The vivo Y21a and Nokia G20 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The Y21a, with its potentially faster CPU variant in Egypt, focuses on raw processing power, while the Nokia G20 prioritizes a clean software experience and longer software support, despite a slightly less powerful chipset.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 offers a more balanced experience. While the vivo Y21a *may* have a slight CPU advantage in certain regions (Egypt), the Nokia G20’s more efficient Helio G35 chipset and cleaner software experience translate to smoother daily use and potentially better battery life. The Nokia G20’s commitment to software updates also adds long-term value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 22 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 8 MP, (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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Glacier, Night |
| Models | - | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y21a
- Potentially faster CPU (Helio P35 variant in Egypt)
- Faster 18W wired charging
- 2.5W reverse wired charging (useful for accessories)
- Software experience may be less refined
- Potentially shorter software support lifespan
Nokia G20
- Cleaner Android experience
- Guaranteed software updates
- More efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Slower 10W charging
- Slightly less powerful CPU (compared to Y21a with P35)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on functionality over fidelity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is expected.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Detailed sensor information is missing, but both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses of limited utility (e.g., 2MP depth sensors). The Nokia G20’s image processing may lean towards a more natural look, consistent with Nokia’s brand philosophy, while the Y21a’s processing could be more saturated. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; however, the G35’s slightly better image signal processor (ISP) could give the Nokia G20 a marginal edge in image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21a utilizes either the Mediatek Helio P22 or P35 (12nm), while the Nokia G20 features the Helio G35 (12nm). The G35, while still an entry-level chip, generally outperforms the P22 in GPU tasks, making it slightly better suited for casual gaming. The Y21a’s Egyptian variant with the P35 offers a CPU clock speed boost (2.35GHz vs 2.3GHz on the G35), but this advantage may not translate to a noticeable real-world difference in everyday tasks. Both phones feature an octa-core configuration with the same Cortex-A53 cores, meaning the architectural differences are minimal. RAM configurations are not specified, but limited RAM will likely be a bottleneck for both devices.
Battery Life
The Nokia G20’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the vivo Y21a’s 18W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Helio G35 in the Nokia G20, combined with Nokia’s software optimizations, could result in comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The Y21a’s faster charging will allow for quicker top-ups, but the G20’s efficiency may mean less frequent charging is needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21a if you prioritize potential peak CPU performance for light multitasking and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. This is especially true for users in Egypt where the Helio P35 variant is available. Buy the Nokia G20 if you value a clean Android experience, guaranteed software updates, and a more consistently smooth user interface, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Nokia G20 support Android updates beyond its initial release version?
Yes, Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates, even on its budget devices. The G20 is guaranteed to receive at least two years of security updates and one major Android OS upgrade, providing longer-term usability and security compared to many competitors in this price range.
❓ Is the Helio P35 variant of the vivo Y21a (available in Egypt) significantly faster than the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 for gaming?
While the P35 has a slightly higher CPU clock speed, the Helio G35 is optimized for gaming and generally offers better GPU performance. The difference in real-world gaming performance will likely be minimal, and both phones are best suited for casual gaming rather than demanding titles.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the vivo Y21a and Nokia G20?
The Nokia G20 runs a near-stock version of Android, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience. The vivo Y21a likely includes vivo’s custom skin, Funtouch OS, which may include pre-installed apps and a different user interface. This can impact performance and user preference.
