The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y3s (2021) and the Tecno Spark Go 2021 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the vivo Y3s leveraging a more powerful, albeit older, chipset while the Tecno Spark Go opts for a simpler core configuration. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the vivo Y3s (2021) is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, significantly outperforms the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor. While both phones are entry-level, the Y3s offers a more responsive user experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | V2044 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 80 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited display details available
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited information available
- Likely basic display quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable for the Tecno Spark Go 2021. The vivo Y3s, while not specified, likely targets a 720p+ resolution. The lack of information on the Tecno Spark Go 2021 suggests a more basic display experience, potentially with lower brightness and narrower viewing angles. Users seeking vibrant colors or high brightness should look elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Detailed camera specs are missing for both, but given the price point, expect 8-13MP main sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely marketing fluff; image quality will be limited. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio P35 *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the overall experience will be heavily dependent on software optimization. Don't expect exceptional low-light performance or detailed images from either phone.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The vivo Y3s (2021) utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This means eight processing cores – four clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz – working in tandem. In contrast, the Tecno Spark Go 2021 features a quad-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz. The Helio P35’s core count and higher clock speeds translate to substantially better multitasking capabilities and a more fluid user interface. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Y3s will handle app switching and moderately demanding apps with far greater ease. The architectural advantage of the P35 is crucial here; Cortex-A53 cores are more efficient than those typically found in ultra-budget quad-core chips.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for the Tecno Spark Go 2021. The vivo Y3s (2021) features 10W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, the less demanding Helio P35 processor *could* result in longer battery life compared to a device with a larger battery but a less efficient processor. The 5W reverse charging is a niche feature, allowing the Y3s to act as a power bank for other devices, albeit slowly. Without knowing the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Y3s’s charging capabilities are at least specified.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3s (2021) if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic tasks like calls and messaging – light social media, web browsing, and even some casual gaming will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary needs are extremely basic communication and you prioritize simplicity and potentially longer battery life due to the less demanding processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo Y3s (2021) be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 processor in the vivo Y3s (2021) is capable of running social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core configuration provides enough processing power for these everyday tasks, offering a more responsive experience than the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor.
❓ Is the Tecno Spark Go 2021 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Absolutely. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is well-suited for basic communication needs like calls and texts. Its quad-core processor is sufficient for these tasks, and the simpler software experience may appeal to users who prefer a straightforward device. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications.
❓ Can I play games on the vivo Y3s (2021)?
While not a gaming phone, the vivo Y3s (2021) can handle some light gaming. Less demanding titles will be playable at lower settings. However, graphically intensive games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and may not be enjoyable. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 is even less suited for gaming.
