vivo Y20s vs. Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y20s and Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport represent two popular choices, each aiming to deliver essential features at an accessible price. This comparison dissects their core components – from chipsets and charging speeds to RAM configurations – to determine which device offers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the vivo Y20s emerges as the stronger contender. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Redmi 9i Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While the Redmi 9i Sport is cheaper, the Y20s’ superior processing power and faster 18W charging justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo Y20s Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41-
Launch
Announced2020, October 19. Released 2020, October 192021, September 28
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2021, September 28
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192.3 g (6.77 oz)194 g (6.84 oz)
 -Water-repellent coating
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240)Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm)Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)
GPUAdreno 610PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 10, Funtouch 10.5 or Funtouch 11Android 10, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR
Single-13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
Triple13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 а/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired10W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPurist Blue, Obsidian Black, Nebula BlueCarbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Blue
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 100 EUR
Pricing
128GB 4GB RAM€ 264.40-
128GB 8GB RAMRp 2,760,000-

vivo Y20s

  • Faster Snapdragon 460 processor
  • 18W fast charging
  • Option for 8GB RAM for improved multitasking

  • Slightly higher price point
  • Display specs are unknown

Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport

  • More affordable price
  • Likely long battery life (5000mAh expected)
  • Functional for basic smartphone tasks

  • Slower MediaTek Helio G25 processor
  • Slow 10W charging
  • Likely limited RAM (4GB)

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates focusing on the core performance differences. The absence of high refresh rates on either device means visual fluidity isn’t a differentiating factor.

Camera Comparison

Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market segment suggests both will rely heavily on software processing. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image quality will likely be comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Snapdragon 460’s slightly better image signal processor (ISP) in the Y20s *may* result in marginally better low-light performance.

Performance

The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y20s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) benefits from a more efficient manufacturing process compared to the Redmi 9i Sport’s MediaTek Helio G25 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 460’s Kryo 240 cores, even with varying clock speeds (1.8 GHz & 1.6 GHz), generally offer better sustained performance and efficiency. The Helio G25’s Cortex-A53 cores, while capable, are older architecture and less efficient. The Y20s’ availability with 8GB of RAM further enhances multitasking capabilities, a significant advantage over the Redmi 9i Sport’s likely 4GB configuration. This translates to fewer app reloads and a smoother overall user experience.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both phones likely house around a 5000mAh battery, standard for this price range. The key differentiator is charging speed. The vivo Y20s’ 18W wired charging is significantly faster than the Redmi 9i Sport’s 10W charging. This means the Y20s will reach a full charge in considerably less time, reducing downtime and improving usability. While a larger battery capacity is ideal, faster charging mitigates the impact of a slightly smaller battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo Y20s if you prioritize smoother multitasking, slightly better gaming performance, and faster charging speeds. The 8GB RAM option (where available) is particularly beneficial for power users. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9i Sport if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing. It’s a functional device for those on the tightest of budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the vivo Y20s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 460 can run PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (balanced or low) to maintain a stable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s capable of providing a playable experience, especially compared to the Helio G25.
❓ How much faster is the 18W charging on the vivo Y20s compared to the 10W charging on the Redmi 9i Sport?
The 18W charging on the Y20s will significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity, you can expect a full charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours with the Y20s, compared to 3-4 hours with the Redmi 9i Sport. This difference is noticeable for daily use.
❓ Is the 8GB RAM option on the vivo Y20s worth the extra cost?
If you frequently multitask, run multiple apps simultaneously, or plan to keep your phone for a long time, the 8GB RAM option is highly recommended. It will prevent slowdowns and ensure a smoother user experience, especially as apps become more demanding.