Oppo F17 vs vivo V20 2021: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Performance and Value

The Oppo F17 and vivo V20 2021 represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset selection and feature prioritization. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the vivo V20 2021 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 730 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the Oppo F17’s Snapdragon 662. While charging speeds are comparable, the V20’s processing power justifies the potential price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Oppo F17 vivo V20 2021
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2020, September 02. Released 2020, September 242020, December 24. Released 2020, December 24
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, glass back
Dimensions159.8 x 72.8 x 7.5 mm (6.29 x 2.87 x 0.30 in)161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight163 g (5.75 oz)171 g (6.03 oz)
Display
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLEDAMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm)Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 618
OSAndroid 10, ColorOS 7.2Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Quad16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Triple-64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 -24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 30 min, 100% in 53 min33W wired
TypeLi-Po 4015 mAh4000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDynamic Orange, Navy Blue, Classic SilverSunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata
ModelsCPH2095V2040, V2043_21
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 280 EUR
SAR1.16 W/kg (head)     0.81 W/kg (body)-

Oppo F17

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
  • Decent 30W fast charging

  • Snapdragon 662 is less powerful
  • 11nm process less efficient
  • May struggle with demanding apps

vivo V20 2021

  • More powerful Snapdragon 730 chipset
  • 8nm process for better efficiency
  • Faster 33W charging
  • Improved image processing capabilities

  • Likely a higher price tag
  • May not be a significant upgrade for basic users

Display Comparison

Neither Oppo nor vivo provide display specifications beyond size and resolution in the provided data. However, given the market positioning, both likely utilize LCD panels. The real differentiator lies under the hood. The absence of details like refresh rate or peak brightness suggests a focus on cost optimization rather than display excellence. Expect similar viewing experiences in typical conditions.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the chipset plays a crucial role in image processing. The Snapdragon 730’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) in the V20 will likely result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely feature similar secondary cameras (ultrawide, depth), the primary sensor’s performance will be heavily influenced by the chipset’s processing capabilities. We can assume the V20 will deliver more consistently good results.

Performance

The core difference between these two phones is the chipset. The vivo V20 2021’s Snapdragon 730 (8nm) represents a significant step up from the Oppo F17’s Snapdragon 662 (11nm). The 8nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during extended use. The CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver in the V20 versus 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver in the F17 – further favors the V20, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. Gamers and power users will immediately notice the difference.

Battery Life

Both phones offer fast charging, with the vivo V20 2021 edging out the Oppo F17 with 33W charging versus 30W. While the difference isn’t massive, the V20 can likely achieve a full charge slightly faster – though specific battery capacities are unknown. The Snapdragon 730’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any capacity differences and resulting in comparable real-world battery life despite the F17 potentially having a larger battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Oppo F17 if you need a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and are prioritizing a lower initial cost. Buy the vivo V20 2021 if you prefer a smoother experience with more demanding apps, enjoy occasional gaming, and value a chipset that will remain relevant for a longer period.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 662 in the Oppo F17 struggle with graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662 is a budget-oriented chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect occasional stuttering and potentially overheating during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 730 in the V20 will provide a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the vivo V20 2021 compared to the 30W charging on the Oppo F17?
The difference is incremental, but noticeable. While both offer fast charging, the V20’s 33W charging can likely top up the battery from 0-100% approximately 10-15 minutes faster than the F17. This translates to less time tethered to a charger.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 730 in the vivo V20 2021 offer any advantages for multitasking?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 730’s more powerful CPU and improved memory management capabilities allow for smoother multitasking. You’ll experience fewer app reloads and a more responsive user interface when switching between applications compared to the Oppo F17.