Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The vivo Y3s (2021) and Oppo A31 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share a similar chipset and performance. The Oppo A31 edges out slightly due to potentially better software optimization and a slightly more refined design. However, the vivo Y3s (2021) offers reverse charging, a unique feature in this price range, making it a compelling alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2020, February 13. Released 2020, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.86", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Fantasy White, Mystery Black, Lake Green |
| Models | V2044 | CPH2015, CPH2073, CPH2081, CPH2029, CPH2031 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 490 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- Reverse wired charging
- Compact design
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Long battery life
- Mediocre camera performance
- HD+ display quality
- Limited storage options
Oppo A31
- Potentially better software optimization (ColorOS)
- Slightly more refined design
- Long battery life
- Adequate performance for basic tasks
- Mediocre camera performance
- HD+ display quality
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.3-inch HD+ display. While the panel technology isn't specified, expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices. The Oppo A31 might have a slightly better screen calibration, but it's a marginal difference.
Camera Comparison
The Oppo A31 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the vivo Y3s (2021) has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, with both phones struggling in low light. Oppo's software processing might result in slightly more vibrant colors and better dynamic range, but the difference is subtle.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or seamless multitasking with demanding apps. The Oppo A31's ColorOS might offer slightly smoother animations and better resource management, potentially leading to marginally better real-world performance.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Oppo A31 might have a slight edge in battery optimization due to ColorOS. The vivo Y3s (2021) distinguishes itself with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices – a useful feature for emergencies.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y3s (2021) is ideal for users who prioritize reverse charging and a slightly more compact design. The Oppo A31 is a good fit for those seeking a slightly more polished software experience and potentially better camera performance, though differences are minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3s (2021) good for gaming?
The vivo Y3s (2021) can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance in demanding titles. It's best suited for casual gaming.
❓ What is reverse charging on the vivo Y3s (2021)?
Reverse charging allows the vivo Y3s (2021) to act as a power bank and charge other devices using a USB cable. It's a convenient feature for emergencies.
