The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the vivo Y51s and the newer vivo Y31. Which one offers the best value and performance for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y31 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, faster 44W charging, and more modern design. While the Y51s is a decent phone, the Y31's improvements in performance and charging make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.6+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 29 | 2025, September 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, September 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.38 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) | 166.1 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Guardian Glass (ion-strengthened) |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1608 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.68 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 880 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4450 Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 613 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 15, Funtouch 15 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Ring-LED flash, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 44W wired, 50% in 38 min
Reverse wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Ion 6500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Rose Red, Diamond Green |
| Models | V2002A | V2036, V2036_21 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y51s
- Slightly larger screen
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Reliable brand
- Slower performance compared to Y31
- Slow charging (18W)
- Older chipset
vivo Y31
- Faster Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset
- 44W fast charging
- Modern design
- Improved performance
- Potentially slightly smaller screen
- Camera may not be significantly better than Y51s
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While the Y51s might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly older panel, the Y31's display likely benefits from improved brightness and viewing angles thanks to advancements in display technology. Expect similar overall viewing experiences, but the Y31 may have a slight edge.
Camera Comparison
The Y51s typically features a 48MP main camera, while the Y31 often includes a 50MP main camera. Both likely have similar ultrawide and macro lenses. Image quality will be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y31's newer image processing algorithms may offer slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction. Video recording capabilities are likely similar on both.
Performance
This is where the Y31 truly shines. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is a substantial upgrade over the Exynos 880. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y31. The Y51s, while capable, will show its age in more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life. However, the Y31's 44W fast charging is a game-changer, allowing it to charge from 0 to 50% in just 38 minutes – a significant advantage over the Y51s' 18W charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y51s? Those prioritizing a slightly larger screen and are less concerned about raw performance or fast charging. Who should buy the vivo Y31? Anyone seeking a responsive, modern smartphone with excellent battery life and incredibly fast charging capabilities, especially within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y31 worth the upgrade from the Y51s?
Yes, the Y31's improved performance and significantly faster charging make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you frequently use demanding apps or games.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life. However, the Y31's faster charging means you'll spend less time plugged in.
