vivo Y31d unboxing: A budget phone with flagship battery life

The smartphone market has become increasingly obsessed with cutting-edge features, premium materials, and sky-high prices. But sometimes, what you really need is a phone that just works - great battery life, reliable performance, and a reasonable price tag. That's exactly what vivo is offering with the quietly launched Y31d, a device that takes a refreshingly pragmatic approach to mobile technology.

Unboxing the basics

The Y31d arrives in a box that immediately signals its practical nature. Inside, you'll find a complete set of accessories that many modern flagships have abandoned: a protective case, a 44W charger, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. This inclusion of a charger is becoming increasingly rare in the industry, making the Y31d feel like a throwback to when phones came ready to use right out of the box.

The phone itself is available in two understated colors - Glow White and Starlight Gray. The latter offers a subdued, professional appearance that won't draw unnecessary attention. At 166.6 x 78.4 x 8.39mm and weighing just 219g, the Y31d is reasonably sized for today's standards, though its dimensions cleverly conceal what might be its most impressive feature.

The battery that defies expectations

Here's where the Y31d really stands out from the crowd: it houses a massive 7,200mAh battery. That's not a typo - this budget phone packs more battery capacity than most premium devices on the market. To put this in perspective, many flagship phones struggle to reach 5,000mAh, yet the Y31d comfortably exceeds that by over 40%.

This enormous power pack translates to genuine two-day battery life for most users, a claim that's becoming increasingly rare even among high-end devices. The 44W fast charging support means you won't be tethered to an outlet for long when you do need to top up.

Built to last

The Y31d doesn't just excel in battery life - it's also surprisingly rugged for its price point. The IP69+ rating is particularly noteworthy, as this level of water and dust resistance is typically reserved for more expensive devices or specialized equipment. This certification means the phone can withstand splashes, rain, submersion up to 1.5 meters, and even high-pressure water jets. While you probably won't be pressure-washing your phone regularly, this level of protection provides genuine peace of mind for everyday use.

Performance that punches above its weight

Powering the Y31d is the Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 chipset, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The chipset's name reveals the phone's 4G-only nature, which might seem like a limitation in our 5G-obsessed world. However, for many users - particularly those in areas with limited 5G coverage or those looking to save on data costs - this won't be a dealbreaker.

The 720p LCD display might not win any resolution awards, but it compensates with a 120Hz refresh rate and decent brightness levels. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner, while not as premium-feeling as under-display options, works reliably and is conveniently placed for one-handed use.

Software and value proposition

Running on Android 16 with vivo's OriginOS 6 skin, the Y31d offers a clean, user-friendly interface. The software experience is likely to be one of the phone's strongest selling points, as it provides modern features without the bloat that often plagues budget devices.

The real question, of course, is the price. While the article doesn't specify the exact cost, reader comments suggest it's positioned competitively with devices like the Poco X7 Pro during sales. This positioning raises interesting questions about the budget phone segment - is the Y31d truly a budget option, or is it redefining what we expect from mid-range devices?

The missing piece

One notable omission that has frustrated many potential buyers is the lack of a 3.5mm headphone jack. As one reader pointedly noted, "There is absolute no excuse to not have it on a phone like this." This criticism highlights an ongoing debate in the smartphone industry about whether removing the headphone jack is a genuine improvement or simply a cost-cutting measure disguised as progress.

Who is this phone for?

The vivo Y31d seems perfectly suited for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and reliability over cutting-edge features. It's the kind of phone that would excel as a work device, a backup phone, or for anyone who views their smartphone primarily as a communication tool rather than an entertainment hub.

In an era where smartphones often feel like they're trying to do everything, the Y31d's focused approach is refreshing. It doesn't try to be the best at everything - it simply aims to be excellent at the fundamentals. For many users, that might be exactly what they need.