Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The vivo Y15a and Y20 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y20 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 460 chipset, faster charging (18W vs 10W), and generally improved performance. While the Y15a is a decent option, the Y20's upgrades make it a more compelling 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 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g (6.31 oz) | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Wave Green, Mystic Blue | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2134 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | Rp 2,099,000 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | ₹ 13,990 |
vivo Y15a
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient storage (likely 64GB)
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
- Basic camera capabilities
vivo Y20
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 460)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Improved image processing
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than Y15a
- May lack some niche features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Y20 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, but the difference will be minimal for everyday use. Screen sizes are likely comparable, around 6.5 inches.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor, ultrawide lens, and macro lens. The Y20's Snapdragon 460 chipset likely provides better image processing capabilities, resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Expect similar camera features like portrait mode and HDR.
Performance
This is where the Y20 shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 is noticeably faster and more efficient than the Mediatek Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the Y20. The Y15a's Helio P35 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life. However, the Y20's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Y15a's 10W charging. This is a major advantage for the Y20.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y15a? Users prioritizing extremely low cost and basic functionality. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Anyone seeking better performance, faster charging, and a more modern user experience without spending a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y15a good for gaming?
The vivo Y15a's Helio P35 chipset is not ideal for demanding games. You'll likely experience lag and low frame rates. The Y20 offers a better gaming experience.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
vivo typically provides software updates for a reasonable period. However, the Y20, being a slightly newer model, is likely to receive updates for a longer duration.
