Released in January 2019, the Vivo Y91 was a budget-oriented smartphone offering decent specs at an attractive price point. But in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile technology, how does it hold up in 2024? Let’s take a closer look at its strengths and weaknesses to see if it still has a place in the modern market.
Display and Design:
The Y91 boasts a 6.22-inch display with a 720 x 1520 resolution. While not the sharpest, it offered a decent viewing experience for its time. However, compared to 2024 standards, the resolution feels quite dated, especially when considering many budget phones now offer Full HD+ or even higher resolutions. The phone also features a waterdrop notch, which was a common design element in 2019 but has since been replaced by punch-hole cameras or even under-display cameras. The plastic build, while lightweight, feels less premium compared to today’s glass or metal-clad options.
Performance and Software:
Under the hood, the Y91 packs a MediaTek Helio P22 processor, paired with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM. This combination was sufficient for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming in 2019. However, in 2024, it struggles with more demanding applications and multitasking. The phone runs Funtouch OS 4.5 based on Android 8.1, which is several versions behind the current Android 13. This means you’ll miss out on the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
Cameras:
The Y91 sports a dual rear camera setup with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8MP shooter. While these specs were decent for a budget phone in 2019, they fall short in 2024. Image quality is basic, lacking detail and low-light performance. Compared to modern budget phones with multi-lens setups and improved sensors, the Y91’s camera capabilities are significantly surpassed.
Battery and Other Features:
One of the Y91’s strong points is its battery life. The 4030mAh battery easily lasted a full day on a single charge in 2019, and it should still hold up decently in 2024 for moderate usage. Other features include a microSD card slot for storage expansion, a rear fingerprint sensor, and micro USB charging (a dated standard compared to the widely used USB-C today).
Verdict:
In 2019, the Vivo Y91 offered an attractive combination of features and affordability for budget-conscious buyers. However, in 2024, it’s difficult to recommend due to its outdated hardware, software, and camera capabilities. The phone is significantly outperformed by even the most affordable modern smartphones in almost every aspect.
If you’re looking for a budget phone in 2024, you’re better off considering newer options with more up-to-date features and better performance. The Y91 might be a suitable choice for someone who only needs a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, but even then, there are likely better options available.
In conclusion, the Vivo Y91 served its purpose as a budget phone in its time. However, in today’s market, it’s best left as a nostalgic reminder of where smartphone technology once was, rather than a viable option for everyday use.
