The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y31 (2021) and Nokia G20 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Y31 leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, while the G20 opts for MediaTek’s Helio G35. This comparison dissects these key differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y31 (2021) is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia G20’s 12nm Helio G35, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the Nokia G20 offers a slightly larger battery, the Y31’s faster 18W charging mitigates this advantage.
| 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 | 2021, January 20 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 20 | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Racing Black, Ocean Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | V2036, V2036_21 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | 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 Y31 (2021)
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster charging speeds (18W)
- More efficient chipset (11nm process)
- Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- May be slightly more expensive
Nokia G20
- Likely larger battery capacity for longer runtime
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and clean Android experience (typical of Nokia)
- Slower processor for less responsive performance
- Significantly slower charging speeds (10W)
- Less efficient chipset (12nm process)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. The focus here is on performance, not visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy is unlikely to be a strong suit for either. The absence of high refresh rates is expected.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but image quality will heavily depend on sensor size and image processing. The Nokia G20 may emphasize software-based image enhancements, while the Y31’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 662 should provide decent image processing capabilities. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y31’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) features a more modern architecture – Kryo 260 cores – compared to the Nokia G20’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm) which relies on older Cortex-A53 cores. The Snapdragon 662’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) offers a performance edge over the Helio G35’s (4x2.3 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz). While the G35’s higher clock speed on its primary cores might seem advantageous, the architectural improvements in the Snapdragon 662, coupled with the smaller 11nm node, result in superior sustained performance and efficiency. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience for the Y31.
Battery Life
The Nokia G20 likely has a larger battery capacity (specific mAh not provided), aiming for extended battery life. However, the vivo Y31 compensates with significantly faster 18W wired charging, achieving 70% charge in 67 minutes. The Nokia G20’s 10W charging is considerably slower, requiring a much longer time to fully replenish the battery. This difference in charging speed is a significant advantage for the Y31, minimizing downtime and making it more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y31 (2021) if you prioritize responsiveness and a smoother user experience, even if it means slightly less battery endurance. It’s ideal for users who frequently switch between apps, enjoy casual gaming, or simply want a phone that feels snappy. Buy the Nokia G20 if battery life is your absolute top priority and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and are willing to accept slower performance and charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 struggle with demanding apps like Facebook or multiple browser tabs?
The MediaTek Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 is a basic processor. While it can handle simple tasks, running multiple apps simultaneously or using resource-intensive applications like Facebook can lead to noticeable lag and slowdowns. The vivo Y31’s Snapdragon 662 is better equipped to handle these scenarios.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the Nokia G20 from 0%?
With only 10W charging, a full charge from 0% on the Nokia G20 will likely take well over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is a significant drawback compared to the vivo Y31’s 18W charging, which can reach 70% in just 67 minutes.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the vivo Y31 capable of playing popular mobile games?
The Snapdragon 662 can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings. While it won’t deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Free Fire. The Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 will struggle with these games, requiring significantly lower settings and potentially experiencing frame rate drops.
