The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Realme 7i and vivo Y20s [G] are two strong contenders vying for your attention. Both devices leverage MediaTek’s Helio G-series for gaming prowess, but subtle differences in chipset and features could make one a better fit for your needs. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to reveal which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same 18W charging, the Realme 7i’s Helio G85 chipset offers a marginal performance advantage, and the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging adds a useful convenience feature not found on the vivo Y20s [G].
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 10 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 10 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 208 g (7.34 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) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ), 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth) | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Purist Blue | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Models | V2038 | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 190 EUR |
vivo Y20s [G]
- Slightly better gaming performance with Helio G85
- 5W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups
- Potentially more vibrant image processing
- Software experience may be less streamlined than vivo
- No standout display features
Realme 7i (Global)
- Clean and potentially more intuitive software experience
- Competitive price point
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- Helio G80 chipset offers slightly less gaming performance
- Lacks reverse wired charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. Without specific display specs, we can assume similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The real difference lies in software optimizations, which are brand-specific and difficult to quantify without direct testing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications beyond the presence of multiple lenses, a direct comparison is challenging. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. The usefulness of the 2MP macro sensors on both devices is questionable, offering limited detail and image quality. The key differentiator will be image processing algorithms, which are unique to each brand. Realme typically leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while vivo often aims for more natural tones. Sensor size and aperture are unknown, but would be critical factors in low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Realme 7i features the MediaTek Helio G85, while the vivo Y20s [G] uses the Helio G80. Both are octa-core CPUs with the same core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). However, the G85 has a slightly higher clock speed for its GPU, offering a modest boost in graphics performance. This translates to marginally better frame rates in demanding games, benefiting gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay. Both phones will likely handle everyday tasks without issue, but the G85 provides a bit more headroom for multitasking and resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds from 0-100%. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but typical for this segment is around 5000mAh. The Realme 7i gains an advantage with its 5W reverse wired charging capability, allowing it to act as a power bank for accessories like earbuds or smartwatches. This is a practical feature for users on the go, and a clear differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20s [G] if you prioritize a clean, streamlined software experience and are less concerned with maximizing gaming performance or having extra features like reverse charging. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you want a bit more processing power for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the added utility of reverse wired charging to top up accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile at high settings?
The Helio G85 in the Realme 7i is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings, but expect some frame drops during intense firefights. Optimizing in-game settings and managing background apps will be crucial for a smoother experience. The G80 in the vivo Y20s [G] will perform similarly, but with slightly lower peak frame rates.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the Realme 7i in real-world scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging on the Realme 7i is best suited for topping up smaller devices like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, or portable speakers. It's not designed to fully charge a smartphone, but it can provide a significant boost in emergency situations or during travel.
❓ Are the camera apps on both phones easy to use for casual photographers?
Both Realme and vivo offer user-friendly camera apps with various shooting modes and filters. Realme's UI tends to be more feature-rich, while vivo's is often simpler and more intuitive. The best choice depends on your personal preference and desired level of control.
![Realme 7i vs vivo Y20s [G]: Budget Gaming Showdown](/media/comparison/images/32456.webp "Realme 7i vs vivo Y20s [G]: Budget Gaming Showdown")