The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y20a and Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G represent two distinct approaches. The Y20a focuses on providing a basic, reliable experience, while the Poco M3 Pro 5G aggressively targets users wanting 5G connectivity and improved performance at a minimal price premium. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds and 5G support, while the 18W charging is a substantial upgrade over the Y20a’s 10W. While the Y20a is cheaper, the Poco’s performance gains justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 30. Released 2021, January 02 | 2021, May 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 161.8 x 75.3 x 8.9 mm (6.37 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ), 500 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, 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, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn White, Nebula Blue | Poco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue |
| Models | V2052, V2054, V2070, V2101, V2034 | M2103K19PG, M2103K19PI, M2103K19PY |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.06 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.54 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 121h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1475:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.9 LUFS (Good)
|
vivo Y20a
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable for basic smartphone tasks
- Decent battery endurance (121h)
- Slow Snapdragon 439 processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Lacks 5G connectivity
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
- Fast Mediatek Dimensity 700 processor
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 18W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Slightly higher price than the Y20a
- May not have the best camera in its class
- Display isn't high refresh rate
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a contrast ratio of 1475:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 536 nits, a considerable advantage over what we’d expect from the Y20a’s display. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While neither phone is likely to feature high refresh rate panels, the Poco’s brighter display provides a more pleasant viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s positioning, it’s reasonable to assume a more capable camera system. The Y20a likely relies on budget sensors, while the Poco may include features like phase detection autofocus or larger sensor sizes. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode on the Poco is also probable, offering better low-light performance. We'd advise caution regarding any 2MP macro lenses on either device; their utility is limited.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Poco M3 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, built on a 7nm process, significantly outperforms the vivo Y20a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm). The Dimensity 700’s Cortex-A76 cores (2x2.2 GHz) are far more capable than the Y20a’s Cortex-A53 cores (4x1.95 GHz), resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. The Y20a is adequate for basic tasks, but the Poco is demonstrably faster.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 121 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco M3 Pro 5G’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Y20a’s slow 10W charging. This means the Poco can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the faster charging speed of the Poco effectively mitigates any potential difference in battery size.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20a if you prioritize absolute affordability and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. You’re willing to sacrifice performance and future-proofing for the lowest possible price. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and appreciate quicker charging times. It’s the better option for users who want a phone that will remain usable for longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 700 in the Poco M3 Pro 5G powerful enough for gaming?
Yes, the Dimensity 700 is capable of handling most mobile games at medium settings. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience than the Snapdragon 439 in the Y20a. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile.
❓ How much faster is 5G on the Poco M3 Pro 5G compared to 4G?
5G speeds on the Poco M3 Pro 5G can be several times faster than 4G, depending on network availability and coverage. In ideal conditions, you can expect download speeds of hundreds of megabits per second, allowing for faster app downloads, smoother streaming, and quicker web browsing. However, 5G coverage is still limited in many areas.
❓ Does the Poco M3 Pro 5G support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and region. While the Dimensity 700 chipset supports VoWiFi, it's crucial to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing the Poco M3 Pro 5G if Wi-Fi calling is a priority.
❓ What type of charging port does the vivo Y20a use?
The vivo Y20a uses a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is an older standard compared to the USB-C port found on the Poco M3 Pro 5G, and offers slower data transfer speeds.
