The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with features. Two popular contenders are the vivo Y51s and the vivo Y51a. But which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and more to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y51a edges out the Y51s thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and slightly better battery life. While both offer decent cameras and displays, the Y51a's overall package makes it the more compelling 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, 40 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.6+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 29 | 2021, January 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.38 x 3.02 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 | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 880 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Titanium Sapphire, Crystal Symphony |
| Models | V2002A | V2031 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y51s
- Slightly more powerful CPU core (Cortex-A77)
- Decent camera system
- Good value for the price
- Less efficient chipset
- Shorter battery life
- HD+ resolution may appear less sharp on a larger screen
vivo Y51a
- More efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset
- Better overall performance
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging (indicated by 70% in 67 min)
- Slightly less powerful CPU core than Y51s
- Camera performance may be marginally behind in certain conditions
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+). While the panels are similar in size and resolution, color accuracy and brightness might vary slightly. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use, but outdoor visibility could be challenging under direct sunlight. Neither phone boasts a high refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 48MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The Y51a often exhibits slightly better image processing and low-light performance due to the Snapdragon 662's image signal processor (ISP). Selfie cameras are usually 16MP on both devices.
Performance
The vivo Y51a's Snapdragon 662 chipset generally outperforms the Exynos 880. The Snapdragon 662's efficiency and optimized architecture provide smoother multitasking and app loading times. While the Y51s has a slightly higher clocked core (Cortex-A77), the overall performance of the Y51a is more consistent.
Battery Life
The vivo Y51a has a noticeable advantage in battery life. While both have a 5000mAh battery, the Snapdragon 662's efficiency allows it to last longer on a single charge. The Y51a also supports 18W fast charging and boasts a 70% charge in 67 minutes, a useful indicator of charging speed.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y51s is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly more powerful CPU core (Cortex-A77) for specific tasks, but who aren't overly concerned with battery life. The vivo Y51a is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded budget phone with reliable performance, good battery life, and a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y51s still worth buying?
The vivo Y51s can still be a decent option if you find it at a significantly lower price than the Y51a. However, the Y51a generally offers a better overall experience.
❓ Which chipset is better, Exynos 880 or Snapdragon 662?
The Snapdragon 662 is generally considered better due to its improved efficiency and performance optimization, especially for everyday tasks and gaming.
