Every time Oppo launches a new device from its sub-brand it is always a great event because of the incredibly high value for money of Realme phones. Today, the new Realme 3i debuted in India with midrange specifications offered at an entry-level-class price. This handset is definitely a best-buy, but it is not the only one. Vivo recently launched the Y15 focused on the battery life, while Xiaomi launched the new CC series focused on design and cameras, whose most affordable model is the Xiaomi Mi CC9e which still comes with a premium design. We made this specs comparison in order to clear all your ideas about these devices and let you understand which affordable handset is worth going for in mid-2019.
Oppo Realme 3i vs Xiaomi Mi CC9e vs Vivo Y15
| Xiaomi Mi CC9e | Oppo Realme 3i | Vivo Y15 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 153.5 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm, 173.8 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 | 6.01 inches, 720 x 1560p (HD+), 286 ppi, Super AMOLED | 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 665, octa-core 2 GHz | MediaTek Helio P60, octa-core 2 GHz | Mediatek Helio P22, octa-core 2 GHz |
| MEMORY | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB – 6 GB RAM, 64 GB – 6 GB RAM, 128 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, MIUI | Android 9 Pie, Color OS | Android 9 Pie, Funtouch OS |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS |
| CAMERA | Triple 48 + 8 + 2 MP f/1.8, f/2.2 and f/2.4 32 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 | 4030 mAh, fast charging 18W | 4230 mAh, fast charging | 5000 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Hybrid Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
As mentioned above, the new Mi CC series is mainly focused on the design and camera experience. Indeed, the Xiaomi Mi CC9e wins the design comparison thanks to its better look and even better materials. Just like premium phones, this handset has a stunning glass back as well as an aluminum frame. It even has strong protection for the display (Gorilla Glass 5). Both Realme 3i and Vivo Y15 come with a plastic design, so there is no chance they can compete with the Mi CC9e, despite it may look different from the renders showing these phones.
Display
In each case, you get a display with just a sufficient resolution: HD+ with 720p. But Xiaomi Mi CC9e is superior because it sports a Super AMOLED panel, so it can provide more brilliant colors and it even has an in-display fingerprint reader. However, it has the smallest display and you might not like it if you want the best phone for multimedia and productivity. In that case, Vivo Y15 might give you more satisfaction with its wide 6.35-inch panel. But do not expect much from an HD display in terms of definition.
Specs & Software
Despite it has a similar price tag to its rivals, the Xiaomi Mi CC9e is a lot better than Vivo Y15 and Realme 3i when it comes to hardware. It has a Snapdragon 665 chipset which can be considered an upper-midrange SoC, while both Vivo Y15 and Realme 3i are equipped with midrange chipset (lower-midrange when it comes to Vivo Y15). Further, at least in the most expensive configuration, Xiaomi Mi CC9e offers more RAM and up to 128 GB of internal storage. It lacks a micro SD dedicated slot, while on Vivo Y15 and Realme 3i you can use both micro SD and dual SIM slot at the same time. Android 9 Pie is pre-installed in each case.
Camera
Xiaomi Mi CC9e is again the winner of the comparison if we talk about camera departments. Both its rear and front cameras are superior. The Xiaomi Mi CC9e boasts a better 48 MP main sensor for the rear department, an ultrawide lens, and a depth sensor, as well as an awesome 32 MP selfie camera with advanced AI algorithms. Realme 3i and Vivo Y15 have sufficient 13 MP sensors and the former even lacks the ultrawide lens. Between these two handsets, I prefer the Vivo Y15 due to its ultrawide sensor and a better front camera.
Battery
Vivo Y15 is the clear winner of the battery life comparison because it is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. However, it lacks a fast charging technology so it will take a lot to fully charge it. Realme 3i and Xiaomi Mi CC9e will most likely have a similar battery life: even though the former has a bigger battery, the Mi CC9e has a smaller and more efficient display, so differences should be marginal.
Price
Realme 3i starts from just €117/$130, Vivo Y15 costs €180/$200 in its base version and Xiaomi Mi CC9e carries a €170/$190 price tag. Coming to the conclusions, Xiaomi Mi CC9e is undoubtedly a better deal due to its AMOLED display with UD fingerprint scanner, better hardware, amazing build quality, and higher-end cameras.
Oppo Realme 3i vs Xiaomi Mi CC9e vs Vivo Y15: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Mi CC9e
PROs
- Better hardware
- AMOLED display
- Better design
- Very good price
- Better cameras
CONS
- Smaller display
Vivo Y15
PROs
- Huge battery
- Big display
- Affordable price
- Micro SD dedicated slot
CONS
- Low-end hardware
Oppo Realme 3i
PROs
- Good performance
- Affordable
- Big battery
- Micro SD dedicated slot
CONS
- Limited availability
