The mid-range 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y31 Pro, featuring the newer Mediatek Dimensity 7300, enters the arena challenging the established Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, powered by the Exynos 1280. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value and performance for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the vivo Y31 Pro is the better choice. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset, built on a 4nm process, offers a noticeable advantage over the 5nm Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G, despite similar core counts. While battery endurance is identical, the Y31 Pro’s 44W charging significantly reduces downtime.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 2, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 15 | 2022, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 15 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 76.3 x 8.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) | 159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 204 g or 208 g (7.20 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 108.8 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 960Hz PWM, 1050 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 15, Funtouch 15 | Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired, 50% in 40 min
Reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 6500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dreamy White, Mocha Brown | Black, White, Blue, Peach |
| Models | - | SM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14 |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.94 W/kg (body) | 0.75 W/kg (head) 1.58 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.60 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9)
GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y31 Pro
- Faster 44W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- More efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset for sustained performance.
- Reverse wired charging for topping up other devices.
- Display brightness and panel technology are unknown.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Brighter 830 nit display for better outdoor visibility.
- Established brand with a strong ecosystem.
- Proven track record for software updates (though sometimes slow).
- Slower 25W charging.
- Older and less efficient Exynos 1280 chipset.
- Image processing may be overly saturated for some users.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 830 nits, which will be advantageous in direct sunlight. While the vivo Y31 Pro’s display specs are not provided, Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology and infinite contrast ratio deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. The A53’s display is likely to offer a more visually immersive experience, but without knowing the Y31 Pro’s panel type, a definitive judgment is difficult. Both devices likely employ high refresh rate panels, common in this segment, but the Y31 Pro’s PWM dimming rate is unknown, potentially impacting users sensitive to flicker.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The absence of sensor size information makes a direct comparison challenging. However, the focus should be on image processing algorithms. Samsung’s image processing typically leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. Without sample images, it’s difficult to assess which device produces superior results. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device would be a significant advantage for low-light photography and video recording, but this is unconfirmed for both.
Performance
The vivo Y31 Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G’s Exynos 1280 (5nm). While both are octa-core CPUs with a similar core configuration (4x Cortex-A78 and 4x Cortex-A55), the 4nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 7300 translates to improved power efficiency and thermal management. This means the Y31 Pro is likely to sustain peak performance for longer periods without throttling. The A53’s Exynos 1280, while capable, is older and less efficient. The Y31 Pro’s newer chipset will benefit users engaged in graphically intensive gaming and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y31 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A53 5G achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The Y31 Pro supports 44W wired charging, claiming a 50% charge in 40 minutes, while the A53 5G is limited to 25W. This faster charging capability on the Y31 Pro significantly reduces downtime, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Y31 Pro also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A53 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y31 Pro if you need a phone that excels in demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking, and value faster charging speeds. Its newer chipset provides a future-proofed experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prioritize a well-established brand with a proven track record, and a potentially wider ecosystem of accessories, and are less concerned with raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained load, particularly in graphically demanding games. While not severe, users may experience frame rate drops after extended gaming sessions. The Dimensity 7300 in the Y31 Pro, built on a more efficient 4nm process, is less prone to overheating and should maintain higher sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, noisy images from both devices' macro cameras.
❓ Can the vivo Y31 Pro reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 7300 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at high frame rates. While achieving a consistent 60fps will depend on the game settings and thermal conditions, the Y31 Pro is more likely to maintain stable performance compared to the Galaxy A53 5G due to its more efficient processor.
❓ How does Samsung's software update policy compare to vivo's for the A53 5G and Y31 Pro?
Samsung generally offers a more consistent and longer-term software update policy than vivo. The Galaxy A53 5G is likely to receive more Android version updates and security patches over its lifespan. Vivo's update schedule can be less predictable, though they have been improving in recent years.
