With the announcement of the Vivo U1, the Chinese company owned by BBK Electronics inaugurated a brand new series of affordable smartphones for the Asian market. We do not know if it is a case or not, but the handset carries the same model name as one of the latest affordable devices from Vivo sister company: Oppo. We are talking about the Realme U1, that belongs to a sub-brand of affordable devices launched by Oppo in 2018. Here, we will compare the new Vivo U1 with the Realme U1 and one of the latest super affordable devices launched recently: the Moto G7 Play by Motorola.

 

Vivo U1 vs Motorola Moto G7 Play vs Oppo Realme U1

Vivo U1 Motorola Moto G7 Play Oppo Realme U1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT 155.11 x 75.09 x 8.28 mm, 163.5 grams 147.3 x 71.5 x 8 mm, 149 grams 157 x 74 x 8 mm, 168 grams
DISPLAY 6.2 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 269 ppi, IPS LCD 5.7 inches, 720 x 1512p (HD+), 294 ppi, IPS LCD 6.3 inches, 1080 x 2340p (HD+), 409 ppi, LTPS IPS LCD
PROCESSOR Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 2 GHz  Qualcomm Snapdragon 632, octa-core 1.8 GHz MediaTek Helio P70, octa-core 2.1 GHz
MEMORY 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD slot 2 GB RAM, 32 GB  – micro SD dedicated slot 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot
SOFTWARE Android 8.1 Oreo, Funtouch OS Android 9 Pie  Android 8.1 Oreo, Color OS
CONNECTIVITY Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
CAMERA Dual 13 +2 MP f/2.2 and f/2.4
8 MP f/2.0 front camera		 13 MP f/2.0
8 MP front camera		 Dual 13 +2 MP f/2.2 and f/2.4
25 MP f/2.0 front camera
BATTERY 4030 mAh 3000 mAh, fast charging  3500 mAh
ADDITIONAL FEATURES Hybrid Dual SIM slot, IP58 certification Dual SIM slot  Dual SIM slot

Design

Design and build quality are among the key features of the new Vivo U1 and I personally choose it as the winner of the design comparison. It has a very high screen-to-body ratio because it features a waterdrop notch and a narrow tri-borderless design, as well as a pretty narrow chin. Further, it comes in three wonderful gradient hues. Last but not least, it is one of the few devices under $150 to be waterproof. It comes with the IP58 certification. The second place for the design goes to the Oppo Realme U1, while for the build quality I prefer the Moto G7 Play due to its splashproof body. It is also a very compact device due to its smaller screen.

 

Display

The resolution is the most important thing when it comes to displays of affordable devices. And the Realme U1 by Oppo is the only smartphone among these ones to have a Full HD+ resolution, so a way higher level of detail. The display is also better overall for other parameters, so it easily wins this comparison. It also comes with the biggest display. Moto G7 Play is pretty interesting, though, because it has a small 5.7-inch display that is more suitable for people who often manage to use their phones with one hand.

 

Specs & Software

If we consider the chipset only, then Moto G7 Play is a more performing phone than Vivo U1. But it comes with just 2 GB of RAM, that is not much for heavy apps and multi-tasking and it does not allow the Snapdragon 632 to show its full potential. Despite its lower-end chipset, Vivo U1 has up to 4 GB of RAM, that is why I define it better. But the best is definitely Oppo Realme U1 because it sports up to 4 GB of RAM and a much more powerful chipset than both Snapdragon 439 and 632. We are talking about the Helio P70, that is currently the best offer by MediaTek and one of the most powerful midrange chipsets. We do not consider it at the same level as the Snapdragon 670 and 710, but it is definitely worth a try in this price range.

 

Camera

Vivo U1 and Realme U1 are equipped with a dual camera setup, but this does not mean that they can click better photos. Indeed, despite having a single camera, Moto G7 Play shots better photos in most of the light conditions when it comes to detail. Its opponents are only better at capturing depth info, but it is not enough to over-class the great Moto G7 Play. Realme U1 wins when it comes to the front camera due to its high resolution, bright shots, and a great AI algorithm. But note that Moto G7 Play has a front-facing LED flash and allows taking selfies in the dark.

 

Battery

Vivo U1 is a battery champion because of its low-end, efficient components and its huge 4030 mAh battery. Such a capacity for an entry-level device is gold and it can make it last up to three days with an average/intense usage pattern. Realme U1 is great at battery life, but it has just 3500 mAh and a less efficient display.

 

Price

Realme U1 wins this comparison because of its better hardware and display, but Vivo U1 and Moto G7 Play still represent wonderful choices in the entry-level segment. Realme U1 costs about €140/$160, Vivo U1 will launch for about €105/$118, and Moto G7 Play will cost about €150/$170.

 

Vivo U1 vs Motorola Moto G7 Play vs Oppo Realme U1: PROs and CONS

Vivo U1

PROs

  • Bigger battery
  • Beautiful design
  • Waterproof
  • Very affordable

CONS

  • Lower-end hardware

 

Motorola Moto G7 Play

PROs

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Front-facing LED flash
  • Splashproof
  • Android Pie

CONS

  • Smaller battery

 

Oppo Realme U1

PROs

  • Micro SD dedicated slot
  • Great performance
  • Nice display
  • Big battery

CONS

  • Limited availability

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