The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20a and Realme Narzo 30A aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, charging, and the overall user experience to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Realme Narzo 30A is the clear winner. Its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y20a, and the 18W charging is a substantial convenience. While the Y20a is still functional, the Narzo 30A offers a more future-proof 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, 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 02 | 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB 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 | 4.2, 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 | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | RMX3171 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.37 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y20a
- Potentially slightly longer battery life due to less powerful chipset.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Reliable brand reputation.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Narzo 30A.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
Realme Narzo 30A
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Helio G85.
- 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- 5W reverse wired charging adds versatility.
- Better suited for mobile gaming.
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life compared to the Y20a.
- Realme's ColorOS can be divisive (though improving).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – around 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functionality. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will be standard for budget displays.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it's safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and potentially multiple secondary sensors (likely 2MP macro/depth). Image quality will heavily rely on software processing. The Narzo 30A’s more powerful chipset *could* translate to slightly better image processing capabilities, but the sensor size and lens aperture are more critical factors. Given the price point, expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and softness in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Narzo 30A’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) is a significantly more capable processor than the vivo Y20a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm). The Helio G85 features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, alongside six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Y20a’s eight Cortex-A53 cores split between 1.95 GHz and 1.45 GHz. The A75 cores in the Narzo 30A provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The Helio G85 also has a more capable GPU, making it better suited for gaming. While neither phone will handle demanding titles at high settings, the Narzo 30A will offer a smoother experience. The Snapdragon 439 will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the charging speeds differ dramatically. The vivo Y20a is limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take a considerable amount of time. The Realme Narzo 30A, with its 18W wired charging, will significantly reduce charging times. Furthermore, the Narzo 30A supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Y20a. While the Y20a might offer slightly longer battery life due to the less powerful chipset, the convenience of faster charging on the Narzo 30A is a major advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20a if you need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and battery life is your absolute top priority. You're willing to accept slower performance and limited gaming capabilities to maximize longevity between charges. Buy the Realme Narzo 30A if you prefer a more responsive experience, enjoy mobile gaming even on modest settings, and value faster charging speeds. You're willing to trade a bit of potential battery life for a noticeable performance boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 30A's Helio G85 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is generally efficient, and Realme typically implements thermal management solutions. While some throttling is possible during prolonged, demanding gaming, it's unlikely to cause significant overheating or performance degradation. The Snapdragon 439 in the Y20a will likely throttle *more* due to its lower performance ceiling.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the Narzo 30A useful for charging accessories like earbuds?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging is quite useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It won't rapidly charge a phone, but it's a convenient feature for emergency situations or when you only need a small boost.
❓ Can the vivo Y20a handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The vivo Y20a can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but the experience will be far from optimal. Expect low frame rates, significant lag, and the need to play at the lowest graphics settings. The Snapdragon 439 simply lacks the processing power for a smooth gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With the 10W charging of the vivo Y20a, a full charge will likely take around 3-4 hours. The Realme Narzo 30A’s 18W charging will significantly reduce this, potentially to around 1.5-2 hours, depending on usage during charging.
