The vivo Y38 5G, quietly launched on May 2, 2024, is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, particularly appealing to users who prioritize exceptional battery life, smooth performance, and 5G connectivity. It strikes a balance between essential features and a premium feel, making it a competitive option.
Design and Display: Modern Looks with a High Refresh Rate
The vivo Y38 features a modern design with a composite plastic back and a glass front. It’s available in attractive colors like Pacific Blue and Agate Green. Weighing 199g and measuring around 8mm thick, it feels substantial yet manageable in hand. A notable addition for its segment is its IP64 dust and splash resistance rating, offering decent protection against everyday elements. It also incorporates a convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.
Performance: Efficient 5G with Ample RAM
At the heart of the vivo Y38 5G is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (4 nm) processor. This octa-core chipset (2×2.2 GHz + 6×1.95 GHz) is designed for efficient 5G performance, handling daily tasks, social media, and moderate gaming with ease.
It comes with a robust 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, with the added benefit of 8GB of expandable virtual RAM, effectively providing up to 16GB for seamless multitasking. Internal storage is a generous 256GB of UFS 2.2, which is further expandable up to 1TB via a hybrid microSD slot (shares a slot with one SIM card).
Camera: Capable for Everyday Moments
The vivo Y38 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear:
- 50MP Main (wide) camera: With an f/1.8 aperture, this primary sensor is capable of capturing detailed and clear photos in various lighting conditions. It supports features like Night, Portrait, Photo, Video, Pro, Pano, Slo-mo, Time-lapse, and Dual View.
- 2MP Depth camera: With an f/2.4 aperture, this sensor assists in creating portrait mode effects with background blur.
For selfies and video calls, there’s an 8MP front camera with an f/2.05 aperture. Both front and rear cameras support 1080p video recording at 30fps. While it lacks an ultrawide lens, the 50MP main sensor should be sufficient for most casual users.
Battery and Connectivity: A True Endurance Champion
One of the most impressive aspects of the vivo Y38 5G is its colossal 6000 mAh (TYP) battery. This massive capacity promises exceptional battery life, easily lasting more than a full day, and potentially even two days, on a single charge for many users. Complementing this, it supports 44W wired fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.
Other connectivity features include:
- 5G connectivity: Supporting a wide range of 5G bands (n1, n3, n5, n7, n8, n20, n28, n38, n40, n41, n77, n78).
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 5.1.
- USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support.
- NFC: Supported in select regions (e.g., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, South Africa – confirm for Nigeria).
- 3.5mm headphone jack and FM radio support.
- Dual SIM Dual Standby (5G + 5G).
- Stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
Price in Nigeria (May 2025): Competitive Mid-Range
As of May 2025, the vivo Y38 5G is positioned as a strong mid-range offering in Nigeria, particularly given its features. Prices can fluctuate based on the specific retailer and current exchange rates.
For the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, you can expect an estimated price range of approximately ₦250,000 to ₦300,000. Some current listings around ₦250,000 for the 8GB/256GB variant are observed.
Advice on Buying: The Battery Life King
Reasons to Buy:
- Massive 6000 mAh Battery: Unrivaled battery life for a full day or more of heavy usage.
- Fast 44W Charging: Quick top-ups despite the large battery capacity.
- Smooth 120Hz Display: Provides a fluid visual experience.
- Efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 with 5G: Reliable performance and future-proof connectivity.
- Generous 8GB RAM + 256GB Storage (expandable): Ample space and smooth multitasking.
- IP64 Dust and Splash Resistance: Added durability for peace of mind.
- Android 14 with Funtouch OS 14: Latest software features.
- Stereo Speakers and 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Good audio experience.
Conclusion
The vivo Y38 5G is an excellent choice for users in Nigeria who prioritize exceptional battery life, smooth performance for everyday tasks, and access to 5G networks, all within a reasonable budget. Its 120Hz display and IP64 rating add to its appeal. If you can overlook the HD+ display resolution and the lack of an ultrawide camera, the vivo Y38 5G offers a very compelling package for its price.