The Realme C20 and vivo Y1s represent the absolute entry point into the smartphone market. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price, but subtle differences in their underlying hardware can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance in demanding tasks, the Realme C20 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a marginal clock speed advantage over the vivo Y1s' Helio P35, translating to a smoother experience with multitasking and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 19 | 2020, November 26. Released 2020, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 155.1 x 75.1 x 8.3 mm (6.11 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 161 g (5.68 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4030 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Gray, Cool Blue | Aurora Blue, Olive Black |
| Models | RMX3063, RMX3061 | 1929 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) | - |
Realme C20
- Slightly faster processor (Helio G35)
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Likely similar camera performance to vivo Y1s
- Basic display quality
vivo Y1s
- Clean and simple user experience (typical of vivo)
- Affordable price point
- Reliable for basic communication tasks
- Slightly slower processor (Helio P35)
- No reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither the Realme C20 nor the vivo Y1s boast impressive displays. Both are expected to utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both offer a basic viewing experience suitable for everyday tasks. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution means these displays are primarily functional rather than immersive.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but given the price point, users should expect limited low-light performance and average image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both phones is largely a marketing tactic, as the image quality from such sensors is typically underwhelming. The primary camera sensor's resolution is likely similar, and image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Realme C20 features the Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35, while the vivo Y1s uses the MT6765 Helio P35. Both are 12nm chips with an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the C20, and 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 for the Y1s). The Helio G35’s slightly higher peak clock speed on the primary cores provides a small performance advantage, particularly in CPU-bound tasks. However, the GPU performance is likely very similar, limiting gaming capabilities on both devices to low settings in less demanding titles. The RAM configuration, which is not specified, will also play a crucial role in multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 10W wired charging capability. While not fast charging by modern standards, it's adequate for overnight charging. The battery capacity is not specified for either device, but typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The 10W charging will likely take several hours to fully charge either device, but should provide sufficient battery life for a full day of light usage. The Realme C20 also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the vivo Y1s, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, albeit at a slow charging rate.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C20 if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps and occasional gaming, even if it's at a basic level. Its marginally faster processor provides a small but noticeable edge. Buy the vivo Y1s if you prioritize a clean, simple user experience and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing. The difference in performance is minimal for these use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C20 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Realme C20 can *run* these games, expect to play them at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Helio G35 is an entry-level chipset and will struggle with demanding titles. The experience will likely be choppy and not ideal for competitive gaming.
❓ Does the vivo Y1s support Google Play Services and popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the vivo Y1s runs on a standard version of Android and fully supports Google Play Services. You will be able to download and use popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube without any issues.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C20 useful in practice?
The 10W reverse charging on the Realme C20 is slow, meaning it's best suited for emergency top-ups of smaller devices like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. Don't expect to fully charge another smartphone with it.
