Looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone? The vivo Y21s and Y20 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value? We'll dive deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y21s generally edges out the Y20 thanks to its more powerful Helio G80 chipset, offering noticeably better performance for gaming and multitasking. However, the Y20 remains a solid choice, especially if you prioritize a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point depending on current deals.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 21 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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/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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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, Pearl White | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2110 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | - | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.58 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | Rp 2,099,000 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | ₹ 13,990 |
vivo Y21s
- More powerful processor (Helio G80)
- Reverse wired charging
- Potentially better camera performance
- Slightly more modern design
- May be slightly more expensive
- HD+ resolution might not appeal to everyone
vivo Y20
- More affordable
- Compact design
- Reliable battery life
- Decent camera for the price
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 460)
- No reverse charging
- Lower resolution front camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the Y21s might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable on both devices.
Camera Comparison
The Y21s typically features a 13MP front camera and a 48MP + 2MP + 2MP rear camera setup. The Y20 has a 8MP front camera and a 13MP + 2MP + 2MP rear camera setup. While megapixels aren't everything, the Y21s's more powerful processor likely contributes to better image processing and overall photo quality, especially in low light. Both offer standard portrait modes and basic features.
Performance
This is where the Y21s shines. The Mediatek Helio G80 is significantly faster than the Snapdragon 460. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a better gaming experience on the Y21s. The Y20 is adequate for basic tasks but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. The Y21s's reverse wired charging (2.5W) is a nice bonus for topping up accessories like earbuds. Charging speeds are similar at 18W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y21s? Users who prioritize performance, especially for gaming or running multiple apps simultaneously. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Those seeking a more budget-friendly option with a decent camera and reliable everyday performance, and who prefer a slightly smaller form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y21s worth the extra money?
If performance is a priority, especially for gaming or multitasking, then yes. The Helio G80 offers a significant upgrade over the Snapdragon 460.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. Expect all-day usage on either device.
❓ Can the vivo Y20 handle basic games?
Yes, the vivo Y20 can handle basic games, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance on demanding titles.
