The TCL 20Y and Nokia G20 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both rely on Mediatek chipsets, but a closer look reveals key differences in processing power and potential user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic smartphone functionality like calls, messaging, and light social media, the Nokia G20 edges out the TCL 20Y. Its Helio G35 chipset, with higher clocked Cortex-A53 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks, making it a slightly more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 07 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 07 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 75.6 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide) 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | 6156D | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
TCL 20Y
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable basic functionality
- Functional for essential tasks
- Slower processor than Nokia G20
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited gaming capabilities
Nokia G20
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly better graphics performance
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited for demanding tasks
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Neither TCL nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The real differentiator lies under the hood, impacting performance. Without knowing panel quality, it's difficult to assess color accuracy or brightness, but both will likely be adequate for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio G35 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities compared to the P22, potentially resulting in marginally improved photo quality in good lighting conditions. Expect both to struggle in low-light scenarios. The inclusion of multiple cameras on both devices is likely for marketing purposes, with the 2MP macro lenses offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these phones is the chipset. The Nokia G20’s Mediatek Helio G35 features a CPU clocked up to 2.3 GHz, utilizing 4x Cortex-A53 cores at this speed, alongside 4x cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the TCL 20Y’s Helio P22, which tops out at 1.8 GHz for its four high-performance Cortex-A53 cores and 1.5 GHz for the other four. While both are 12nm chips, the higher clock speeds on the G35 translate to faster processing, particularly in single-core tasks. This means app launch times and general UI responsiveness will be quicker on the Nokia G20. The G35 also includes a slightly more capable IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU, offering a marginal improvement in graphics performance, though neither phone is designed for demanding gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity isn't specified in the provided data, but given the target market, both are likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The slightly more efficient Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 *could* translate to marginally better battery life, but real-world usage will depend heavily on individual habits and app usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20Y if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential communication and are on the absolute tightest budget. It's a functional device for those who prioritize cost above all else. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prefer a slightly smoother user experience, particularly when multitasking or using moderately demanding apps, and are willing to spend a little more for that added responsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
The Nokia G20’s Helio G35 chipset provides a noticeable performance improvement over the TCL 20Y’s Helio P22. While it won’t offer a flagship-level experience, it should handle TikTok and Instagram with acceptable smoothness, especially with moderate usage. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed between the Helio P22 and Helio G35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The higher clock speeds of the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 translate to faster app launch times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. While both phones are entry-level, the G35 provides a more fluid experience for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and making calls.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with modern, graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. While you might be able to run them at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops, the experience won't be enjoyable. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the TCL 20Y or the Nokia G20?
With both phones utilizing 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from 0%. This is a relatively slow charging speed compared to modern smartphones, so overnight charging is recommended.
