The vivo Y91i and Xiaomi Redmi 7A represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 platform, but subtle differences in features and implementation can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster charging experience and a potentially wider availability, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A emerges as the better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 439 chipset, the Redmi 7A’s 10W charging provides a marginal, but noticeable, convenience over the Y91i’s likely slower charging speeds.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, November. Released 2018, November | 2019, May 24. Released 2019, July 04 |
| 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) | 146.3 x 70.4 x 9.6 mm (5.76 x 2.77 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 163.5 g (5.78 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~74.4% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo), Funtouch 4.5 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF - China
or
12 MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm, PDAF - Global, India |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM Radio, built-in antenna |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 4030 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Ocean Blue, Red | Matte Black, Morning blue, Matte Blue, Matte Gold, Gem Red, Gem Blue |
| Models | - | MZB7995IN, M1903C3EG, M1903C3EH, M1903C3EI |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y91i
- Potential for lower price point
- Familiar vivo brand experience
- Reliable Snapdragon 439 performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Unspecified display details
- Potentially limited software support
Xiaomi Redmi 7A
- 10W fast charging
- 4000mAh battery for all-day use
- Strong Xiaomi community support
- Similar performance to Y91i
- Basic camera system
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y91i and Xiaomi Redmi 7A likely feature similar LCD panels, given their price bracket. Without specific display specs, it's reasonable to assume both offer resolutions around 720p+. The viewing experience will be adequate for basic tasks, but neither device will excel in color accuracy or brightness. Expect noticeable limitations in direct sunlight. The absence of any mention of protective glass suggests both rely on standard plastic coverings, increasing susceptibility to scratches.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be comparable, and largely unimpressive. Both devices will likely feature a primary camera sensor paired with a depth sensor. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but expectations should be tempered. Image processing will likely prioritize boosting saturation and contrast to create visually appealing, but often unrealistic, photos. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) means low-light performance will be particularly challenging. Any 2MP auxiliary cameras present on either device are likely for depth sensing and offer limited standalone photographic value.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12 nm). This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with four cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and another four at 1.45 GHz, utilizing Cortex-A53 architecture. This means performance will be largely identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. Gaming will be limited to less demanding titles, and even then, expect frame rate drops and potential stuttering. The shared chipset and likely similar RAM configurations (though unspecified) mean thermal throttling will present similarly on both devices under sustained load.
Battery Life
While the battery capacity of the vivo Y91i is not specified, the Xiaomi Redmi 7A packs a 4000mAh battery. Coupled with the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 439, the Redmi 7A should deliver all-day battery life for moderate usage. Crucially, the Redmi 7A supports 10W wired charging, offering a faster replenishment rate than the Y91i, which likely relies on a slower charging standard. This difference, while not dramatic, translates to less time tethered to a power outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y91i if you prioritize brand familiarity within the vivo ecosystem and potentially find it at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 7A if you value a slightly faster charging solution and the broader software support and community associated with the Xiaomi brand. Both phones are geared towards first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 439 in either phone struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Snapdragon 439 is perfectly capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously may lead to some slowdowns due to the limited RAM typically found in these devices.
❓ Is the camera on either phone good enough for casual social media posting?
Yes, both phones will suffice for casual social media posting in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. The cameras are best suited for quick snapshots rather than high-quality photography.
❓ Can either phone play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
PUBG Mobile is playable on both devices, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant frame drops and stuttering, even on the lowest settings. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
