The vivo Y20 2021 and Nokia G20 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both rely on Mediatek’s Helio series of chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and brand philosophy create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 edges out the vivo Y20 2021. While both share a similar core experience, the slightly higher CPU clock speed of the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 translates to marginally smoother multitasking and app loading, making it a better all-rounder.
| 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, 7, 8, 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 | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 13 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 (~81.6% 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 (4x2.35 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 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | V2043, V2048 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 120 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 Y20 2021
- Potentially more compact design
- Established brand with consistent updates (within budget segment)
- Likely vibrant color processing
- Slightly slower processor (Helio P35)
- May include more pre-installed bloatware
Nokia G20
- Marginally faster processor (Helio G35)
- Cleaner Android One experience
- Guaranteed software updates
- Potentially larger form factor
- May have a more subdued color profile
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution in their marketing materials. Given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is expected. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing cost reduction over premium aesthetics. Color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment, leaning towards warmer tones for wider appeal.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Both are expected to feature a multi-camera setup, but the primary sensor resolution is not specified. The focus should be on real-world image quality, which will heavily depend on software processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely differ between the two brands, with vivo often favoring more saturated colors and Nokia aiming for a more natural look.
Performance
Both devices are powered by Mediatek’s Helio series, but the Nokia G20 features the Helio G35 while the vivo Y20 2021 uses the Helio P35. The G35 boasts a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.3 GHz versus 2.35 GHz – which, while seemingly minor, can contribute to a snappier user experience during app launches and multitasking. Both chips utilize the same octa-core configuration with 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3/2.35 GHz and 4x Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. The G35’s integrated GPU is also slightly more capable, potentially offering a marginal improvement in light gaming. However, neither chipset is designed for demanding titles. Both phones will likely struggle with graphically intensive games at higher settings.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y20 2021 and Nokia G20 utilize 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience – expect approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge from 0%. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use. The efficiency of the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 *may* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be significant.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20 2021 if you prioritize a slightly more compact form factor and a brand known for consistent software updates, even within the budget segment. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value a marginally faster processor for everyday tasks and appreciate Nokia’s commitment to Android One, offering a cleaner, bloatware-free experience and guaranteed software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 receive major Android version updates?
Yes, the Nokia G20 is part of the Android One program, guaranteeing at least two major Android version updates and three years of security patches. This is a significant advantage over the vivo Y20 2021, which typically receives fewer updates.
❓ Is the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 capable of playing PUBG Mobile?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Nokia G20, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible options and accept a lower frame rate. The Helio G35 is not a gaming-focused chipset, and demanding games will likely result in stuttering and lag.
❓ Does either phone have a fingerprint sensor?
Neither the vivo Y20 2021 nor the Nokia G20 are confirmed to have a fingerprint sensor. Both likely rely on traditional PIN or pattern unlock methods for security, a common cost-saving measure in this price range.
❓ How much bloatware is pre-installed on the Nokia G20?
The Nokia G20, being an Android One device, comes with minimal bloatware. You can expect a clean Android experience with only essential Google apps pre-installed, unlike many other budget smartphones.
