The Realme U1 and vivo Y91i represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware. This comparison dissects these differences, focusing on performance, battery, and overall user experience to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme U1 emerges as the superior choice. Its Helio P70 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y91i, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user interface. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the U1’s processing power gives it an edge.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, November. Released 2018, November | 2018, November. Released 2018, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.1 x 75.1 x 8.3 mm (6.11 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 157 x 74 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163.5 g (5.78 oz) | 168 g (5.93 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P70 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4.5 | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 720p@90fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 25 MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Ocean Blue, Red | Ambitious Black, Brave Blue, Fiery Gold |
| Models | - | RMX1831, RMX1833 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 93h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1830:1 (nominal), 2.815 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 68dB / Noise 73dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 144436 (v7)
GeekBench: 6004 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 7.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y91i
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Significantly weaker processor
- Laggy performance with multiple apps
- Limited gaming capabilities
Realme U1
- More powerful Helio P70 processor
- Smoother multitasking and app performance
- Better suited for casual gaming
- Comparable battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Camera details are lacking
Display Comparison
Both the Realme U1 and vivo Y91i share a similar display profile, boasting a contrast ratio of 1830:1 (nominal) and 2.815 (sunlight). This suggests comparable visibility in outdoor conditions. However, without specific brightness (nit) data for the Y91i, it’s difficult to definitively assess which display offers a more vibrant viewing experience. The shared contrast ratio indicates both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket, and neither is expected to offer the deep blacks of OLED technology.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Given the price point, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize basic camera modules. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess image quality differences. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact the overall photography experience, serving more as a marketing feature than a substantial improvement in image detail.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Realme U1’s MediaTek Helio P70, built on a 12nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration: octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) compared to the vivo Y91i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) with its octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53). The Cortex-A73 cores in the Helio P70 offer significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Snapdragon 439’s reliance on only Cortex-A53 cores will result in noticeable lag when handling multiple tasks or demanding applications. This translates to a smoother, more fluid experience on the Realme U1.
Battery Life
Both the Realme U1 and vivo Y91i achieve an endurance rating of 93 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. However, the Realme U1’s more efficient Helio P70 chipset may contribute to slightly better power management during intensive tasks. Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating relatively slow charging speeds. Expect approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge from 0-100% on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y91i if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you prioritize a simple, uncluttered experience. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Realme U1 if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks like casual gaming, streaming video, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The U1’s more powerful processor makes it a better long-term investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme U1 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Realme U1’s Helio P70 chipset is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won’t deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it’s significantly better equipped for gaming than the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y91i, which would likely struggle with consistent performance.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference between the Helio P70 and Snapdragon 439 is quite noticeable in everyday tasks. The U1 will exhibit faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Y91i may experience lag when switching between apps or opening demanding applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge both phones?
With both phones supporting only 10W charging, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Neither device offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and Facebook?
Both phones are perfectly adequate for basic social media usage like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, the Realme U1’s smoother performance will provide a more enjoyable experience, especially when browsing through feeds or sending multiple messages simultaneously.
