Vivo Y38 5G vs Vivo Y39 5G: If you are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone and want reliable performance with good battery backup and smooth display, then these two new phones from Vivo’s Y-series – Y38 5G and Y39 5G – can be a topic of discussion for you. Both the phones are very similar, but the Y39 5G has some minor upgrades that give it a slight edge. Let’s know about them in detail.
Design & Style
Talking about the design, both the phones are built in the same language. Vivo Y38 5G has a plastic back and IP64 rating, which keeps the phone safe from dust and water splashes. Y39 5G also follows the same design, but it is slightly heavier and thicker – 205-207 grams and a little thicker – because it has a big 6500 mAh battery. Y39 5G also has durability features like Schott Glass protection and military-grade shock resistance, which makes it more robust. Overall, both phones are easy to hold in the hand, but the Y39 5G feels a little premium and durable.
Display & Visuals
The display in both phones is almost the same. The Vivo Y38 5G and Y39 5G have a 6.68-inch LCD screen, which comes with HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rate. This means that gaming, watching videos or scrolling social media gives a smooth and fast experience. The peak brightness of both phones is around 1000 nits, which means the screen is visible well even in outdoor sunlight. If you watch videos and movies frequently, then this display will give a very satisfying experience.
Performance & Processor
Talking about performance, both phones are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset. This is an efficient entry-level 5G chipset, which is enough for everyday work and light gaming. The Y38 5G ships with Android 14 and Funtouch OS 14, while the Y39 5G launches with the newer Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15. This means that the Y39 5G will be slightly ahead in terms of software updates and will be better for long-term use.
Camera Setup
The camera setup is similar on both phones. Both have a dual-camera system – 50MP main sensor and 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is 8MP, which is adequate for selfies and video calls. It is not a flagship-level camera, but is perfectly sufficient for basic photography, social media uploads, and video calling. There is no major camera upgrade in the Y39 5G, but software optimization could be a little better.
Features & Tech
Both the Vivo Y38 5G and Y39 5G offer smart features in their segment. The Y39 5G has the new Android 15 and Funtouch OS 15, which makes the user experience smooth and responsive. The Y38 5G has a microSD slot for expandable storage, but the Y39 5G does not have it. However, the Y39 5G has a 256GB storage option, so most users will not feel the lack of storage.
Battery & Charging
Battery is the biggest selling point of both phones. The Vivo Y38 5G has a 6000 mAh battery, while the Y39 5G has a 6500 mAh battery. Both phones support 44W FlashCharge. This means that the phone gets charged in less time and can be used for a long time. The bigger battery of the Y39 5G gives a slight edge, especially for users who use the phone heavily and do not want to charge it frequently.
Price & Variants
In terms of price, the Y39 5G is slightly cheaper. Its 8GB + 128GB variant is available for ₹16,999, while the Vivo Y38 5G has been launched for around ₹19,990. The base model of the Y38 5G has 256GB storage, which could be an advantage for some users. Both phones are value-for-money options, but the Y39 5G offers a slightly better deal, especially due to the new software and larger battery.
Final Verdict
If you are choosing between the two, the Vivo Y39 5G is the better option. This is the new model, with a bigger battery, the latest Android 15 and a durable build, and that too at a slightly lower price. The advantage of the Vivo Y38 5G is only expandable storage, but this is not a major difference in front of the Y39 5G with 256GB storage option. Overall, the Y39 5G offers more value and slightly upgraded experience for budget users, and proves to be a perfect choice for daily use.
