vivo U20 vs Oppo K3: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The vivo U20 and Oppo K3 represent a fascinating intersection in the mid-range smartphone market. Both devices, powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, aim to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. However, the Snapdragon 710 in the Oppo K3 and the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo U20 represent distinct architectural choices, impacting performance and efficiency. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which phone best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing slightly smoother performance and faster charging, the Oppo K3 emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 710, built on a smaller 10nm process, offers a tangible performance edge over the vivo U20’s Snapdragon 675, and the 20W charging is a welcome addition. However, the U20 remains a compelling option for those on a tighter budget.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo U20 Oppo K3
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 3, 4, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 -CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA
Launch
Announced2019, November. Released 2019, November2019, May. Released 2019, May
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions162.2 x 76.5 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)161.2 x 76 x 9.4 mm (6.35 x 2.99 x 0.37 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight193 g (6.81 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDAMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm)Qualcomm SDM710 Snapdragon 710 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 612Adreno 616
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.2Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-16 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.5", 1.12µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µmMotorized pop-up 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired20W wired
Type5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3765 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsRacing Black, Blaze BlueBlack, Nebula Purple, Morning White
Models-CPH1955, PCGM00
PriceAbout 130 EURAbout 210 EUR
Tests
Performance AnTuTu: 215820 (v8) GeekBench: 5857 (v4.4), 1614 (v5.1) GFXBench: 7.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

vivo U20

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reliable Snapdragon 675 performance for everyday tasks
  • Decent battery life for basic usage

  • Less powerful chipset compared to the Snapdragon 710
  • Slower 18W charging
  • Likely less efficient power consumption

Oppo K3

  • More powerful Snapdragon 710 chipset
  • Faster 20W charging
  • Improved thermal efficiency due to 10nm process

  • Potentially higher price
  • May not offer a dramatically different camera experience
  • Battery life may be comparable if capacity is similar

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing power, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The absence of information regarding refresh rates suggests both are likely 60Hz. The real difference will come down to panel quality and color calibration, which are not specified. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the design trends of their release period.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s reasonable to assume both phones feature multi-camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or OIS suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Oppo’s typically leaning towards vibrant, saturated colors, while vivo often aims for a more natural look. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is likely a marketing gimmick with limited practical utility.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo K3’s Snapdragon 710 (10nm) has a slight edge in CPU clock speed (2.2 GHz vs 2.0 GHz) and benefits from a more efficient manufacturing process. This 10nm process translates to better thermal efficiency, potentially leading to sustained performance during prolonged gaming sessions compared to the vivo U20’s 11nm Snapdragon 675. While both utilize Kryo cores, the 710’s architecture is a generation newer, offering improvements in IPC (Instructions Per Clock). This means the K3 will likely handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

While battery capacity isn’t specified, the 20W charging on the Oppo K3 is a significant advantage over the vivo U20’s 18W charging. This translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. Even with a similar battery capacity, the K3 will likely reach 100% faster. The Snapdragon 710’s 10nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life during moderate usage, offsetting any capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo U20 if you need a reliable daily driver with decent performance for everyday tasks and prioritize maximizing value for your money. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, use social media, and occasionally play less demanding games. Buy the Oppo K3 if you prefer a more responsive experience, particularly when multitasking or playing graphically intensive games, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging. This phone is geared towards users who demand a bit more from their smartphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 710 in the Oppo K3 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 710 is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won’t deliver the same experience as a flagship chipset, the 710’s architecture and GPU provide a noticeable improvement over the Snapdragon 675, resulting in smoother gameplay and fewer stutters.
❓ How much faster is the 20W charging on the Oppo K3 compared to the 18W charging on the vivo U20 in real-world usage?
The 20W charging on the Oppo K3 will likely shave off around 15-20 minutes from a full 0-100% charge compared to the vivo U20’s 18W charging. This difference is particularly noticeable during quick top-ups, allowing you to gain a significant amount of battery life in a short period.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 675 in the vivo U20 struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Snapdragon 675 is a capable chipset, but it may exhibit some slowdowns when running a large number of apps concurrently. While it can handle typical multitasking scenarios, users who frequently switch between numerous demanding applications may experience occasional lag or app reloading.