The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Realme V20 and the vivo Y21a. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme V20 takes the lead thanks to its significantly more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset, offering noticeably better performance. While the vivo Y21a boasts faster charging and reverse charging, the V20's processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 13 | 2022, January 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 13 | Available. Released 2022, February 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | No |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow |
| Models | RMX3611 | - |
| Price | About 160 EUR | - |
Realme V20
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 700)
- Potentially higher refresh rate display
- Generally better performance for gaming and multitasking
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- May lack reverse charging
vivo Y21a
- Faster charging (18W)
- Reverse charging capability
- Potentially better camera software optimization
- Weaker processor (Helio P22/P35)
- Slower performance
- Likely lower refresh rate display
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 1600x720 (HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level display quality. The Realme V20 might have a slightly higher refresh rate (90Hz is possible) which would make scrolling feel smoother.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely comparable, with both phones featuring a primary 13MP or 16MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be average. The vivo Y21a might have slightly better software optimization for camera processing.
Performance
This is where the Realme V20 shines. The Dimensity 700 chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P22/P35 found in the vivo Y21a. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother gaming, and better overall responsiveness on the V20. The vivo Y21a will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The vivo Y21a has a clear advantage here with 18W wired charging and reverse charging. The Realme V20 is limited to 10W charging. While both phones likely have a similar battery capacity (around 5000mAh), the faster charging speeds of the vivo Y21a will result in quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Realme V20 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and smooth multitasking, even on a budget. The vivo Y21a is a good option for those who value faster charging speeds and reverse charging capabilities, and are less concerned about raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Realme V20 good for gaming?
Yes, the Realme V20's Dimensity 700 chipset makes it significantly better for gaming than the vivo Y21a. You can expect smoother gameplay and better performance in most mobile games.
❓ Can the vivo Y21a charge other devices?
Yes, the vivo Y21a supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to use it to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
