The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20 2021 and the Tecno Spark 7 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, a significant difference in their core processing power dictates which device is better suited for demanding users. This comparison dissects the key specifications to reveal the optimal choice for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing smooth multitasking and occasional gaming, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro is the clear winner. Its Helio G80 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the vivo Y20 2021’s Helio P35, making it a more future-proof and responsive device. While both offer basic functionality, the Spark 7 Pro delivers a noticeably better user experience.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 13 | 2021, April 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.9 x 76.2 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| 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 MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, PDAF
Secondary unknown camera
Third unknown camera |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Alps Blue, Spruce Green, Neon Dream, Magnet Black |
| Models | V2043, V2048 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
vivo Y20 2021
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor (assuming similar battery capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Spark 7 Pro
- Slow 10W charging
- May struggle with app updates and future software
Tecno Spark 7 Pro
- Superior performance thanks to the Helio G80 chipset
- Better gaming capabilities
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software bloatware is common on Tecno devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm process technology, suggesting similar power consumption characteristics. However, display specifications beyond resolution are unavailable, making a direct comparison difficult. We can infer that both likely employ LCD panels given the price point. The focus here is on functionality over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the chipsets, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the G80’s integrated image signal processor (ISP) is likely more advanced, potentially leading to better image processing and noise reduction in the Spark 7 Pro. The presence of a more powerful processor allows for faster image capture and processing speeds. The market segment suggests both phones will rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality, but the G80 provides a stronger foundation.
Performance
The Tecno Spark 7 Pro’s Mediatek Helio G80 is the defining advantage. Its octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a significant architectural improvement over the vivo Y20 2021’s Helio P35 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The Cortex-A75 cores in the G80 offer substantially higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The G80 also features a more capable GPU, making it better suited for gaming. The P35, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity data is missing for both devices. However, the Helio G80 is generally more power-efficient than the Helio P35 under load, despite its higher performance. The vivo Y20 2021’s 10W charging is significantly slower than what is commonly found in this price range, suggesting longer charge times. The Spark 7 Pro, while potentially having a similar battery capacity, benefits from a more efficient chipset and likely faster charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20 2021 if you need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and battery life is your absolute top priority. You're willing to accept slower performance for extended uptime. Buy the Tecno Spark 7 Pro if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming (even at moderate settings), and want a device that feels less likely to struggle with app updates and future software versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 7 Pro handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Helio G80 in the Spark 7 Pro is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but you'll likely need to play at medium or low settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the Y20 2021 will struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio P35 and Helio G80 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The G80’s faster cores and improved architecture result in snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The P35 can feel sluggish, especially when switching between apps or loading demanding websites.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
The vivo Y20 2021’s 10W charging is very slow, likely taking over 3 hours for a full charge. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro, while specific charging wattage is unknown, likely supports faster charging, potentially reducing the charge time to around 2 hours.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and messaging?
While both phones can handle social media and messaging, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro offers a smoother and more enjoyable experience due to its faster processor. Scrolling through feeds and loading images will be noticeably quicker.
