Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21 and Y20 are both strong contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y20 edges out the Y21 thanks to its slightly more efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset and available 4GB RAM option. While both offer decent battery life and cameras, the Y20's overall performance and RAM configuration make it the slightly better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 20 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192.3 g (6.77 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2111 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | Rp 2,099,000 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | ₹ 13,990 |
vivo Y21
- Slightly newer design
- Larger screen (potentially better viewing experience)
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Can feel sluggish
- Limited RAM options
vivo Y20
- More efficient chipset (Snapdragon 460)
- Available with 4GB RAM
- Good value for money
- Decent battery life
- Older design
- Performance can still be limited by RAM (3GB version)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y21 might have slightly better color reproduction due to potentially newer panel technology, but this is difficult to confirm without direct testing. Viewing angles and brightness are likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a triple rear camera setup. Typically, both include a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is likely similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average on both devices. The front-facing camera is likely around 8MP on both.
Performance
Here's where the Y20 takes a lead. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (11nm) generally outperforms the Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) in real-world usage. The Snapdragon 460's Kryo 240 cores are more efficient and offer better overall responsiveness. The Y21's Helio P35 can feel sluggish, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps. The Y20's 4GB RAM option further enhances its multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both devices boast a large 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, so expect similar charging times. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world usage, and both phones should perform adequately.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y21 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly newer design and a larger screen. The vivo Y20 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, especially with multitasking, and appreciate the availability of a 4GB RAM variant for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y20 is generally better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Does the vivo Y21 have 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y21 nor the vivo Y20 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
