vivo Y32 vs Honor X8c: A Deep Dive into Budget Snapdragon Performance

The vivo Y32 and Honor X8c represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. Both leverage Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6-series, but subtle differences in chipset and charging capabilities create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Honor X8c emerges as the superior choice. Its 35W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Y32’s 18W, and the slightly faster Snapdragon 685 provides a marginal, but noticeable, performance boost in demanding tasks. The Y32 remains a viable option for those prioritizing a potentially lower price point.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y32 Honor X8c
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41LTE
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2021, December 182025, January 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 31Available. Released 2025, January 20
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather)
Dimensions164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in)161.1 x 74.6 x 7.1 mm (6.34 x 2.94 x 0.28 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight182 g (6.42 oz)174 g (6.14 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~89.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED, 120Hz, 1200 nits (HBM), 2800 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 685 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 610
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS 1.0Android 15, MagicOS 9
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXCNo
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1-
Main Camera
Dual13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro)108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.67", PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/1.8-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/1.850 MP, f/2.1, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.0/5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, proximity (ultrasonic)
Battery
Charging18W wired 5W reverse wired35W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDark Blue, Light BlueMarrs Green, Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Cloud Purple
ModelsV2158AABR-LX1, ABR-LX2, ABR-LX3
PriceAbout 140 EUR€ 190.78 / $ 213.42 / £ 159.00

vivo Y32

  • Potentially lower price point
  • 5W Reverse Wired Charging
  • Efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset

  • Significantly slower charging (18W)
  • Slightly less powerful CPU than the X8c
  • May have less responsive multitasking

Honor X8c

  • Faster 35W charging
  • More powerful Snapdragon 685 CPU
  • Slightly better gaming performance

  • Likely a higher price tag
  • No reverse wired charging
  • May not offer significant camera improvements

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. While specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable, the focus here is on the core performance. Bezels are expected to be moderate on both, prioritizing affordability over an immersive edge-to-edge experience. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for color-critical work.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera around 50MP, accompanied by depth and macro sensors (the usefulness of the latter is questionable). The image processing algorithms will be key differentiators. Honor typically emphasizes vibrant, social media-ready images, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. The aperture of the main lens will be crucial for low-light performance; a wider aperture (lower f-number) will capture more light. Expect similar video recording capabilities – likely 1080p at 30fps.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo Y32 features the Snapdragon 680, while the Honor X8c uses the Snapdragon 685. Both are 6nm chips, offering good efficiency, but the 685 boasts a faster CPU configuration with 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A73 cores versus the Y32’s 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold cores. This translates to a roughly 10-15% performance advantage for the X8c in CPU-intensive tasks. The GPU performance is also slightly higher on the 685. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the X8c will handle titles like PUBG Mobile at medium settings with fewer stutters. Both likely pair the chipset with 4GB or 6GB of RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Both devices likely house a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Honor X8c’s 35W charging is a game-changer. This allows for a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes, while the vivo Y32’s 18W charging will take over 2 hours. This difference is significant for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The Y32 does offer 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for charging accessories, but the X8c lacks this capability.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y32 if you prioritize a potentially lower upfront cost and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who primarily use their phone for basic communication and light social media. Buy the Honor X8c if you value faster charging, a slightly more responsive user experience, and don't mind spending a little extra. This phone suits users who enjoy occasional gaming or multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 685 in the Honor X8c handle demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 685 is a capable chip, Genshin Impact is a very demanding game. You'll likely need to play at the lowest settings and may still experience frame drops. The X8c is better suited for less graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings.
❓ How much faster is the 35W charging on the Honor X8c compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y32 in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Honor X8c can go from 0-100% in approximately 60-75 minutes, while the vivo Y32 will take over 2 hours. This means you can quickly top up the X8c during a short break, whereas the Y32 requires a longer charging period.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y32 useful for anything beyond emergencies?
The 5W reverse charging is primarily useful for charging small accessories like Bluetooth earbuds or a smartwatch. It's too slow to significantly charge a smartphone, making it more of a convenience feature than a core selling point.
❓ Does either phone support NFC for contactless payments?
Based on typical configurations for these price points, NFC support is not guaranteed on either device. It's best to check the specific model's specifications in your region before purchasing if NFC is a critical feature for you.