The vivo Y51 has been around for a while, offering a budget-friendly option. Now, the vivo Y51a arrives with updated specs and features. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y51a is the clear winner. While the Y51 (2015) had impressive charging speeds for its time, the Y51a's Snapdragon 662 chipset delivers significantly better performance, a more modern display, and a generally improved user experience despite slower charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 - Malaysia | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 |
| 5G bands | 2, 25, 41, 66, 71 Sub6/mmWave | - |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | LTE 900 / 1800 / 2100 - Thailand, Indonesia | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, December. Released 2015, December | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 143.8 x 71.7 x 7.5 mm (5.66 x 2.82 x 0.30 in) | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 157 g (5.54 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | - |
| Resolution | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~220 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~66.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 306 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop), Funtouch 2.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm
5 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | - |
| Single | 8 MP, 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 | Auto-HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | 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 | 65W wired, 100% in 39 min (advertised) | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 2350 mAh, non-removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White | Titanium Sapphire, Crystal Symphony |
| Models | Y51L, Y51, 1707, Y51A | V2031 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y51 (2015)
- Fast Charging (65W)
- Compact Size
- Affordable (when new)
- Outdated Processor
- Low-Resolution Display
- Limited Camera Capabilities
- Older Software
vivo Y51a
- Improved Performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Larger HD+ Display
- Better Camera
- More Modern Design
- Efficient Battery Life
- Slower Charging (18W)
- HD+ Resolution (not Full HD)
Display Comparison
The vivo Y51 (2015) typically featured a 5.0-inch HD display. The vivo Y51a boasts a larger 6.51-inch HD+ display, offering a more immersive viewing experience and more screen real estate for browsing and media consumption. The Y51a likely also has improved color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often limited for the Y51 (2015), the Y51a generally features a more capable camera system. Expect improved image quality, better low-light performance, and potentially more camera features like portrait mode and night mode on the Y51a.
Performance
This is where the Y51a shines. The Snapdragon 662 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 410. The Y51a's octa-core processor and 11nm manufacturing process provide significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The Y51 (2015) can feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 3000-4000mAh). However, the Y51a's more efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset contributes to better battery life despite the larger display. The Y51 (2015) had a notable advantage in charging speed (65W vs 18W), but the overall battery performance of the Y51a is superior.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y51 (2015) might appeal to users seeking a very basic, ultra-budget phone primarily for calls and simple tasks, and who prioritize fast charging above all else. The vivo Y51a is ideal for those needing a smoother, more responsive phone for everyday use, social media, and light gaming, and who value a better camera and display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y51a worth upgrading from the vivo Y51 (2015)?
Absolutely! The Y51a offers a significant upgrade in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, making it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.
❓ What is the battery life like on the vivo Y51a?
The vivo Y51a typically offers a full day of battery life with moderate usage, thanks to its efficient processor and optimized software.
