The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G and vivo Y33s both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take drastically different approaches. The Poco leverages 5G connectivity and rapid charging, while the vivo focuses on a more streamlined experience with a familiar Mediatek chipset. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage and future-proofs connectivity, while the blazing-fast 67W charging significantly reduces downtime. The vivo Y33s remains a viable option for those prioritizing simplicity and a lower initial cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 24 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 24 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | - | IP53, dust and splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 700 nits, 1200 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, MIUI 13 for POCO |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF - Global version
64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF - India version
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 67W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 70% in 22 min, 100% in 41 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Midday Dream | Laser Black, Laser Blue, Poco Yellow |
| Models | V2109 | 2201116PG |
| Price | About 210 EUR | € 160.40 / $ 419.99 / £ 255.00 / ₹ 12,940 |
| SAR | - | 1.06 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-26.8 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 335353 (v8), 384646 (v9)
GeekBench: 2063 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y33s
- Significantly faster 67W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset
- Potentially higher price point
- Software experience can be more cluttered (MIUI)
Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G
- Lower initial cost
- Simpler, more streamlined software experience
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slower charging speed
- Less powerful Helio G80 chipset
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Display Comparison
Both devices list an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term lacking specific detail. However, the core difference lies beneath the surface. While neither spec sheet details panel technology (LCD vs AMOLED), the Poco X4 Pro 5G benefits from a larger display, likely contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The lack of detailed display specs on both phones suggests a focus on cost optimization, meaning color accuracy and peak brightness are unlikely to be standout features. Bezels are also not specified, but generally, Xiaomi devices in this segment tend to have slimmer bezels.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Xiaomi generally equips its Poco line with more competitive camera hardware than vivo’s Y series. The omission of details suggests both phones likely rely on software processing to enhance image quality. It's reasonable to assume the Poco X4 Pro 5G will offer a more versatile camera experience, potentially with better low-light performance, due to Xiaomi’s investment in computational photography. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn't heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The performance gap is significant. The Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is built on a more efficient process node than the vivo Y33s’ Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). This translates to better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The Snapdragon 695’s Kryo 660 Gold cores, clocked at 2.2 GHz, outperform the Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural advantages of the Snapdragon, coupled with the smaller fabrication process, give the Poco a clear edge in gaming and multitasking. The Poco's 5G modem is a further advantage, offering future-proof connectivity.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the lack of specified mAh capacities. However, the charging experience is where the Poco X4 Pro 5G truly shines. Its 67W wired charging, supporting PD3.0 and QC3, can reach 70% charge in just 22 minutes and 100% in 41 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the vivo Y33s’ 18W charging, which will take considerably longer to fully replenish the battery. The Poco’s faster charging mitigates any potential battery capacity differences, making it the more convenient option for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y33s if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and prioritize a lower upfront cost. Buy the Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and value the convenience of incredibly quick charging – making it ideal for power users and mobile gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 695 in the Poco X4 Pro 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 695, built on a 6nm process, is relatively efficient. While it will generate heat during prolonged gaming, the Poco X4 Pro 5G’s thermal design should prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance. However, demanding titles at maximum settings may still lead to some frame rate drops over extended periods.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo Y33s slow compared to other phones in this price range?
Yes, 18W charging is comparatively slow in today’s market. While it will still charge the device overnight, it takes significantly longer than the 67W charging on the Poco X4 Pro 5G. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, making it less convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Will the vivo Y33s receive software updates and security patches for an extended period?
vivo’s update policy for its Y series is typically less extensive than for its flagship models. While the Y33s will likely receive some updates, don’t expect the same level of long-term support as the Poco X4 Pro 5G, which benefits from Xiaomi’s more robust software ecosystem.
❓ How does the 5G connectivity on the Poco X4 Pro 5G impact real-world download speeds?
The 5G connectivity on the Poco X4 Pro 5G offers significantly faster download speeds compared to 4G, *provided* you are in an area with 5G coverage. Expect download speeds several times faster than 4G, enabling quicker app downloads, smoother streaming, and faster web browsing.
