The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. Two contenders in this lineup are the vivo Y3s (2021) and the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB). Both offer budget-friendly appeal, but key differences exist. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster 18W charging. While both share the same processor, the Y3's increased RAM and storage offer a smoother experience and more room for apps and media. The Y3s (2021) remains a viable option if charging speed isn't a priority.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat6 400/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2019, October |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Available. Released 2019, October |
| 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) | 159.4 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.5% 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 (12nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 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, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Ink blue, Jade Red |
| Models | V2044 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 140 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely 3GB RAM (spec not confirmed)
- Limited storage (likely 64GB)
vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB)
- Faster 18W charging
- 4GB RAM for smoother multitasking
- 64GB storage
- Slightly more expensive
- Similar performance to Y3s (2021)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.51-inch HD+ IPS display. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level brightness or sharpness. The resolution will be adequate for most tasks, but not ideal for demanding visual content.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, featuring a primary 13MP rear camera and a front-facing camera for selfies. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average. Expect standard features like portrait mode and HDR. The Y3 (4GB+64GB) *might* have slightly improved image processing due to potential software optimizations.
Performance
Performance is largely identical due to the shared Mediatek Helio P35 chipset. However, the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) benefits from 4GB of RAM compared to the Y3s (2021)'s likely 3GB. This extra RAM translates to smoother multitasking and app switching. Both will handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without issue, but expect some lag with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both devices, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the charging speed is a significant differentiator. The vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) boasts 18W fast charging, while the Y3s (2021) is limited to 10W. This means the Y3 will charge considerably faster.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y3s (2021) is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and don't require fast charging. The vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, more storage, and the convenience of quicker charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) worth the extra money?
Yes, if you value faster charging and smoother multitasking. The 4GB of RAM and 18W charging make a noticeable difference in daily use.
❓ What is the difference in performance between the two phones?
While both use the same chipset, the vivo Y3 (4GB+64GB) has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and app responsiveness.