The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and two contenders vying for your attention are the vivo Y32 and the Infinix Zero 5G 2023. Both offer compelling features at accessible price points, but which one truly delivers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster 5G connectivity, more powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset, and faster charging. While the vivo Y32 offers a solid 4G experience, the Zero 5G's future-proofed features and performance edge make it the better choice for most users.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 18 | 2022, November 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Available. Released 2022, December 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 168.7 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.64 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - X6815D |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) - X6815D |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, XOS 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS |
| Radio | No | 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Light Blue | Pearly White, Coral Orange, Submarine Black |
| Models | V2158A | X6815C, X6815D |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 250 EUR |
vivo Y32
- Reliable 4G connectivity
- Clean and intuitive software (Funtouch OS)
- Decent battery life
- Good value for basic users
- Slower performance
- Limited 5G support
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful camera processing
Infinix Zero 5G 2023
- 5G connectivity
- Powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better gaming performance
- Improved camera processing
- Software experience can be less refined (XOS)
- Potential for bloatware
- Design may be less premium than some competitors
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, typically around 6.6-6.7 inches. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 often boasts a slightly higher refresh rate (120Hz vs. 60Hz on the Y32), resulting in smoother scrolling and animations. Expect similar resolutions (FHD+) and color accuracy, though Infinix may have slightly better brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often comparable, with both phones featuring a multi-lens setup including a primary sensor (typically 50MP), ultrawide, and macro lens. However, the Infinix's more powerful processor often translates to better image processing and low-light performance. Expect slightly more detailed and vibrant photos from the Zero 5G.
Performance
This is where the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 shines. The Dimensity 1080 chipset is considerably more powerful than the Snapdragon 680. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Infinix. The Y32 is adequate for everyday tasks but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones typically offer large batteries (5000mAh or greater). The Infinix Zero 5G 2023's 33W fast charging provides a significant advantage over the vivo Y32's 18W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y32 is a good option for users who primarily need a reliable 4G smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize a potentially more refined software experience. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is ideal for those who want 5G connectivity, smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, and faster charging speeds, even on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y32 good for gaming?
The vivo Y32 can handle basic games, but it will struggle with demanding titles due to its less powerful processor. The Infinix Zero 5G 2023 is a much better choice for gamers.
❓ Does the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 have 5G?
Yes, the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proofed for faster network speeds.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have large batteries, offering similar overall battery life. However, the Infinix Zero 5G 2023 charges significantly faster.
❓ Which software is better, Funtouch OS or XOS?
Funtouch OS (vivo) is generally considered to be more polished and user-friendly. XOS (Infinix) can sometimes feel less refined and may include more bloatware.
