Is It Worth Buying the Vivo S1 for 18k? A Thorough Analysis
When considering whether to purchase the Vivo S1 for 18,000 rupees (approximately $225 USD), potential buyers should carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Performance and Processor
The basic reason why the Vivo S1 might not be the best deal at 18k is the chipset. Equipped with the Mediatek Helio P65, the Vivo S1 falls short compared to alternatives available in this price range. Mediatek processors, while not entirely without merit, often do not offer the same level of performance as their Qualcomm counterparts. A phone priced at 18k with a Mediatek processor is, in my opinion, quite steep.
Build Quality and Design
Another factor to consider is the build quality. The Vivo S1 is made of plastic, which does not give it a premium feel. Additionally, the absence of a pop-up camera also detracts from its appeal. When competing in the same price segment, there are better options available such as the Redmi Note 7 Pro, Vivo Z1, and Realme X, which offer a more polished aesthetic and better features.
Camera Quality
The cameras in the Vivo S1 are decent but not particularly impressive. The main camera includes a 12MP sensor with a f/1.8 aperture and an ultrawide sensor of 13mm with an 8MP sensor and f/2.4 aperture. While these features might be adequate for general use, they are not outstanding compared to other phones in the same price segment. The Redmi Note 7 Pro, Vivo Z1, and Realme X offer better camera performance with the Redmi Note 7 Pro featuring a 48MP sensor, while the Realme X boasts 48MP sensors for both the wide and ultrawide cameras.
Display and Additional Features
In terms of the display, the Vivo S1 uses an IPS panel, which is standard and provides a good viewing experience. However, the Realme X offers a better display due to its updated and more vibrant screen.
A significant improvement offered by the Realme X is its in-display fingerprint scanner, which is more convenient and modern compared to the rear-mounted fingerprint sensor used by the Vivo S1. This feature alone can make the Realme X a more attractive option.
Powering the Realme X and providing further advantages, the Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 712 10nm processor is a step up from the Mediatek Helio P70 used in the Vivo S1. The Realme X also comes with a faster charging system, Fast Vooc 3.0, which can charge the phone to 55% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the Realme X is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, whereas the Vivo S1 does not have any additional protection.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, my recommendation is to opt for the Realme X over the Vivo S1, especially considering the processor, camera quality, and additional features. The Realme X offers a more balanced and superior experience for the given price range.
For anyone looking for a reliable phone within the 18k budget, the Realme X is a better investment due to its strong processor, better camera, superior display, and fast charging capabilities.