The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The vivo Y20a and vivo Y20 2021 are two contenders in this space, both targeting budget-conscious buyers. But which one offers the better value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y20 2021 edges out the Y20a thanks to its slightly faster processor and marginally improved performance. While both offer similar battery life and camera capabilities, the Y20 2021's CPU provides a smoother overall experience, making it the preferred choice for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 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 | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 13 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| 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) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~81.6% 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 (4x2.35 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 10, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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/1.8, (wide) |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Dawn White, Nebula Blue |
| Models | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | V2043, V2048 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
vivo Y20a
- Very affordable
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent camera for the price
- Slower processor
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution
vivo Y20 2021
- Slightly faster processor than Y20a
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Decent camera for the price
- 10W charging is slow
- HD+ display resolution
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y20 2021 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup: a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally similar across both devices, with decent performance in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is average on both, exhibiting noise and a lack of detail. The front-facing camera is an 8MP unit on both.
Performance
The vivo Y20 2021's MediaTek Helio P35 boasts a slightly higher clock speed (2.35 GHz for 4 cores) compared to the Y20a's Snapdragon 439 (1.95 GHz for 4 cores). This translates to a noticeable, albeit minor, improvement in app loading times and overall responsiveness. The Y20a can feel a bit sluggish when multitasking or running demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect around 2-3 hours to fully charge either phone.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y20a is a good option for users prioritizing a very budget-friendly device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The vivo Y20 2021 is better suited for those who want a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking and occasional gaming, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y20a worth buying in 2024?
If you're on an extremely tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks, the Y20a can still be a viable option. However, for a slightly better experience, the Y20 2021 is generally recommended.
❓ What is the difference between the vivo Y20a and Y20?
The Y20a is essentially a slightly modified version of the original Y20, primarily focusing on cost reduction. The Y20 2021 is a refresh with a slightly improved chipset.
