The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y18 and Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y18 relies on a tried-and-true, if older, chipset, while the Spark 20 Pro 5G opts for a newer, more efficient processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y18’s Helio G85, and the 33W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Y18 is still a capable device, the Spark 20 Pro 5G offers a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 18, 19, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, May 06 | 2024, June 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2024, June 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 168.5 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm or 8.5 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 200 g or 201.5 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~85.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED dual-tone flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 33W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mocha Brown, Wave Aqua | Startrail Black, Glossy White, Neon Green |
| Models | - | KJ8 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 180 EUR |
vivo Y18
- Potentially more established brand reputation.
- Simpler user interface (potentially).
- May have slightly longer software support.
- Older, less efficient chipset.
- Slower charging speed.
- Lower overall performance.
Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G
- More powerful and efficient Dimensity 6080 chipset.
- Significantly faster 33W charging.
- Improved CPU and GPU performance.
- Better image processing capabilities.
- Tecno's software experience may not appeal to everyone.
- Potentially less brand recognition.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the focus here isn't display quality, but the underlying processing power needed to drive them. The Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G has a more capable GPU, potentially leading to smoother animations and slightly better graphics rendering, even if the resolution and refresh rates are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both phones likely rely on similar sensor configurations. The focus should be on image processing capabilities, which are tied to the chipset. The Dimensity 6080’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is more advanced than the Helio G85’s, potentially leading to better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Any claims of high megapixel counts should be viewed skeptically without knowing the sensor size.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080 (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the vivo Y18’s Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm process inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance during prolonged use. Furthermore, the Dimensity 6080 features newer Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, compared to the Y18’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This architectural advantage, combined with the higher clock speed, results in a demonstrably faster CPU experience for the Tecno, particularly in demanding applications.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the charging wattage tells a clear story. The Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a substantial improvement over the vivo Y18’s 15W charging. This means the Tecno can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. Even if the Y18 has a slightly larger battery, the faster charging of the Spark 20 Pro 5G will likely result in a more usable experience for power users.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y18 if you prioritize a familiar software experience and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll appreciate its simplicity and potentially longer software support from vivo. Buy the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G if you want a phone that feels snappier in everyday use, handles multitasking more effectively, and charges much faster, making it ideal for users who consume more content or play mobile games occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Dimensity 6080 in the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Helio G85?
The Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, is inherently more thermally efficient than the Helio G85 (12nm). While both will warm up during gaming, the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G is likely to maintain sustained performance for longer periods without significant throttling due to better heat dissipation.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G compared to the 15W charging on the vivo Y18?
The 33W charging on the Tecno Spark 20 Pro 5G will significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity, expect a 0-100% charge to take roughly 60-90 minutes on the Tecno, compared to potentially 2+ hours on the vivo Y18. This is a substantial difference for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio G85 and Dimensity 6080 noticeable in everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Dimensity 6080’s newer CPU cores and more efficient architecture result in smoother animations, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience, even in everyday tasks. While the Helio G85 is adequate, the Dimensity 6080 provides a more fluid and enjoyable user experience.
