The vivo Y55s has been a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. But with a 2023 refresh, is the newer model a significant upgrade over the 2021 version? We'll break down the key differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The 2023 vivo Y55s offers minimal improvements over the 2021 model, largely retaining the same core hardware. The 2021 version remains a strong contender due to its typically lower price, making it the better value for most users unless specific software updates are a priority.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 21 | 2021, December 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 21 | Available. Released 2021, December 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 163.9 x 75.3 x 9.2 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 199.8 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~83.8% 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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, OriginOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | - |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Pink |
| Models | - | V2164A |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 210 EUR |
vivo Y55s (2023)
- Potentially slightly improved camera processing
- Latest software updates
- Slightly newer design (minor)
- Minimal upgrades over the 2021 model
- Higher price (typically)
- Slow 18W charging
vivo Y55s (2021)
- Lower price (typically)
- Reliable performance
- Good battery life
- Older software version
- Slower charging
- Less frequent updates
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While the 2023 model *might* have slightly improved color calibration, the difference is likely negligible in everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences on both.
Camera Comparison
The camera setup is largely the same: a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 2023 model *may* benefit from slightly improved image processing algorithms, potentially resulting in marginally better low-light performance or color accuracy, but the overall camera experience will be very similar. Both have a 16MP front camera.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset and Octa-core CPU. Performance will be virtually identical in most tasks, including gaming and multitasking. Don't expect a noticeable speed boost on the 2023 model.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery and 18W wired charging. Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate usage. The charging speed remains the same, which is relatively slow compared to modern standards.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y55s (2023) is ideal for those who prioritize the latest software and potential minor improvements in camera processing. The vivo Y55s (2021) is a great choice for budget-minded buyers seeking a reliable and capable phone without needing the absolute latest features, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y55s (2023) worth the extra money?
Unless you specifically need the latest software or a marginally improved camera, the 2021 model offers better value for money.
❓ What are the key differences between the two models?
The differences are minimal. The 2023 model may have slightly improved camera processing and a newer software version, but the core hardware remains the same.
