The vivo Y series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y20a and Y15a are two popular contenders in this space, offering compelling value for budget-conscious buyers. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y15a edges out the Y20a thanks to its slightly faster processor and the added convenience of reverse wired charging. While both offer similar core experiences, the Y15a's performance boost and extra feature make it the marginally better choice for most users.
| 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, 28, 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, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, November 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 179 g (6.31 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) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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, f/2.0 |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Wave Green, Mystic Blue |
| Models | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | V2134 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
vivo Y20a
- Clean and simple software
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Slower processor
- No reverse charging
- Basic camera performance
vivo Y15a
- Slightly faster processor
- 5W reverse wired charging
- Good battery life
- Affordable price
- Basic camera performance
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for media consumption but not exceptional. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range. Neither phone boasts a high refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
The Y20a typically features a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The Y15a also has a 13MP main camera, but often includes a 2MP macro and a dedicated 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is comparable, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light photography is where both struggle, exhibiting noise and limited detail. Both phones have a 8MP front camera.
Performance
The vivo Y15a holds a slight advantage here. Its MediaTek Helio P35 chipset offers a marginally faster CPU clock speed compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 in the Y20a. This translates to slightly smoother multitasking and app loading times, though neither phone is a powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. The Y15a distinguishes itself with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices – a useful feature for emergencies.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y20a is a good option for users prioritizing a clean software experience and basic functionality. The vivo Y15a is ideal for those needing a bit more processing power for everyday tasks and appreciate the reverse charging capability for topping up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The vivo Y15a has a slightly faster processor (MediaTek Helio P35) compared to the vivo Y20a (Qualcomm Snapdragon 439), resulting in marginally better performance.
❓ Can the vivo Y15a charge other devices?
Yes, the vivo Y15a supports 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices like earbuds or smartwatches.
