Looking for an affordable smartphone? The vivo Y3s (2021) and Y51a are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y51a is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides significantly better performance, faster charging, and a more modern processor compared to the Y3s' Helio P35. While the Y3s might be slightly cheaper, the Y51a's improvements justify the price difference.
| 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Available. Released 2021, January 23 |
| 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) | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| 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 | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Titanium Sapphire, Crystal Symphony |
| Models | V2044 | V2031 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- More affordable
- Compact size
- Decent basic functionality
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
- Limited camera capabilities
vivo Y51a
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- More versatile camera
- Modern chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- May be slightly larger
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Y51a's slightly newer chipset *might* allow for marginally better color accuracy and brightness, but the difference will be minimal for most users. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Y51a generally boasts a more versatile camera system, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses like an ultrawide. While both offer decent image quality in good lighting, the Y51a will likely perform better in low-light conditions and offer more creative options. Expect the Y3s to have a simpler camera setup.
Performance
This is where the Y51a shines. The Snapdragon 662 is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the Y51a. The Y3s will feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Y51a has a clear advantage with its 18W fast charging, significantly reducing charging times compared to the Y3s' 10W charging. Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), but the faster charging on the Y51a makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y3s (2021)? Users on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and a smaller form factor. Who should buy the vivo Y51a? Anyone seeking a smoother experience, better performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and faster charging without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3s (2021) good for gaming?
The Y3s (2021) is not ideal for gaming. Its chipset struggles with demanding games, resulting in lag and low frame rates. The Y51a offers a much better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities, but the Y51a's faster charging makes it more convenient overall. You'll spend less time plugged in.
❓ What is the difference between the chipsets?
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 in the Y51a is significantly more powerful and efficient than the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Y3s. This translates to better performance, smoother multitasking, and improved power efficiency.
