The Realme 8i and vivo Y20g represent compelling options in the crowded sub-$200 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential features without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The Realme 8i prioritizes processing power with its Helio G96, while the vivo Y20g focuses on a balanced experience with the Helio G80. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 8i is the better choice. Its Helio G96 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the vivo Y20g’s Helio G80, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both offer similar battery endurance and charging speeds, the 8i’s superior processing power makes it the more versatile option.
| 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 | 2021, January 19 | 2021, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Available. Released 2021, September 14 |
| 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) | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 600 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6781 Helio G96 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purist Blue, Obsidian Black | Space Black, Space Purple |
| Models | V2037, V2065 | RMX3151 |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 131h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.4 LUFS (Average)
|
vivo Y20g
- Superior chipset (Helio G96) for better performance
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y20g
- No significant advantage in battery life
Realme 8i
- Competitive price point
- Solid battery endurance (131h)
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset (Helio G80)
- Likely lower display quality
- Potentially less refined camera experience
Display Comparison
The Realme 8i boasts a measured peak brightness of 540 nits and a 1244:1 contrast ratio, indicating a more vibrant and visible display, especially outdoors. While the vivo Y20g’s display specifications aren’t provided, it’s likely to offer lower brightness and contrast, resulting in a less immersive viewing experience. The Realme 8i’s higher contrast ratio will deliver deeper blacks and more defined colors, enhancing media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the Realme 8i’s positioning as a slightly more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume it benefits from more sophisticated image processing algorithms and potentially a larger primary sensor. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode or improved HDR processing on the 8i would further enhance its photographic capabilities. The 2MP macro cameras found on many phones in this price range are generally of limited utility on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8i’s MediaTek Helio G96, with its octa-core configuration of 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, represents a clear upgrade over the vivo Y20g’s Helio G80 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The G96’s Cortex-A76 cores are architecturally superior to the G80’s A75 cores, offering improved single-core performance. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother overall system responsiveness. While both are 12nm chips, the G96’s architecture provides a tangible performance advantage, particularly in demanding applications and games.
Battery Life
Both the Realme 8i and vivo Y20g share an endurance rating of 131 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. Both also support 18W wired charging. This means that while the actual battery capacity isn’t specified, the charging speeds are identical. The Realme 8i’s more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly better real-world battery performance, but the difference is likely to be minimal. Expect roughly the same 0-100% charging time on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20g if you prioritize a consistently stable, if less powerful, experience for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. It’s a solid choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Realme 8i if you enjoy mobile gaming, frequently multitask, or want a phone that feels more responsive and future-proof. The G96 chipset offers a significant upgrade in performance for a minimal price increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 8i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G96 chipset in the Realme 8i is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonably stable frame rates. While it won't match flagship performance, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the vivo Y20g's Helio G80.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
18W charging is considered relatively standard for phones in this price range. It won't provide incredibly rapid charging speeds, but it's sufficient to top up the battery in a reasonable timeframe (around 2-3 hours for a full charge). It's unlikely to cause any significant inconvenience for typical users.
❓ Does the Realme 8i have a noticeable advantage in multitasking compared to the vivo Y20g?
Absolutely. The Realme 8i’s Helio G96 chipset, with its more efficient Cortex-A76 cores, handles multitasking far more smoothly. Switching between apps will be quicker and less prone to lag compared to the vivo Y20g, making it a better choice for users who frequently use multiple apps simultaneously.
