The Samsung Galaxy A10s and vivo Y90 represent the entry-level smartphone segment, catering to users prioritizing affordability. Both devices utilize Mediatek chipsets, but a key difference lies in core count and processing power. This comparison dissects the nuances of the Helio P22 in the A10s versus the Helio A22 in the Y90, revealing which phone delivers the better user experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A10s is the superior choice. Its octa-core Helio P22 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y90’s quad-core Helio A22, resulting in smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. While both phones are budget-focused, the A10s offers better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28 - SM-A107M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, July. Released 2019, July | 2019, August 12. Released 2019, August 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.1 x 75.1 x 8.3 mm (6.11 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163.5 g (5.78 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Blue, Green, Red, Black |
| Models | 1908, 1823 | SM-A107F, SM-A107M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.61 W/kg (body) | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y90
- Octa-core processor offers superior performance
- Likely benefits from Samsung’s software optimization
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
- May have noticeable bezels
Samsung Galaxy A10s
- Extremely affordable
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking
- Likely slower app loading times
- Inferior gaming performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Without specific brightness data, it's reasonable to assume both offer adequate visibility indoors, but struggle in direct sunlight. The A10s may benefit from Samsung’s display calibration, potentially offering slightly more accurate colors, but this is speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The A10s likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more pleasing photos in good lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the A10s (a common Samsung feature) would further differentiate it. The Y90’s camera performance will likely be adequate for casual snapshots, but will struggle in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Samsung Galaxy A10s features the Mediatek Helio P22, an octa-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the vivo Y90 utilizes the Helio A22, a quad-core processor also clocked at 2.0 GHz. While both are based on the 12nm process, the P22’s eight cores provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and improved performance when multitasking. The Y90 will likely exhibit noticeable lag when switching between several applications. Both utilize Cortex-A53 cores, meaning the architectural efficiency is similar, but the sheer number of cores favors the A10s.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, given their budget nature, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to assess charging speeds. The Helio P22 in the A10s is slightly more power-efficient under load due to its octa-core architecture being able to distribute tasks, potentially leading to marginally better battery life during intensive use, but real-world differences will likely be minimal for typical users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y90 if you need a smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use, and your budget is severely constrained. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A10s if you prefer a more fluid experience, anticipate running multiple apps simultaneously, or occasionally engage in light gaming. The A10s provides a more future-proof experience for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A10s struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the A10s isn't a powerhouse, its Helio P22 chipset should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, running multiple instances of these apps alongside other applications may lead to some slowdown. The Y90 will likely struggle more noticeably with these apps, especially with multiple instances open.
❓ Is the vivo Y90 suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The vivo Y90 is not well-suited for gaming. The Helio A22’s quad-core processor lacks the power to run demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty at playable frame rates. Even on low settings, you’ll likely experience significant lag and stuttering. The A10s will offer a slightly better experience, but still isn’t ideal for serious gaming.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A10s support software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy A10s has reached the end of its major software update cycle. It likely still receives security patches, but will not receive Android version updates beyond Android 10. The Y90's update support is likely even more limited.
