Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't compromise too much? The vivo Y21e 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 Y21e edges out the Y20 thanks to its significantly more powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. While the Y20 remains a decent option, the Y21e's performance boost makes it the preferable 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, 40 | 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 14 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 12 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 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, QZSS | 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 | V2140 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | About 150 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 Y21e
- More powerful Snapdragon 680 chipset
- 6nm process for better efficiency
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly improved image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the Y20
- HD+ display (not Full HD)
vivo Y20
- More affordable
- Decent battery life
- Standard features
- Less powerful Snapdragon 460 chipset
- 11nm process less efficient
- No reverse charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y21e might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its newer chipset's image processing capabilities. However, the difference is likely minimal and not noticeable for casual users.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y21e typically features a 13MP main camera with a 2MP macro lens, while the Y20 has a 13MP main camera, 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Y21e's newer image processing could provide slightly better results. Low-light performance is likely similar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Y21e truly shines. The Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 460 (11nm) in the Y20. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Y21e. The Y20 can handle basic tasks adequately, but struggles with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Y21e's more efficient 6nm chipset might give it a slight edge in battery endurance, but real-world usage will vary. Both support 18W fast charging, but the Y21e also includes 2.5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to charge other devices.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21e? Users prioritizing performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Those seeking a very affordable option and are less concerned about top-tier performance, or are primarily using the phone for basic tasks like calls and messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21e worth the extra money?
Yes, if performance is a priority. The Snapdragon 680 offers a significant upgrade over the 460, making the Y21e a more enjoyable device to use.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life, but the Y21e's more efficient chipset might give it a slight edge.
