vivo U10 vs Samsung Galaxy A20s: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The vivo U10 and Samsung Galaxy A20s represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, they diverge significantly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences, focusing on the impact of their respective Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets on everyday use and performance.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the vivo U10 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 665 chipset, built on a more efficient 11nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A20s’ Snapdragon 450, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo U10 Samsung Galaxy A20s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A207F/DS
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A207F/DS
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 400/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - SM-A207M/DS
Launch
Announced2019, September. Released 2019, September2019, September 24. Released 2019, October 05
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)163.3 x 77.5 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.05 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight190.5 g (6.70 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density)720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density)
Size6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
ChipsetQualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm)Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm)
GPUAdreno 610Adreno 506
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/1.88 MP, f/2.0
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired15W wired
Type5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsThunder Black, Electric Blue, Black, Blue, RedBlack, Blue, Red, Green
Models1916, V1928ASM-A207F, SM-A207M, SM-A2070
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 250 EUR
SAR1.05 W/kg (head)     0.45 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.35 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)

vivo U10

  • Faster Snapdragon 665 processor
  • More efficient 11nm process
  • Faster 18W charging
  • Better performance for multitasking

  • Likely less brand recognition than Samsung
  • Potential for less frequent software updates

Samsung Galaxy A20s

  • Established Samsung brand reputation
  • Potentially longer software support (though not guaranteed)
  • Wider availability in some markets
  • Familiar Samsung One UI interface

  • Slower Snapdragon 450 processor
  • Less efficient 14nm process
  • Slower 15W charging
  • Lower performance for demanding tasks

Display Comparison

Neither device is known for display excellence. Given the context data focuses on chipsets, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of specifications like resolution or refresh rate suggests a focus on cost reduction. Bezels are likely substantial on both, and color accuracy will be standard for the segment. The real difference will be in software calibration, a factor not covered in the provided data.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of information regarding sensor size or optical image stabilization (OIS) suggests neither device excels in low-light performance. The focus will likely be on software processing to enhance image quality, and the differences here will be more subjective. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited practical benefit.

Performance

The core differentiator lies in the chipsets. The vivo U10’s Snapdragon 665, fabricated on an 11nm process, boasts a more modern architecture – octa-core with Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz – compared to the Galaxy A20s’ Snapdragon 450 (14nm) with its octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to a significant performance uplift for the U10, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks. The 11nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The A53 cores in the A20s are older and less efficient, resulting in a slower and less responsive experience.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn't specified, the 18W wired charging on the vivo U10 provides a clear advantage over the Galaxy A20s’ 15W charging. The more efficient Snapdragon 665 in the U10 will also contribute to better battery life during typical usage. The faster charging speed means less time tethered to a wall outlet, a significant benefit for users on the go. Even if the A20s has a slightly larger battery, the U10’s efficiency and faster charging will likely result in a comparable or better overall experience.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo U10 if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as moderate gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior chipset provides a smoother user experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A20s if your primary needs are limited to calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize the Samsung brand ecosystem and potentially longer software support (though this is not guaranteed).

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A20s struggle with modern mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Snapdragon 450 is likely to struggle with graphically demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty, even at lower settings. The older architecture and lower processing power will result in noticeable lag and frame drops. The vivo U10’s Snapdragon 665 offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the vivo U10’s 18W charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Galaxy A20s’ 15W charging?
Yes, while the difference may not be dramatic, the 18W charging on the vivo U10 will noticeably reduce charging time. Expect a roughly 20-30% faster charge from 0-100% compared to the Galaxy A20s, making it more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo U10 capable of handling multitasking and running multiple apps simultaneously without lag?
The Snapdragon 665 is significantly better equipped for multitasking than the Snapdragon 450. It can comfortably handle several apps running in the background without significant performance degradation, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.