The vivo V20 and Realme 8 Pro represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. Both leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, but diverge in their approach to battery technology and charging speeds. This comparison dissects these differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8 Pro is the better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 720G processor, the Realme 8 Pro’s significantly faster 50W charging – achieving a full charge in 47 minutes versus the vivo V20’s slower pace – provides a tangible usability advantage. The slightly better battery endurance further solidifies its win.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 30. Released 2020, October 19 | 2021, March 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 74.2 x 7.4 mm (6.35 x 2.92 x 0.29 in) | 160.6 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm (6.32 x 2.91 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 171 g (6.03 oz) | 176 g (6.21 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
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@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, 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 | 50W wired, 50% in 17 min, 100% in 47 min |
| Type | 4000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunset Melody, Midnight Jazz, Moonlight Sonata | Infinite Blue, Infinite Black, Punk Black, Illuminating Yellow |
| Models | V2025, V2024 | RMX3081 |
| Price | About 290 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 111h |
Endurance rating 116h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.3 LUFS (Average) |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 276006(v8)
GeekBench: 1686 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1678 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V20
- Slightly brighter display (621 nits)
- Sleek and premium design (assumed based on brand reputation)
- Balanced overall experience
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Slightly lower battery endurance
Realme 8 Pro
- Faster charging speed (50W, 47 min to full)
- Slightly better battery endurance (116h)
- Potentially more aggressive pricing
- Display brightness potentially lower than vivo V20
- Design may be less premium (subjective)
Display Comparison
Both the vivo V20 and Realme 8 Pro feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks typical of AMOLED panels. However, the vivo V20 boasts a measured peak brightness of 621 nits. While Realme doesn't provide this specific figure, the V20's brightness advantage will be noticeable in direct sunlight. Both likely employ similar PWM dimming rates, but without specific data, it's difficult to assess which is better for users sensitive to flicker. The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device positions them firmly in the mainstream, rather than gaming-focused, segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones advertise photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is challenging. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither phone is aiming to be a photography leader. The focus is likely on providing a competent, all-around camera experience for social media and casual use. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is a common, but often underutilized, feature.
Performance
At the heart of both devices lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver. This means performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks and most gaming scenarios. Neither phone specifies RAM type or speed, but given the price point, LPDDR4X is likely. Thermal management will be similar, relying on passive cooling solutions. The performance difference will be negligible, making other factors more important.
Battery Life
The Realme 8 Pro edges out the vivo V20 in battery endurance, achieving 116 hours versus 111 hours. This 5-hour difference, while not massive, suggests slightly more efficient power management or a marginally larger battery capacity (though both are unspecified). The key differentiator, however, is charging speed. The Realme 8 Pro’s 50W wired charging can reach 50% in just 17 minutes and a full charge in 47 minutes, a significant advantage over the vivo V20’s 33W charging. This faster charging capability directly translates to less downtime and greater convenience for users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V20 if you prioritize a sleek design and a balanced experience without a pressing need for ultra-fast charging. Buy the Realme 8 Pro if you value rapid replenishment of battery life and are a power user who frequently finds themselves needing to top up throughout the day. The 8 Pro is geared towards those who demand convenience and minimal downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 720G in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 720G is a capable mid-range chipset, but it's not designed for ultra-high settings in graphically intensive games. Both the vivo V20 and Realme 8 Pro will likely require medium settings for a smooth experience in PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences.
❓ How does the 50W charging on the Realme 8 Pro compare to other fast charging standards?
50W charging is relatively fast, placing the Realme 8 Pro ahead of many competitors in its price range. While not as rapid as some flagship phones with 65W or 120W charging, it's significantly faster than the 33W charging on the vivo V20, offering a substantial time saving when topping up the battery.
❓ Are the 2MP macro cameras on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones are limited in their capabilities. Image quality is often soft and lacks detail. They can be fun to experiment with, but don't expect professional-level macro photography. The larger the sensor, the better the macro performance.
