Vivo Y71 Review: Affordable Smartphone with Solid Performance

The Vivo Y71 was released in 2018 as an entry-level smartphone aimed at delivering a good balance of performance, design, and features at an affordable price. While it’s not a flagship device, the Y71 offers a range of features that make it an appealing option for users looking for a budget-friendly phone. Let’s dive into a detailed review of the Vivo Y71.

Design and Display

The Vivo Y71 sports a 6.0-inch HD+ display with a 1440 x 720-pixel resolution. While this screen resolution isn’t as sharp as Full HD displays found in mid-range or flagship devices, it still delivers decent quality for everyday use such as browsing, watching videos, and gaming. The IPS LCD panel provides vibrant colors and good viewing angles, though the resolution may be noticeable in certain apps or when watching high-definition content.

The Vivo Y71 features a modern design with slim bezels, though the screen-to-body ratio is not as high as more recent devices. The phone’s body is made of plastic, but it still manages to feel solid and offers a comfortable grip. The device has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for security, which is responsive and works well for unlocking the phone.

Performance

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor and paired with 3GB of RAM, the Vivo Y71 is designed to handle basic tasks like calling, texting, social media browsing, and light gaming. The Snapdragon 425 chip is an entry-level processor, which means that performance in heavier tasks, such as multitasking or running demanding applications, might not be as smooth.

However, for everyday use, the Vivo Y71 performs adequately, and the 3GB of RAM helps keep things running without frequent lags or slowdowns. The phone comes with 16GB of internal storage, which may feel a bit limiting for users who store a lot of apps, photos, and videos. Thankfully, the device supports microSD cards, allowing you to expand storage up to 256GB.

Camera

The Vivo Y71 features a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies. The rear camera is decent for capturing everyday photos in well-lit conditions, with good color reproduction. However, it struggles in low-light environments, where images can appear grainy and lacking in detail. There is no portrait mode or advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS), so the camera is limited to basic photo-taking capabilities.

The 5MP front camera is sufficient for selfies, but it lacks the sharpness and depth that more advanced front-facing cameras offer. Still, it’s adequate for casual selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The Vivo Y71 is equipped with a 3360mAh battery, which offers decent battery life for a budget smartphone. With moderate use, such as browsing, social media, and occasional video streaming, the Y71 can last a full day. However, power users may find themselves needing to charge the phone by the evening.

The device supports 5V/2A charging and comes with a micro-USB port for charging, which is standard for budget devices. While it doesn’t support fast charging, the overall battery life is good considering the phone’s entry-level specs.

Software and Features

The Vivo Y71 runs on Funtouch OS 4.0, based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Vivo’s custom skin, Funtouch OS, offers a range of features, including a simple interface, gesture controls, and a variety of themes to personalize the phone. However, the software experience may not be as refined or fluid as stock Android or more recent custom UI versions seen on newer devices.

Key features of the Vivo Y71 include Face Unlock, which offers an alternative to the fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone. The device also has standard features like Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, and GPS for navigation.

Verdict

The Vivo Y71 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers solid performance for its price point. Its modern design, decent display, and adequate camera make it suitable for users who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing. While it may not be the most powerful phone on the market, it delivers good value for those on a tight budget.

If you’re looking for a phone with higher performance, better camera quality, and more modern features, you may want to look at newer budget devices. However, if you need a simple, affordable smartphone for basic use, the Vivo Y71 is a solid choice.