Both the vivo Y31s and Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G target the increasingly competitive budget 5G market. While both offer next-generation connectivity at accessible price points, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their respective Snapdragon chipsets and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger contender. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Y31s’ Snapdragon 480, and the significantly faster 33W charging is a game-changer for daily usability. While the Y31s is a capable device, the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offers a more refined experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 12 | 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 15 | Available. Released 2020, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 165.4 x 76.8 x 9 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 215 g (7.58 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, HDR10, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired, 100% in 58 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4820 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red, Gray, Aurora | Gray, Blue, Red/Mint |
| Models | V2054A, V2068A | M2007J17C |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 370 EUR |
vivo Y31s
- More affordable price point
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- 5G connectivity
- Slower Snapdragon 480 processor
- Slower 18W charging
- Likely inferior camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 750G processor
- Significantly faster 33W charging
- Improved camera ISP for better image quality
- Slightly higher price
- May not be significantly better for extremely basic tasks
- Potentially larger physical size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, both utilize 8nm chipsets which indirectly suggest a focus on efficiency over pushing display boundaries. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G likely benefits from the slightly more powerful GPU of the Snapdragon 750G to handle display processing, but the real-world difference will be minimal for typical usage. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the Snapdragon 750G’s image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the 480’s, offering better noise reduction, dynamic range, and overall image quality. It’s reasonable to assume the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G will deliver superior photo and video performance, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of a more powerful ISP also allows for faster image processing and potentially more advanced features like improved HDR.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G (8nm) is a significant step up from the vivo Y31s’ Snapdragon 480 (8nm). The 750G features Kryo 570 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz, compared to the 480’s Kryo 460 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance in benchmarks and a more substantial improvement in GPU performance, making the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G the clear winner for gaming and demanding applications. Both utilize an octa-core configuration with a similar 6x1.8 GHz cluster, but the higher clock speeds and architectural improvements of the 750G are crucial.
Battery Life
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a major advantage. Completing a full charge in 58 minutes significantly reduces downtime compared to the Y31s’ 18W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential difference in mAh. The Snapdragon 750G’s improved efficiency also contributes to better battery life during active use, further solidifying the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s lead in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y31s if you prioritize a minimalist experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its lower price point makes it an attractive option for first-time smartphone buyers or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G if you value performance, faster charging, and a more versatile experience. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy mobile gaming, streaming video, or frequently use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the vivo Y31s struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is an entry-level 5G chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 750G offers a much smoother gaming experience at higher settings.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y31s in real-world use?
The Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G can go from 0-100% in approximately 58 minutes. The vivo Y31s with its 18W charging will likely take well over 2 hours to achieve a full charge. This difference is significant for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 750G in the Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G offer noticeable improvements in app loading times and multitasking?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 750G’s faster CPU and GPU, combined with potentially faster RAM configurations, result in noticeably quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 480. You'll experience less lag when switching between apps.
