Both the Realme Narzo 30A and the vivo Y20 2021 target the ultra-budget smartphone market, but they approach it with different priorities. The Narzo 30A focuses on delivering a more robust performance for gaming and multimedia, while the Y20 2021 aims for a balanced, everyday experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme Narzo 30A is the better buy. Its Helio G85 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Y20 2021’s Helio P35, and the 18W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the Y20 2021 is a functional device, the Narzo 30A offers more value for the money.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 13 | 2021, February 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, March 05 |
| 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) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 470 nits (typ), 570 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| 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 |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Laser Black, Laser Blue |
| Models | V2043, V2048 | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y20 2021
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- More powerful Helio G85 processor for gaming
- Reverse wired charging for added convenience
- May have a slightly less refined software experience
- Camera performance likely similar to Y20 2021 without detailed specs
Realme Narzo 30A
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Potentially more streamlined software
- Competitive price point
- Slow 10W charging
- Underpowered Helio P35 processor struggles with demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided, the focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Expect basic LCD panels suitable for everyday tasks. Bezels are likely comparable given the price point, and color accuracy will be standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards social media sharing. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically lack the detail and clarity needed for compelling macro photography. The larger sensor (if any) will be the deciding factor, but without that information, we can only assume the Narzo 30A’s image processing, benefiting from the more powerful chipset, will yield slightly better results in challenging lighting conditions.
Performance
The Realme Narzo 30A’s Mediatek Helio G85 is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural upgrade over the vivo Y20 2021’s Helio P35 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the G85 offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and smoother multitasking. The G85’s GPU is also more capable, translating to a better gaming experience. The Y20 2021’s P35 will struggle with demanding titles, while the Narzo 30A can handle most games at medium settings. Thermal management will likely be similar, relying on passive cooling given the price bracket.
Battery Life
The Realme Narzo 30A’s 18W wired charging is a game-changer compared to the vivo Y20 2021’s 10W charging. This translates to significantly faster top-up times, reducing downtime and increasing usability. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. The Narzo 30A also includes 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices – a feature absent on the Y20 2021.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20 2021 if you prioritize a simple, no-frills Android experience and are primarily focused on basic communication and light social media use. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you enjoy mobile gaming, frequently stream videos, or need faster charging to keep you going throughout the day. The Narzo 30A is the clear choice for power users on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30A handle games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G85 in the Narzo 30A is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level experience, it's a significant improvement over the Y20 2021's Helio P35, which would struggle with these titles.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Realme Narzo 30A with the 18W charger?
While a precise time depends on battery capacity (not specified), the 18W charging on the Narzo 30A should fully charge the device in approximately 2-2.5 hours, a substantial improvement over the Y20 2021’s 10W charging, which could take upwards of 3-4 hours.
❓ Is the difference in processor performance between the Helio G85 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Helio G85’s more powerful Cortex-A75 cores provide a snappier experience when opening apps, multitasking, and browsing the web. The Y20 2021’s Helio P35 may exhibit slight lag or stuttering during these tasks.
