The Vivo Y31 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a balanced experience for everyday users. With its sleek design and decent specifications, it caters to those who need a reliable device without breaking the bank. While it may not compete with flagship models, it holds its own in the mid-range segment, offering a mix of performance, battery life, and camera capabilities that make it a practical choice for many.

Design and Build

The Vivo Y31 features a modern design with a glossy plastic back that mimics the look of glass, giving it a premium feel. The device is lightweight and comfortable to hold, making it suitable for prolonged use. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed, and the 6.58-inch IPS LCD display dominates the front, with a waterdrop notch housing the front camera. The bezels are relatively thin, though the chin is slightly more pronounced compared to higher-end models.

Display Quality

The 6.58-inch display offers a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 401 PPI. Colors are vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for indoor use, though it may struggle under direct sunlight. The refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, which is standard for this price range, but it lacks the smoothness of higher-refresh-rate panels. Still, for media consumption and casual gaming, the display does a respectable job.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Vivo Y31 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, paired with 6GB of RAM. This configuration handles day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light multitasking without significant hiccups. However, demanding apps and games may cause occasional stutters. The device runs on Funtouch OS 11, based on Android 11, which offers a range of customization options but comes with some pre-installed bloatware. The user interface is intuitive, though it may take some time to get used to for those accustomed to stock Android.

Camera Performance

The triple-camera setup on the rear includes a 48MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the primary camera captures detailed and well-exposed shots, though dynamic range could be better. The macro lens is fun for close-up shots but lacks the sharpness of more expensive devices. Low-light performance is mediocre, with noise becoming apparent in darker scenes. The 16MP front camera delivers decent selfies, though skin tones can sometimes appear overly smoothed due to software processing.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the Vivo Y31 is its 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with continuous video playback or gaming, the device manages to hold up well. However, the 18W fast charging feels somewhat outdated, as competing devices in this range often offer faster charging speeds. It takes roughly two hours to fully charge the battery from zero, which may test the patience of some users.

Audio and Connectivity

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones, which will please users who prefer wired audio. The single bottom-firing speaker is loud enough for casual listening but lacks depth and clarity at higher volumes. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. While it covers the basics, the absence of NFC may be a drawback for users who rely on contactless payments.

Storage and Expandability

The Vivo Y31 comes with 128GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. For those who need more space, there’s a dedicated microSD card slot that supports expansion up to 1TB. This flexibility is a welcome feature, especially for users who store large media files or apps.

Final Verdict

The Vivo Y31 is a solid budget smartphone that excels in battery life and offers a decent display and camera setup for its price. While it has its limitations, such as average low-light photography and slower charging, it provides good value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable device that covers the essentials without too many compromises, the Y31 is worth considering.

Vivo Y31 Specifications:

Display: 6.58-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 2408 pixels, 60Hz refresh rate

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662

RAM: 6GB

Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB)

Rear Cameras: 48MP primary, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 16MP

Battery: 5000mAh, 18W fast charging

Operating System: Funtouch OS 11 (based on Android 11)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, 3.5mm headphone jack

Weight: 188g

Dimensions: 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm