Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers a decent experience? The vivo Y3s (2021) and Y17 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the better value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y17 edges out the Y3s (2021) primarily due to its significantly faster 18W charging. Both phones share the same processor, but the Y17's charging speed makes it a more practical choice for everyday use, especially if you value quick top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2019, April. Released 2019, April |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 20 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.0µm - Global
16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm - China |
| 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, GALILEO, 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Mineral Blue, Mystic Purple, Peach Pink, Peacock Blue |
| Models | V2044 | 1902, V1901A, V1901, 1901, 1902_19 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.75 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable price
- Decent battery life (5000mAh)
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
vivo Y17
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better camera versatility
- Good battery life (5000mAh)
- Slightly larger size
- Still basic performance
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.35 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The Y17 might have slightly better brightness due to potentially more advanced panel technology, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The Y17 likely has a slightly more versatile camera setup, potentially including a depth sensor in addition to the main camera and front-facing camera. Both phones will likely offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average. Expect standard features like HDR and portrait mode.
Performance
Sharing the same Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance will be largely identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic multitasking, but demanding games and heavy applications might struggle. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds from either device.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, the Y17's 18W fast charging significantly improves the charging experience compared to the Y3s (2021)'s 10W charging. This means the Y17 will charge much faster, a crucial factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y3s (2021) is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize a slightly smaller form factor and don't mind slower charging. The vivo Y17 is ideal for those who want a better charging experience and are willing to spend a little more for the convenience.
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.
❓ How long does the battery last on the vivo Y17?
With moderate usage, the vivo Y17's 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day. Heavy users might need to charge it before the end of the day.