The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is heating up, with the vivo G2 and Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G vying for attention. Both devices leverage Mediatek's Dimensity 6000 series, but key differences in chipset fabrication and charging technology create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Dimensity 6080, built on a more efficient 6nm process, offers a slight performance edge, and the significantly faster 33W charging dramatically improves usability compared to the vivo G2's 15W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 19 | 2024, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 19 | Available. Released 2024, June 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 168.5 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.5 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 200 g or 201.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Anti-stroboscopic sensor | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Startrail Black, Glossy White, Neon Green |
| Models | V2318A | KJ8 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo G2
- Potentially more established brand reputation
- Reliable Mediatek Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient 7nm chipset fabrication
Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G
- Faster 33W wired charging
- More efficient 6nm Dimensity 6080 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Tecno brand may be less familiar to some users
- Potential for more aggressive software customization
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so a direct comparison is limited. However, given the price bracket, we can anticipate both utilizing LCD panels. The user experience will likely hinge on color calibration and brightness, areas where Tecno has historically shown improvement. Bezels are likely comparable, and neither phone is expected to feature high refresh rate panels.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a thorough comparison is impossible. However, it's reasonable to assume both phones will feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. The quality will largely depend on the sensor size and image processing algorithms. Given the market segment, expect competent daylight photography but limitations in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G boasts the Dimensity 6080 (6nm), while the vivo G2 uses the Dimensity 6020 (7nm). While both feature the same CPU core configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – the 6nm process of the 6080 offers improved power efficiency. This translates to potentially better sustained performance under load and reduced thermal throttling during gaming. The GPU performance will also be slightly higher on the 6080. The impact is unlikely to be massive in everyday tasks, but noticeable in demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the charging speed is a significant differentiator. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a substantial upgrade over the vivo G2’s 15W charging. This means significantly faster 0-100% charge times, reducing downtime and improving overall usability. Even with a similar battery capacity, the faster charging of the Tecno will be a major convenience factor for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo G2 if you prioritize a potentially more established brand reputation and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. It's a solid, dependable device for basic smartphone tasks. Buy the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G if you value faster performance, quicker charging, and a more modern chipset fabrication process, making it ideal for users who frequently game or stream content on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Dimensity 6080 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings. The 6nm process and slight performance uplift over the Dimensity 6020 will help maintain stable frame rates, though extended gaming sessions may still result in some thermal throttling. Expect a playable experience, but don't anticipate ultra-high settings at consistently high frame rates.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G with the 33W charger?
While a precise figure requires testing, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G's 33W charging should deliver a full charge in approximately 60-75 minutes, depending on battery capacity. This is a significant improvement over the vivo G2's 15W charging, which would likely take over two hours to reach 100%.
❓ Does the vivo G2's reverse wired charging feature allow it to charge other phones wirelessly?
No, the vivo G2's reverse wired charging only allows it to charge other devices *via a cable*. It does not support wireless charging for other devices. This feature is useful for topping up accessories like earbuds or a friend's phone in an emergency.
