Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21a 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 Y21a thanks to its more efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset and slightly better overall performance. While the Y21a offers reverse charging, the Y20's superior processor makes it the more compelling 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 | 2022, January 22 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 14 | 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - Egypt | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) - Egypt | 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 | 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/1.8, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Diamond Glow | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | - | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | - | 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 Y21a
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Older chipset
- Lower performance compared to Y20
- HD+ display
vivo Y20
- More efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Better overall performance
- Slightly more modern design
- Available with more RAM options
- No reverse charging
- HD+ display
- Average camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y20 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern panel. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y20 typically features a triple rear camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) while the Y21a has a similar configuration. Image quality is generally comparable, with both phones producing decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is average on both.
Performance
The vivo Y20 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 chipset, fabricated on an 11nm process, offering a noticeable performance advantage over the Y21a's Mediatek Helio P22/P35 (12nm). Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the Y20. The Y20's Kryo 240 cores are generally more efficient.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Y21a has a slight edge due to its less power-hungry chipset, but the Y20's optimization can compensate. The Y21a's reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21a? Users prioritizing reverse charging and potentially slightly better battery life in specific usage scenarios. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience with a more modern chipset and generally better performance for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The vivo Y20 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset. It will handle games more smoothly and with better frame rates.
❓ Does the vivo Y21a support 5G?
No, neither the vivo Y21a nor the vivo Y20 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
❓ What is reverse charging and why is it useful?
Reverse charging allows your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using its battery. The vivo Y21a offers this feature, while the Y20 does not.
