The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y31 (2021) and the OnePlus Nord N100 aim to deliver a functional Android experience at an accessible price. However, they diverge significantly in their core processing power, with the vivo leveraging the Snapdragon 662 while the Nord N100 opts for the Snapdragon 460. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and smoother multitasking, the vivo Y31 (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Nord N100’s Snapdragon 460, making everyday tasks and light gaming more enjoyable. While both offer 18W charging, the Y31’s superior processing power justifies its slightly higher price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat13 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 20 | 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 20 | Available. Released 2020, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.9 x 75.1 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, OxygenOS 10.5.9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Ocean Blue | Midnight Frost |
| Models | V2036, V2036_21 | BE2013, BE2015, BE2011, BE2012 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 125.00 |
| RENEWED | - | $ 129.00 |
vivo Y31 (2021)
- Superior processor performance with Snapdragon 662
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Likely slightly higher price than the Nord N100
- May not have expandable storage (spec not provided)
OnePlus Nord N100
- Very affordable price point ($125 for 64GB/4GB)
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Significantly slower processor (Snapdragon 460)
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Potentially lower quality camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The real difference lies in how the chipsets drive them. The Snapdragon 662’s more powerful GPU in the Y31 will likely result in slightly smoother scrolling and animations, even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature primary sensors around the 13-48MP range. The Snapdragon 662’s superior ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the Y31 will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, offering improved noise reduction and dynamic range. The Nord N100’s 460 will still produce usable images, but will likely struggle more in challenging lighting scenarios. The inclusion of a 64GB storage option on the N100 suggests a focus on affordability over camera capabilities.
Performance
The core of this comparison is the chipset. The vivo Y31 (2021) features the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). The OnePlus Nord N100, conversely, uses the Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with a less potent octa-core setup (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240). The Kryo 260 cores in the Y31 represent a generation ahead in Qualcomm’s CPU architecture, offering improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and therefore faster processing. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The Y31 will handle graphically demanding tasks, like PUBG Mobile, at lower settings with more stability.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 18W wired charging, and the context data indicates the Y31 reaches 70% charge in 67 minutes. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 662’s more efficient architecture in the Y31 will likely result in comparable, if not slightly better, battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Nord N100. The 18W charging speed is adequate for this segment, providing a reasonable top-up time.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y31 (2021) if you need a phone that feels responsive for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, and you value a smoother user experience. Buy the OnePlus Nord N100 if you are on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and minimal app usage – and are willing to accept slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the OnePlus Nord N100 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Snapdragon 460 in the Nord N100 can run these apps, but you may experience noticeable lag when scrolling through feeds or switching between apps. The Y31’s Snapdragon 662 will provide a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 460 capable of playing any mobile games?
The Snapdragon 460 can handle less demanding games, but you’ll need to lower the graphics settings significantly. More graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile will likely experience stuttering and low frame rates. The Snapdragon 662 in the Y31 offers a more playable experience, even at reduced settings.
❓ Does the vivo Y31 (2021) support fast charging beyond 18W?
The provided specifications only list 18W wired charging. While it's possible the device supports some form of proprietary fast charging, it's unlikely to be significantly faster than the standard 18W rate. The 70% charge in 67 minutes suggests a standard 18W implementation.
❓ How much RAM does the vivo Y31 (2021) have?
The context data does not specify the RAM configuration for the vivo Y31 (2021). However, given its chipset and target market, it likely comes with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. 4GB would be preferable for smoother multitasking.
