The Huawei nova 5T and vivo Y5s represent distinct approaches to the mid-range smartphone market. The nova 5T, launched with Huawei’s flagship Kirin 980 chipset, aimed for near-flagship performance at a competitive price. The Y5s, utilizing the MediaTek Helio P65, focuses on affordability and essential features. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Huawei nova 5T is the clear winner. Its Kirin 980 chipset delivers significantly faster processing speeds and a more capable GPU. However, the vivo Y5s remains a viable option for budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality and don't require demanding performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, December | 2019, August 27. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 154.3 x 74 x 7.8 mm (6.07 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 174 g (6.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~412 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.26 inches, 96.2 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 2x1.92 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Kirin 980 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G76 MP10 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, EMUI 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
16 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1"
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, aptX HD, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5) |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 22.5W wired, 50% in 24 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magnetic Black, Spring White, Blue | Black, Crush Blue, Midsummer Purple, Crush Green |
| Models | V1934A | YAL-L21, YAL-L61, YAL-L71, YAL-L61D |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 340 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 313024 (v7), 395503 (v8)
GeekBench: 10013 (v4.4), 2504 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 29fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y5s
- Significantly faster processor (Kirin 980)
- Faster charging (22.5W)
- Better thermal management
- Potentially higher price
- No reverse wireless charging
Huawei nova 5T
- More affordable price
- Reverse wired charging (5W)
- Adequate for basic tasks
- Slower processor (Helio P65)
- Slower charging (18W)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided, the focus here is on the underlying performance difference. The more powerful GPU in the nova 5T would be better equipped to handle graphically intensive display features, should they be present in the software. The lack of information prevents a detailed comparison of color accuracy or brightness.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the processing power of the Kirin 980 in the nova 5T provides a significant advantage in image processing. This allows for more sophisticated algorithms for noise reduction, dynamic range optimization, and scene recognition. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the nova 5T’s chipset is better equipped to leverage their capabilities effectively. The Y5s will likely rely on simpler image processing techniques.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Huawei nova 5T’s Kirin 980 (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y5s’s MediaTek Helio P65 (12nm). The Kirin 980 features a more advanced CPU architecture – Cortex-A76 cores versus the Y5s’s Cortex-A75 – and a more powerful GPU. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience on the nova 5T. The 7nm process node of the Kirin 980 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load. The Y5s’s Helio P65 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Huawei nova 5T’s 22.5W wired charging is a clear advantage over the vivo Y5s’s 18W charging. The nova 5T can reach 50% charge in just 24 minutes, while the Y5s will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Kirin 980 chipset in the nova 5T could potentially offset a slightly smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. The Y5s also offers 5W reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, absent on the nova 5T.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y5s if you need a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Huawei nova 5T if you prefer a smoother experience with demanding apps, enjoy mobile gaming, and value a more powerful processor for long-term usability. The nova 5T is also the better choice for users who frequently multitask.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Huawei nova 5T handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Kirin 980 chipset in the nova 5T is capable of running demanding games like PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings. The GPU provides sufficient graphical power for a smooth gaming experience, although sustained performance may be limited by thermal throttling.
❓ Is the MediaTek Helio P65 in the vivo Y5s sufficient for everyday social media and browsing?
Absolutely. The Helio P65 is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, checking social media, and using messaging apps. It won't offer the same level of responsiveness as the Kirin 980, but it will handle these tasks without significant issues.
❓ Does the Huawei nova 5T support fast charging with any specific charging standard?
The Huawei nova 5T supports 22.5W Huawei SuperCharge. While it may work with standard USB Power Delivery (PD) chargers, you'll achieve the fastest charging speeds with a compatible Huawei charger.
❓ What are the implications of the 7nm vs 12nm process node for long-term performance?
The 7nm process node used in the Kirin 980 is more efficient than the 12nm process used in the Helio P65. This means the Kirin 980 generates less heat for the same level of performance, leading to less thermal throttling and more consistent performance over extended periods. This is particularly important for gaming and other demanding tasks.
