Vivo T4r vs Y400: Chip, Screen, Battery
The Vivo T4r and Vivo Y400 differ most sharply in their chipsets, displays, and battery capacities: the T4r uses a mid-range 5G-capable processor with a 120Hz AMOLED screen and a 5000mAh battery, while the Y400 is an entry-level 4G phone with a 60Hz LCD and a 4000mAh battery. The T4r is the faster, smoother, and longer-lasting device, but the Y400 is lighter and cheaper. Below we break down every key difference and help you decide which one fits your needs.
Background: Where Each Phone Sits
The Vivo T series targets budget-conscious users who still want modern features like 5G and high refresh rates. The T4r (released in 2024) is part of this lineup, offering a large AMOLED display and a capable chipset at a price that undercuts most flagship rivals. The Y series, on the other hand, is Vivo’s entry-level line, designed for basic daily tasks, calls, and light media consumption. The Y400 (released in 2013) is a very old model—over a decade old—so comparing it to a 2024 phone is like comparing a feature phone to a modern smartphone. The Y400 runs Android 4.2, has 1GB of RAM, and was never built for today’s apps or games.
Processor: T4r’s 5G Power vs Y400’s Legacy Chip
The T4r is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (or in some regions, the Dimensity 7020), an octa-core chip built on a 6nm process. It supports 5G, has a Mali-G57 GPU, and can handle multitasking, social media, and even moderate gaming without much trouble. The Y400 uses the MediaTek MT6572, a dual-core Cortex-A7 chip from 2013, also built on a 28nm process. That chip was designed for a time when 1GB of RAM was standard and apps were much lighter. Today, the Y400 will struggle with even basic apps like WhatsApp or YouTube, and it cannot run modern versions of Android. In real-world terms, the T4r is roughly 20–30 times faster in multi-core performance, and it supports 5G connectivity, while the Y400 is limited to 3G and slower 4G (if available in its region).
Display: 120Hz AMOLED vs 60Hz LCD
The T4r features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution (2400×1080), and peak brightness around 1800 nits. This makes scrolling silky smooth, colors vivid, and outdoor visibility excellent. The Y400 has a 4.5-inch IPS LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate, 854×480 resolution (FWVGA), and typical brightness of around 250 nits. The difference is night and day: the T4r’s screen is sharper, more responsive, and far better for watching videos or playing games. The Y400’s screen is small and low-resolution, so text appears pixelated, and viewing angles are poor. If you care about media consumption or gaming, the T4r is the clear winner.
Battery: 5000mAh vs 4000mAh (But Real-World Use Differs)
The T4r packs a 5000mAh battery with 44W fast charging (in some regions, 80W). That means a full charge takes about an hour, and the phone easily lasts a full day of heavy use, often two days with light use. The Y400 has a 4000mAh battery—which was actually large for 2013—but it lacks any fast charging (standard 5W/1A). However, because the Y400’s chip and screen are so power-hungry by modern standards (the old chip uses more power per task), the battery drains quickly under any load. In practice, the Y400 might last a day with light use, but the T4r will outlast it in every scenario, and it charges much faster. The Y400’s battery is also non-removable, which is typical for that era, but the T4r’s battery is sealed as well.
How to Choose: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are reading this in 2024 or later, the choice is almost always the T4r. The Y400 is a decade-old device that cannot run modern apps, lacks 5G, and has a low-resolution screen. It might be tempting as a cheap “dumbphone” or backup, but even that use case is problematic because its old Android version lacks security updates and many apps won’t install. The T4r, on the other hand, is a current budget phone that offers excellent value for its price. Here are some factors to consider:
- Budget: If you can afford the T4r (typically around $150–$200), it is worth every penny over the Y400 (which might cost $50 used, but is practically unusable).
- Use case: For basic calls and texts, the Y400 might technically work, but you will face app compatibility issues. For anything else, the T4r is necessary.
- Future-proofing: The T4r supports 5G and will receive at least a couple of Android updates, while the Y400 is stuck on Android 4.2 forever.
- Display and battery: If you watch videos, browse social media, or play games, the T4r’s AMOLED and 5000mAh battery are non-negotiable.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that the Y400’s 4000mAh battery is comparable to the T4r’s 5000mAh because it’s “only 20% smaller.” But battery life depends on efficiency. The Y400’s old chip and small screen actually consume more power per task than the T4r’s modern chip, so the T4r lasts significantly longer. Another issue: the Y400’s 1GB of RAM is simply not enough for modern apps. Even a simple web browser will often reload pages because the OS kills background apps to free memory. The T4r has at least 6GB of RAM (in most variants), which is essential for multitasking. Also, note that the Y400’s storage is only 4GB (expandable via microSD), while the T4r starts at 128GB. That’s a 32x difference in built-in storage.
Camera and Other Specs (Briefly)
The T4r has a dual rear camera (50MP main + 2MP depth) and an 8MP front camera, which is adequate for social media photos. The Y400 has a single 5MP rear camera and a 0.3MP front camera—photos will be blurry and low-resolution by modern standards. Both phones have a headphone jack, but the T4r also has a USB-C port (the Y400 uses micro-USB). The T4r has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the Y400 has no biometric security at all. The T4r also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.3, while the Y400 has Wi-Fi 4 and Bluetooth 4.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Vivo Y400 worth buying in 2024?
No. The Y400 is a 2013 entry-level phone that cannot run modern apps, lacks security updates, and has a very low-resolution screen. Even as a secondary device, it is not practical because many apps will not install or will crash. The T4r is a much better investment if you need a budget phone.
Can the Vivo T4r play games?
Yes, the T4r can handle most games at medium settings. Its Dimensity 6300 chip and Mali-G57 GPU can run popular titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at smooth frame rates, though you may need to lower graphics settings for the most demanding games.
Does the Vivo Y400 support 4G?
The Y400 supports 3G and some 4G bands depending on the region, but it was never a strong 4G device. In practice, it will likely connect to 3G or slower networks, and it does not support 5G at all.
Which phone has a better battery life?
The Vivo T4r has better battery life in real-world use because its 5000mAh battery is paired with an efficient modern chip. The Y400’s 4000mAh battery drains quickly due to its inefficient old processor, so the T4r lasts considerably longer on a single charge.
Is the T4r’s screen better than the Y400’s?
Yes, the T4r’s 120Hz AMOLED display is vastly superior to the Y400’s 60Hz LCD. The T4r offers higher resolution, better colors, deeper blacks, and smoother scrolling. The Y400’s screen is small, low-resolution, and has poor viewing angles.
Can I upgrade the Y400’s storage?
Yes, the Y400 has a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 32GB (officially, though larger cards may work). However, even with more storage, the phone’s 1GB RAM and old chip limit its usefulness.
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