Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The vivo V17 Pro and V20 2021 are both solid contenders in the mid-range market, offering stylish designs and capable features. But which one is right for you?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V20 2021 edges out the V17 Pro thanks to its faster Snapdragon 730 chipset, quicker 33W charging, and generally more modern features. While the V17 Pro boasts impressive battery endurance, the V20 2021 provides a more well-rounded experience.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, September 20. Released 2019, September | 2020, December 24. Released 2020, December 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), plastic frame | Glass front, glass back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 74.7 x 9.8 mm (6.26 x 2.94 x 0.39 in) | 161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 201.8 g (7.13 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 6 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 612 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
13 MP, (telephoto), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | Motorized pop-up 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Motorized pop-up 8 MP, 17mm (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 4100 mAh, non-removable | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Crystal Black, Crystal Sky, Midnight Ocean | Sunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata |
| Models | 1909, PD1931F_EX, 1910 | V2040, V2043_21 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 280 EUR |
| SAR | 0.95 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -94.5dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 107h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 67dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 89dB
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 176791 (v7)
GeekBench: 6629 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 7.3fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
vivo V17 Pro
- Exceptional battery life
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Stylish design
- Older chipset
- Slower charging
- Potentially less refined camera
vivo V20 2021
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 730)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Improved camera performance
- More modern design
- Slightly shorter battery life than V17 Pro
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The V17 Pro's measured 504 nits brightness is respectable, while the V20 2021 likely has slightly better brightness and color accuracy due to its newer panel. The V20 2021 also typically has a higher screen-to-body ratio, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups, typically including a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. The V20 2021 often features a higher resolution front-facing camera, making it a better choice for selfies and video calls. Image processing and low-light performance are generally improved on the V20 2021 due to the newer chipset.
Performance
The Snapdragon 730 in the V20 2021 is a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 675 in the V17 Pro. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the V20 2021. The 8nm process of the 730 also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The V17 Pro's endurance rating of 107h is exceptionally high, suggesting outstanding battery life. However, the V20 2021's 33W charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the V17 Pro's 18W charging. While the V17 Pro might last longer on a single charge, the V20 2021 offers more convenience.
Buying Guide
The vivo V17 Pro is a good choice for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a vibrant display. The vivo V20 2021 is better suited for those who value performance, faster charging, and a more up-to-date processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V20 2021 worth the upgrade from the V17 Pro?
If performance and faster charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 730 and 33W charging offer a noticeable improvement. However, if battery life is your absolute top priority, the V17 Pro remains a strong contender.
❓ Which phone has better selfie camera?
The vivo V20 2021 generally has a better selfie camera due to its higher resolution front-facing sensor and improved image processing capabilities.
