Poco M4 Pro 5G vs. vivo Y20g: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y20g and Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the Y20g focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Poco M4 Pro 5G aims to deliver 5G connectivity and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y20g’s Helio G80, and the 33W fast charging significantly reduces downtime. While both offer similar battery endurance, the Poco’s faster charging and 5G capabilities justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y20g Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 78 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2021, January 192021, November 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, January 19Available. Released 2021, November 11
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)163.6 x 75.8 x 8.8 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192.3 g (6.77 oz)195 g (6.88 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~399 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 10, Funtouch 11Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.2
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Features-Panorama
Single8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
Infrared port-Yes
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired33W wired, 100% in 59 min
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPurist Blue, Obsidian BlackPoco Yellow, Power Black, Cool Blue
ModelsV2037, V206521091116AG, MZB0BGVIN
PriceAbout 170 EURAbout 150 EUR
SAR-1.07 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 123h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1553:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -24.9 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 296721 (v8), 353663 (v9) GeekBench: 1797 (v5.1) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo Y20g

  • More affordable price point
  • Reliable for basic smartphone tasks
  • Decent battery endurance

  • Slower processor compared to the Poco
  • Significantly slower charging speeds
  • Lacks 5G connectivity

Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G

  • Faster and more efficient Dimensity 810 chipset
  • 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
  • 5G connectivity for future-proofing

  • Slightly higher price
  • Similar battery endurance to the Y20g
  • May require more careful thermal management during intense gaming

Display Comparison

Both devices feature a contrast ratio of 1553:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 510 nits, which will translate to better visibility outdoors compared to the Y20g, whose brightness is not specified. While both lack high refresh rate panels, the Poco’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for everyday use, especially in brighter environments.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Given the market positioning, it’s safe to assume both feature primary sensors around the 13-50MP range. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G likely benefits from Mediatek’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 810, potentially offering better image processing and noise reduction. Without further details, it’s difficult to definitively assess camera quality, but the Poco’s chipset gives it an edge.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Poco M4 Pro 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) is a significant step up from the vivo Y20g’s Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm). The Dimensity 810 utilizes more efficient Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz, compared to the Y20g’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to approximately 15-20% faster CPU performance and a more substantial improvement in GPU capabilities, benefiting gaming and demanding applications. The 6nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Poco M4 Pro 5G’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer, achieving a full charge in just 59 minutes. The vivo Y20g’s 18W charging is considerably slower, requiring significantly more time to replenish the battery. This faster charging capability makes the Poco M4 Pro 5G more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their device.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y20g if you need a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and 5G connectivity isn't a priority. Buy the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G if you prioritize faster performance for gaming and multitasking, want the future-proofing of 5G, and value significantly quicker charging speeds. The Poco is the better option for users who want a phone that can keep up with a more demanding lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Poco M4 Pro 5G's Dimensity 810 chipset get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 810 is more efficient than the Helio G80, it can still generate heat during extended gaming. The Poco M4 Pro 5G's thermal design will determine how effectively it manages this heat. Expect some throttling after 30-60 minutes of demanding games, but it should still provide a smoother experience than the Y20g.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Poco M4 Pro 5G actually useful if I don't have widespread 5G coverage in my area?
Even without immediate 5G access, the Poco M4 Pro 5G's 5G modem offers future-proofing. It will automatically connect to 4G networks when 5G isn't available, and you'll be ready to take advantage of faster speeds as 5G infrastructure expands. It also often includes carrier aggregation improvements on 4G networks.
❓ How much faster is the 33W charging on the Poco M4 Pro 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y20g in real-world use?
The 33W charging on the Poco M4 Pro 5G can fully charge the device in approximately 59 minutes. The 18W charging on the vivo Y20g will likely take over 2 hours to achieve a full charge, making the Poco significantly more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.