HTC's mid-range 5G offerings, the U20 5G and Desire 21 Pro 5G, represent attempts to deliver affordable 5G connectivity. While both aim for similar market segments, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Snapdragon 765G in the U20 5G and the Snapdragon 690 in the Desire 21 Pro 5G, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and future-proofing, the HTC U20 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Desire 21 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 690, particularly in demanding tasks and gaming, despite both phones sharing the same 18W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 41, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.56/0.9 Gbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 16. Released 2020, October 01 | 2021, January 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 171.2 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm (6.74 x 3.07 x 0.37 in) | 167.1 x 78.1 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.07 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 215.5 g (7.62 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.6 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM6350 Snapdragon 690 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, SAR | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC4 | 18W wired, QC4 |
| Stand-by | Up to 200 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h 20 min | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Blue, Purple |
| Price | - | About 350 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.44 W/kg (head) | - |
HTC U20 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Superior CPU performance for multitasking
- Better image processing capabilities
- Potentially smoother gaming experience
- Older 7nm manufacturing process
- May be slightly more expensive
HTC Desire 21 Pro 5G
- Newer 8nm manufacturing process
- Potentially better power efficiency
- May be more affordable
- Slightly newer chipset architecture
- Less powerful Snapdragon 690 chipset
- Slower CPU performance
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Unfortunately, detailed display specifications are unavailable. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The U20 5G’s more powerful chipset can potentially handle more complex image processing for improved color accuracy and dynamic range, even on a similar panel. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the mid-range nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the U20 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 765G will likely result in superior image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The 765G can handle more complex algorithms for noise reduction and dynamic range optimization. While both phones likely feature similar primary camera resolutions, the U20 5G will likely produce more refined images. We can assume both phones include standard features like HDR and scene detection, but the U20 5G will execute these more effectively.
Performance
The core distinction between these phones is the chipset. The HTC U20 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) boasts a more complex CPU configuration – an octa-core setup with a 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core, a 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold core, and six 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores. This contrasts with the Desire 21 Pro 5G’s Snapdragon 690 (8nm) which uses a dual-core 2.0 GHz Kryo 560 Gold and six 1.7 GHz Kryo 560 Silver cores. The 7nm process of the 765G, while older, allows for higher clock speeds and more complex processing within a similar power envelope. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the U20 5G. The 8nm process of the 690 aims for efficiency, but sacrifices raw performance.
Battery Life
Both devices share the same 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 4 (QC4) support. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s greater efficiency, despite its higher performance, could potentially offset a slightly smaller battery in the U20 5G. The 8nm process of the 690 in the Desire 21 Pro 5G is designed for power efficiency, but the performance trade-off means it will likely be completing tasks slower, potentially leading to similar overall battery life despite the more efficient chip.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC U20 5G if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy mobile gaming, or anticipate using your device for several years. Buy the HTC Desire 21 Pro 5G if you prioritize a slightly newer chipset architecture (8nm vs 7nm) and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and are on a tighter budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 690 in the Desire 21 Pro 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 690 is a mid-range chipset and will likely require significantly reduced graphics settings and frame rates to achieve playable performance in demanding games like PUBG Mobile. Expect noticeable frame drops and potential stuttering, especially in busy scenes. The U20 5G’s Snapdragon 765G offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 765G in the U20 5G offer any advantages for video recording?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 765G supports more advanced video codecs and features, allowing for higher-quality video recording with better stabilization and dynamic range. It also handles video encoding and decoding more efficiently, resulting in less strain on the processor and potentially longer recording times.
❓ Is the 8nm process of the Snapdragon 690 in the Desire 21 Pro 5G a significant advantage in terms of battery life?
While the 8nm process is more efficient, the performance difference between the two chipsets is substantial. The Snapdragon 690 will complete tasks slower, which can actually negate some of the efficiency gains. Real-world battery life is likely to be comparable between the two devices.
