The vivo V20 series offered compelling mid-range smartphones, but choosing between the V20 2021 and the V20 Pro can be tricky. Both boast stylish designs and capable cameras, but key differences in performance and connectivity set them apart. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V20 Pro edges out the V20 2021 thanks to its superior Snapdragon 765G 5G chipset, offering noticeably better performance and 5G connectivity. While both offer excellent cameras and design, the Pro's power advantage makes it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 24. Released 2020, December 24 | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, September 30 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | - |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in) | 158.8 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.25 x 2.92 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 170 g (6.00 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | 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
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.3 (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 | 33W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata | Sunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata |
| Models | V2040, V2043_21 | 2018 |
| Price | About 280 EUR | About 410 EUR |
vivo V20 2021
- Stylish design
- Excellent front-facing camera
- Good value for money
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Less powerful chipset than V20 Pro
- No 5G connectivity
- Macro lens is not very useful
vivo V20 Pro
- Superior performance thanks to Snapdragon 765G
- 5G connectivity
- Slightly better camera processing
- Premium feel
- More expensive than V20 2021
- Depth sensor is not a significant upgrade
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels) and a 440 nits brightness. Color accuracy and viewing angles are excellent on both. There's no significant difference in display quality; both offer a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. The V20 Pro has a slightly smaller chin.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The V20 2021 has a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro lens. The V20 Pro boasts a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the megapixel count is similar, the V20 Pro's image processing and slightly better low-light performance give it a slight edge. Both offer a 40MP front-facing camera for excellent selfies.
Performance
This is where the V20 Pro shines. The Snapdragon 765G is a considerably more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 730. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the V20 Pro. The V20 2021 is still capable for everyday tasks, but it will struggle more with demanding games or heavy workloads.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 4000mAh battery and support 33W fast charging. Real-world battery life is comparable, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. Charging times are also similar, taking around 60-70 minutes to fully charge.
Buying Guide
The vivo V20 2021 is a great option for users prioritizing a stylish design and a solid camera experience on a slightly tighter budget. The vivo V20 Pro is ideal for those who want faster performance, 5G connectivity, and are willing to spend a bit more for the enhanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo V20 Pro worth the extra money?
If you value performance and 5G connectivity, then yes, the V20 Pro is worth the extra investment. However, if you're on a budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the V20 2021 is still a capable device.
❓ Which phone has the better camera for selfies?
Both phones have excellent front-facing cameras (40MP), but the V20 Pro's slightly better image processing often results in slightly more flattering selfies.
