.27 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.68 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 124h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.9 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 151815 (v8)
GeekBench: 5096 (v4.4), 1216 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y30
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery endurance
- Less powerful processor
- Likely dimmer display
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A31
- Brighter display for better visibility
- More powerful Helio P65 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to Y30
- Potential for software bloat (Samsung)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A31 boasts a significant advantage in display quality with a measured peak brightness of 635 nits. This translates to far better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments compared to the vivo Y30, whose display brightness remains unspecified. While both displays are likely LCD panels given their price point, the A31’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit. The A31 also advertises an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of LCDs, but the Y30’s contrast ratio is not specified. Bezels are likely comparable on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Both the vivo Y30 and Samsung Galaxy A31 feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. It’s safe to assume both phones include a primary camera and potentially multiple secondary sensors. However, without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a definitive comparison is difficult. Given Samsung’s generally stronger image processing, the A31 likely delivers more consistent and pleasing results, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution 2MP macro cameras in this segment suggests both phones may include one, but their utility is questionable.
Performance
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy A31’s Mediatek Helio P65 chipset represents a clear step up from the vivo Y30’s Helio P35. The P65 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture with 2x Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz, compared to the Y30’s 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 2.35 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. While the Y30’s higher clock speed on its A53 cores might offer a slight boost in single-core tasks, the A75 cores in the P65 provide significantly better multi-core performance and responsiveness for demanding applications. Both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the A31’s more efficient CPU architecture will likely result in better sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y30 and Samsung Galaxy A31 achieve an endurance rating of 124 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A31 offers 15W wired charging, a 50% increase over the Y30’s 10W charging. This translates to faster charging times, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. While both phones likely feature similar battery capacities (estimated around 5000mAh based on market segment), the faster charging speed gives the A31 a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y30 if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and are on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A31 if you prefer a more responsive user experience, a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and a slightly more versatile camera system, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P65 in the Galaxy A31 capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P65 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so expect some frame drops during intense battles. The Y30's Helio P35 would struggle even more with this title.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A31 support fast charging with a higher wattage charger than the included 15W adapter?
While the Galaxy A31 ships with a 15W charger, it may support slightly faster charging with a compatible 18W or 25W Power Delivery (PD) charger. However, the gains will be marginal, and using a non-certified charger could potentially damage the battery.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the vivo Y30 and Samsung Galaxy A31?
The vivo Y30 typically runs Funtouch OS, known for its customization options but also potential for bloatware. The Samsung Galaxy A31 runs One UI, which is generally considered more polished and user-friendly, but also includes pre-installed Samsung apps. Both offer a similar Android experience at their core.
