The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y20s [G] and the Samsung Galaxy A31 aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches. The Y20s [G] prioritizes processing power with a newer chipset, while the A31 focuses on a larger display and a well-established brand reputation. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y20s [G] is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, while still budget-oriented, offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Galaxy A31’s Helio P65. While both phones boast similar battery endurance ratings, the Y20s [G]'s faster 18W charging provides a slight convenience advantage.
| 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 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A315F |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - SM-A315F |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 10 | 2020, March 24. Released 2020, April 27 |
| 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) | 159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm (6.27 x 2.88 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6768 Helio P65 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Obsidian Black, Purist Blue | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Red, Prism Crush White |
| Models | V2038 | SM-A315F, SM-A315F/DS, SM-A315G/DS, SM-A315G, SM-A315N |
| Price | About 170 EUR | £ 139.00 / € 138.27 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.68 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 124h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.9 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 151815 (v8)
GeekBench: 5096 (v4.4), 1216 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y20s [G]
- Faster processor (Helio G80)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Display brightness likely lower than A31
- Brand recognition less established than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A31
- Higher display brightness (635 nits)
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Good battery endurance
- Slower processor (Helio P65)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Potentially less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A31 boasts a measured peak brightness of 635 nits, making it more usable outdoors than the Y20s [G] (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this segment). Both phones likely utilize IPS LCD panels, offering decent color reproduction, but the A31’s higher brightness is a significant advantage. While Samsung advertises an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, this is a marketing term; real-world contrast will be typical for IPS LCDs. The Y20s [G]'s display size is not specified, but is likely smaller than the A31's, potentially impacting 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 price point, both likely employ primary sensors around 13-48MP. The Y20s [G] may benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to the newer chipset. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The vivo Y20s [G] features the Mediatek Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, with an octa-core CPU configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Samsung Galaxy A31 uses the older Mediatek Helio P65, also on a 12nm process, but with a slightly slower CPU configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This seemingly small difference in clock speed, combined with architectural optimizations in the G80, translates to a tangible performance advantage for the Y20s [G] in tasks like app loading and gaming. The G80's GPU is also more capable, offering a smoother gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y20s [G] and the Samsung Galaxy A31 achieve an endurance rating of 124 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Y20s [G] supports 18W wired charging, while the A31 is limited to 15W. This means the Y20s [G] will recharge faster, reducing downtime. While both offer adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use, the faster charging of the Y20s [G] provides a convenience advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20s [G] if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming and multitasking without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and occasional entertainment. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A31 if you prefer a larger display for media consumption and value the Samsung brand ecosystem, and aren't heavily reliant on demanding applications. The A31's 635 nits brightness is a plus for outdoor visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G80 in the vivo Y20s [G] handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Helio G80 is specifically designed for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with stable frame rates. Expect a smoother experience compared to the Helio P65 in the Galaxy A31.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A31 significantly slower than the 18W charging on the vivo Y20s [G]?
While the difference isn't massive, the 18W charging on the Y20s [G] will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect roughly a 30-minute difference for a full charge, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A31 have any software features that the vivo Y20s [G] lacks?
Samsung's One UI offers a more feature-rich software experience compared to vivo's Funtouch OS. This includes features like Samsung Pay, Secure Folder, and more customization options. However, Funtouch OS is generally lighter and faster, potentially offsetting some of these advantages.
![Speed vs. Stamina: vivo Y20s [G] vs. Samsung Galaxy A31 - Which Budget Phone Wins?](/media/comparison/images/32455.webp "Speed vs. Stamina: vivo Y20s [G] vs. Samsung Galaxy A31 - Which Budget Phone Wins?")