The sub-$300 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y20s and Realme 7i (Global) both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y20s leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 460, while the 7i opts for MediaTek's Helio G85. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications of these choices, helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7i emerges as the better value. Its Helio G85 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge in gaming and demanding applications. While both phones offer 18W charging, the 7i’s reverse charging adds a layer of convenience. The Y20s remains a viable option for those prioritizing Qualcomm’s ecosystem.
| 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, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 19. Released 2020, October 19 | 2020, December 22. Released 2020, December 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | 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 (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 or Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 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 | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Purist Blue, Obsidian Black, Nebula Blue | Glory Silver, Victory Blue |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | € 264.40 | - |
| 128GB 8GB RAM | Rp 2,760,000 | - |
vivo Y20s
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset offers good efficiency.
- Available with up to 8GB of RAM for improved multitasking.
- Clean and simple user interface (typically).
- Snapdragon 460 is less powerful than the Helio G85.
- Lacks reverse charging functionality.
- Display specs are unremarkable.
Realme 7i (Global)
- MediaTek Helio G85 provides superior gaming performance.
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging for added convenience.
- Generally offers better value for the price.
- MediaTek chipsets sometimes have less consistent software support.
- Realme UI can be more feature-rich (and potentially bloated) than vivo’s Funtouch OS.
- Build quality may feel slightly less premium.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, a common choice in this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) necessitates generalization. However, the Realme 7i’s slightly larger screen size (typically 6.5 inches vs. the Y20s’ 6.51 inches) may offer a marginally more immersive viewing experience. The lack of high refresh rates on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more expensive models.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones featuring a primary sensor as the main differentiator. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme 7i often pairs its Helio G85 with a more capable camera system in its lineup. The inclusion of a 5W reverse wired charging on the 7i suggests a slightly more robust power management IC, which *could* translate to better image signal processing. Both phones likely include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but image quality will depend heavily on software optimization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 7i’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm) features two Cortex-A75 performance cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This configuration provides a significant advantage over the vivo Y20s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm), which uses eight Kryo 240 cores clocked lower at 1.8 GHz and 1.6 GHz. The 12nm process of the Helio G85, while not as advanced as some flagship chips, generally translates to better sustained performance under load compared to the Snapdragon 460. The Y20s’ 8GB RAM option (available at a higher price point) is a plus, but the chipset bottleneck will limit its full potential. The 7i’s GPU is also superior, making it the better choice for mobile gaming.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y20s and Realme 7i feature 18W wired charging, offering comparable charging speeds – expect around 2 hours for a full charge. The Realme 7i’s inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging is a notable advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for smaller devices like earbuds or smartwatches. While battery capacity isn’t specified, typical batteries in this segment range from 5000mAh to 5500mAh. The more efficient Helio G85 in the 7i may result in slightly better battery life during heavy usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y20s if you specifically prefer Qualcomm chipsets for compatibility reasons or are heavily invested in the Qualcomm ecosystem. It’s a solid, reliable device for everyday tasks. Buy the Realme 7i (Global) if you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate the added convenience of reverse wireless charging. It offers a more compelling feature set for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme 7i overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio G85 is designed for gaming, but sustained high performance can generate heat. The Realme 7i typically includes thermal management features to mitigate overheating, but expect some throttling after extended periods of demanding gameplay. The 12nm process is more efficient than older nodes, helping to manage heat better than some alternatives.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone truly 'fast charging'?
18W charging is considered moderate fast charging. It won't be as quick as the 33W or 65W charging found on more expensive phones, but it's still significantly faster than standard 5W charging. Expect a full charge to take around 2 hours, depending on usage patterns.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 460 in the vivo Y20s support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
The Snapdragon 460 generally supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), but carrier compatibility is crucial. Check with your mobile carrier to ensure they support these features on the vivo Y20s in your region.
❓ How does the software experience differ between vivo’s Funtouch OS and Realme UI?
Funtouch OS is typically known for its cleaner, more minimalist approach, while Realme UI offers a wider range of customization options and features. Realme UI can sometimes feel more bloated, but it also provides more control over the user experience. Preference is subjective.
