Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y5s and Z3i are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a blend of features and value. But which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Z3i generally edges out the Y5s thanks to its slightly more powerful Helio P60 chipset and generally better performance. However, the Y5s offers reverse charging, a potentially useful feature. Ultimately, the Z3i provides a better overall experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, November. Released 2019, December | 2018, October. Released 2018, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 156 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.14 x 2.98 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 164 g (5.78 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2280 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~84.0% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2 | Android 8.1 (Oreo) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 24 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | 3315 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Magnetic Black, Spring White, Blue | Aurora blue, Millenium Pink |
| Models | V1934A | - |
| Price | About 190 EUR | About 350 EUR |
vivo Y5s
- Reverse wired charging
- Modern design (potentially)
- Slightly newer model
- Less powerful chipset
- Potentially lower performance
- May lack some features of the Z3i
vivo Z3i
- Better performance (Helio P60)
- Smoother multitasking
- Potentially better gaming
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Older design
- No reverse charging
- May have slightly outdated software
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely FHD+). The Y5s might have a slightly more modern design with a smaller dewdrop notch, but the Z3i's screen size could offer a more immersive viewing experience. Actual screen quality will depend on color accuracy and brightness, which are difficult to definitively compare without testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Z3i's slightly more powerful processor might allow for better image processing and potentially better low-light performance. Expect similar results in well-lit conditions.
Performance
The vivo Z3i holds a clear advantage here. Its Helio P60 chipset, with its Cortex-A73 cores, offers better performance than the Y5s' Helio P65, which relies on Cortex-A75 cores but has a less efficient overall architecture. Expect smoother multitasking and better gaming performance on the Z3i.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh). Battery life should be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. The Y5s' reverse charging capability is a unique advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y5s is a good choice for users prioritizing reverse charging and a slightly more modern design. The vivo Z3i is ideal for those seeking better performance and a smoother user experience, especially for multitasking and gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y5s worth buying if I need reverse charging?
Yes, the Y5s is a good option if reverse charging is a priority. However, consider if the performance trade-off is acceptable.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Z3i is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Helio P60 chipset.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones comparable?
Generally, yes. Both phones likely offer similar camera capabilities, with image quality largely dependent on software processing.