HMD Global is aiming a lot at the entry-level segment of the smartphones market in the last months. The Finnish giant which currently owns the Nokia brand recently launched several budget devices and the most powerful entry-level one is the Nokia 4.2. It mainly focuses on software as it is one of the most affordable devices enabled to the Android One program. In the same price range, there is also the new Vivo Y15 which is mainly focused on battery life, and Realme 3 by Oppo’s sub-brand which has performance and value for money as its strongest point. If you want to know which entry-level should you choose between this amazing trio, go ahead and read this specs comparison.
Nokia 4.2 vs Vivo Y15 vs Oppo Realme 3
| Nokia 4.2 | Oppo Realme 3 | Vivo Y15 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 149 x 71.3 x 8.4 mm, 161 grams | 156.1 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm, 175 grams | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm, 190.5 grams |
| DISPLAY | 5.71 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 295 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.22 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 270 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.35 inches, 720 x 1544p (HD+), 268 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 2 GHz | MediaTek Helio P60, octa-core 2 GHz or MediaTek Helio P70 octa-core 2.1 GHz | Mediatek Helio P22, octa-core 2 GHz |
| MEMORY | 2 GB RAM, 16 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – micro SD slot | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, Android One | Android 9 Pie, Color OS | Android 9 Pie, Funtouch 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 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | Dual 13 +2 MP f/2.2 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 13 + 2 MP f/1.8 13 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Triple 13 + 8 +2 MP f/2.2, f/2.2 and f/2.4 16 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 3000 mAh | 4230 mAh, fast charging | 5000 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
A compact and lightweight device. This is one of the main advantages of the Nokia 4.2 if we compare it with its rivals in this comparison, as well as most of the budget devices out there. It fits great in a pocket and it is easier to use with one hand than most of the actual phones. Still, some may prefer the Vivo Y15 due to its reflective back and its larger screen.
Display
In each case, you get entry-level panels with similar specifications and the IPS technology. But they are not disappointing displays. Nokia 4.2 has a very small panel, that is great if you need a compact phone and you like one-handed use. The smaller diagonal even allows a higher level of detail due to the higher pixel density. However, I would go for the Vivo Y15 simply because it has a bigger 6.35 panel. My recommendation is not to choose one of these handsets just by looking at the display quality, as there are only marginal differences.
Specs & Software
Three different chipsets for three different levels of performances. Realme 3 wins, there is no doubt. It is faster and smoother thanks to its MediaTek Helio P60, and it even comes in a variant with the even more powerful Helio P70. There is not so much difference between the Helio P22 found on the Vivo Y15 and the Snapdragon 439 found on the Nokia 4.2. But I personally prefer the Nokia 4.2 because it is part of the Android One program, so it provides a smoother and bloatware-free experience as well as faster and more constant updates. Note that Nokia 4.2 is only available with up to 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage, while Vivo Y15 has up to 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, so it actually provides better performances in multi-tasking and more space.
Camera
Vivo Y15 has the most complete and versatile camera department, despite it does not necessarily click more detailed photos. But overall, I would go for the Vivo Y15 due to the presence of an ultrawide sensor and an awesome 16 MP front camera for selfies. Realme 3 Pro comes right after as it comes with a better main sensor for the rear camera, but the rest of the setup does not convince me. Nokia 4.2 is the less impressive one.
Battery
Vivo Y15 is equipped with a mammoth 5000 mAh battery which delivers up to three days of battery life even with pretty intensive use. That is simply amazing and one of the best battery phones out there. The second place goes to the Realme 3 with its still awesome 4230 mAh battery.
Price
Nokia 4.2 debuted with a €150/€135 price tag, Vivo Y15 costs €180/$160 and Realme 3 starts from €115/$100. Overall, Realme 3 is my favorite one due to its better performance, big battery, and decent cameras.
Nokia 4.2 vs Vivo Y15 vs Oppo Realme 3: PROs and CONS
Nokia 4.2
PROs
- Android One
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- NFC
CONS
- Low-end hardware
Vivo Y15
PROs
- Huge battery
- Big display
- Triple cameras
- Good selfie camera
CONS
- Low-end hardware
Oppo Realme 3
PROs
- High performance
- Big battery
- Fast charging
- Good cameras
CONS
- Nothing particular
