The vivo Y91i and Samsung Galaxy M10s represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank. However, they achieve this with different approaches to chipset architecture and feature sets, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent, if not blazing-fast, performance and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy M10s emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 7884B, with its Cortex-A73 cores, offers a noticeable advantage in application loading and multitasking compared to the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y91i.
| 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, November. Released 2018, November | 2019, September. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | 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) | 158.4 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163.5 g (5.78 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.35 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Exynos 7884B (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G71 MP2 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Ocean Blue, Red | Stone Blue, Piano Black |
| Models | - | SM-M107F, SM-M107G, SM-M107Y, SM-M107M |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.39 W/kg (head) |
vivo Y91i
- Potentially better battery life due to Snapdragon 439 efficiency
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower performance compared to the Exynos 7884B
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Less responsive multitasking
Samsung Galaxy M10s
- Faster performance with Cortex-A73 cores
- 15W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- More responsive user interface
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life
- May be slightly more expensive
- Exynos chip may run warmer under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely substantial on both, and color accuracy will be standard for budget displays. The user experience will be similar in terms of visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely a marketing tactic, offering minimal real-world benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance photos, and image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. The larger sensor (if any) will be the determining factor, but this information is unavailable.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y91i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores, split between 1.95 GHz and 1.45 GHz. This is a power-efficient configuration, but the A53 architecture is older and less performant than the cores found in the M10s. The Samsung Galaxy M10s’ Exynos 7884B features a more modern arrangement: two 1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 cores paired with six 1.35 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A73 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are octa-core, the architectural difference means the M10s will handle more demanding tasks with greater ease. The 14nm process of the Exynos also allows for slightly better power efficiency at higher loads compared to the Snapdragon's 12nm.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 3500-4000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Samsung Galaxy M10s has a clear advantage with its 15W wired charging. This will significantly reduce charging times compared to the likely 10W or slower charging on the vivo Y91i. While the Snapdragon 439 is more power-efficient, the faster charging of the M10s offsets any potential battery life gains, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y91i if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and value a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the more efficient Snapdragon 439. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M10s if you prefer a smoother experience with slightly more demanding apps, appreciate faster 15W charging, and want a phone that feels more responsive in everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7884B in the Galaxy M10s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7884B isn't a high-end gaming chip, its 14nm process and the phone's likely plastic construction should mitigate significant overheating. Expect some thermal throttling during extended gaming, but it shouldn't lead to complete performance shutdown. The Snapdragon 439 in the Y91i will likely run cooler, but at the cost of lower overall performance.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Snapdragon 439 and Exynos 7884B noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Exynos 7884B's Cortex-A73 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, which directly impacts app launch speeds and overall responsiveness. Browsing will feel smoother, and scrolling through social media feeds will be less laggy on the Galaxy M10s.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy M10s with the 15W charger?
Assuming a 4000mAh battery (a common size for this class of phone), a full charge from 0% with the 15W charger should take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. This is considerably faster than the likely 4+ hours required for the vivo Y91i with a standard 10W charger.
