The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20a and Tecno Spark 7 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Y20a relying on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 439, while the Spark 7 Pro opts for MediaTek’s Helio G80. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro emerges as the stronger choice. Its Helio G80 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y20a, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While both phones share similar battery capacities, the Spark 7 Pro’s more efficient processor contributes to slightly better real-world endurance.
| 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 | 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 02 | 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 (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 MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, HIOS 7.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB 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 | 4.2, 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 | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | - |
vivo Y20a
- Established Brand Reputation
- Simple and User-Friendly Interface
- Potentially Lower Price (depending on region)
- Significantly Slower Performance
- Slow Charging Speed (10W)
- Less Capable Camera System
Tecno Spark 7 Pro
- Superior Performance with Helio G80
- Faster Charging (typically 18W)
- Better Gaming Capabilities
- Less Brand Recognition
- Software Experience May Vary
- Potentially Slightly Higher Price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the Tecno Spark 7 Pro’s larger screen size (typically 6.8 inches vs the Y20a’s 6.51 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience. However, without knowing the peak brightness levels, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will vary. Without specific sensor details beyond the typical 2MP macro lens found on both, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Helio G80’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more advanced than the Snapdragon 439’s, potentially leading to better image processing and dynamic range in the Spark 7 Pro. The larger sensor size (if present) on the Spark 7 Pro’s main camera would further enhance image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing features and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 7 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G80 (12nm) is a clear upgrade over the vivo Y20a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm). The G80 features a more modern CPU architecture – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Y20a’s 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53. This translates to approximately 30-40% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. The G80 also includes a more capable Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, offering a significantly better gaming experience than the Adreno 505 in the Y20a. The Y20a will struggle with demanding titles, while the Spark 7 Pro can handle most games at medium settings.
Battery Life
Both devices likely pack around a 5000mAh battery, a standard capacity for this price range. However, the Helio G80 in the Tecno Spark 7 Pro is more power-efficient than the Snapdragon 439. This means the Spark 7 Pro will likely offer slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. The vivo Y20a’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Spark 7 Pro’s (typically 18W), resulting in longer charge times. Expect around 3 hours to fully charge the Y20a, compared to approximately 2 hours for the Spark 7 Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20a if you prioritize a familiar, established brand and require a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Tecno Spark 7 Pro if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional mobile gaming, or need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps. The G80 chipset offers a significant performance advantage for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 7 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G80 is generally well-managed in terms of thermals. While it will get warm during prolonged gaming, it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling like the Snapdragon 439 might due to its lower performance headroom. The larger chassis of the Spark 7 Pro also aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the vivo Y20a a dealbreaker?
For casual users, 10W charging isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but it's significantly slower than the 18W charging typically found on the Tecno Spark 7 Pro. Expect a much longer wait to fully charge the Y20a, which can be inconvenient if you frequently run out of battery.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 7 Pro run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G80 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a playable frame rate. You may need to lower the graphics settings for smoother performance during intense firefights, but it’s a far more enjoyable experience than on the Snapdragon 439-powered Y20a.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
vivo’s Funtouch OS is known for its customization options, while Tecno’s HiOS is a more streamlined experience. Both are based on Android, but HiOS generally feels closer to stock Android, while Funtouch OS has a more distinct visual style. User preference will play a large role here.
