The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding a careful balance of features and price. Both the vivo Y15a and Nokia G20 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on the core components that impact daily usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 offers a slightly better overall package. While both phones share the same 10W charging and similar CPUs, the Nokia G20’s slightly more optimized software and potentially better long-term software support give it a marginal edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | V2134 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y15a
- 5W Reverse Wired Charging
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Slightly more compact design
- Helio P35 chipset is slightly less powerful than G35
- No guaranteed software update schedule
Nokia G20
- Helio G35 chipset offers a slight GPU advantage
- Guaranteed software updates from Nokia
- Larger display for media consumption
- Larger form factor may be less comfortable for some
- No reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither the vivo Y15a nor the Nokia G20 boast impressive displays. Both are likely utilizing IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic tasks. The Nokia G20’s larger 6.5-inch display (versus the Y15a’s 6.51-inch) will be preferable for video watching, but this comes at the cost of increased device size. Color accuracy and viewing angles will likely be similar on both, leaning towards acceptable rather than exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The focus should be on capturing usable images in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of multiple cameras (often including 2MP macro and depth sensors) is common in this segment, but these sensors offer limited practical benefit. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise, and the Nokia G20’s software optimizations may yield slightly more pleasing results.
Performance
Both devices are powered by Mediatek’s Helio P35 (Y15a) and Helio G35 (Nokia G20) chipsets, both fabricated on a 12nm process. The CPUs are identical: an octa-core configuration with 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 includes a slightly more capable IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU compared to the Helio P35’s GE8320. This translates to marginally better graphics performance, potentially offering a smoother experience in light gaming. Real-world performance will be similar for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, but the G20 has a slight edge in graphical workloads.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y15a and Nokia G20 feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting comparable all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, both are limited to 10W wired charging. This means a full charge will take a significant amount of time – likely over 3 hours. The Y15a adds 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Nokia G20. While the battery capacity is the same, the Nokia G20’s software optimizations might lead to slightly better standby time.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y15a if you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience out of the box and a slightly more compact form factor. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value guaranteed software updates (a key Nokia strength) and a larger display for media consumption, even if it means a larger device. Both are excellent choices for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 offer a noticeable gaming improvement over the Helio P35 in the vivo Y15a?
While both chipsets are entry-level, the Helio G35’s slightly more capable GPU provides a modest boost in graphics performance. Expect smoother frame rates in less demanding games, but don’t anticipate high-end gaming experiences on either device. Both will struggle with graphically intensive titles.
❓ How important are the software update guarantees from Nokia, and will the Nokia G20 receive major Android version updates?
Nokia is committed to providing regular security updates and at least two major Android version upgrades for the G20. This is a significant advantage over the vivo Y15a, which likely won’t receive the same level of long-term software support. This extended support enhances security and ensures compatibility with newer apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on both phones a significant drawback, and how long will it take to fully charge the battery?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is a compromise made to keep the price low. If fast charging is a priority, you’ll need to consider a more expensive device.
