The vivo Y3s is a popular budget smartphone, and the 2021 version brings some subtle updates. But are those updates worth it? This comparison dives deep into the differences between the original vivo Y3s and the Y3s (2021) to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y3s (2021) offers a slight edge with its reverse charging capability, a feature absent in the original. However, both phones share the same core chipset and display. If reverse charging is a priority, the (2021) version wins; otherwise, the original Y3s remains a solid budget choice.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, October 26 |
| 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 |
| 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 | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps |
| 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 | 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Dark Blue, Light Blue, Red |
| Models | V2044 | V1901A, V1901T |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- Reverse wired charging
- Large battery (5000mAh)
- Affordable price
- Basic performance
- Average camera quality
- Thick bezels
vivo Y3s
- Large battery (5000mAh)
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Basic performance
- Average camera quality
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y3s (2021) and the original Y3s feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels (HD+). Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for demanding visual tasks. The bezels are relatively thick on both models.
Camera Comparison
The camera setup is also largely the same. Both devices typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The front-facing camera is likely an 8MP unit on both models, offering acceptable selfies.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both phones are powered by the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset and 3GB of RAM. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily without experiencing some slowdown.
Battery Life
Both phones typically come with a 5000mAh battery. However, the vivo Y3s (2021) includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices. The original Y3s only supports 10W wired charging for itself.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y3s (2021) is ideal for users who want basic smartphone functionality with the added convenience of reverse charging for accessories. The original vivo Y3s is a great option for those seeking a no-frills, affordable phone for everyday tasks and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3s (2021) worth the upgrade from the original vivo Y3s?
Only if reverse charging is important to you. Otherwise, the performance and features are very similar.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Expect a full day of moderate use on both phones thanks to the 5000mAh battery.
