The vivo Y3s (2021) and Realme C20A represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both devices rely on Mediatek’s Helio series of chipsets, but subtle differences in their silicon and feature sets can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C20A is the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same CPU core configuration, the Helio G35’s enhanced GPU provides a modest but noticeable improvement in graphics performance, making it better suited for casual gaming. However, the Y3s offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the C20A.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 18 | 2021, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Available. Released 2021, May 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash-resistant design |
| 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 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Iron Grey, Lake Blue |
| Models | V2044 | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 90 EUR |
vivo Y3s (2021)
- Includes 5W reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups.
- Established brand reputation with vivo.
- Potentially better software optimization (brand dependent).
- Helio P35 GPU is slightly weaker than the G35.
- Lacks any standout features beyond reverse charging.
Realme C20A
- Helio G35 offers a modest GPU performance boost.
- Competitive pricing within the budget segment.
- Realme UI is generally well-regarded for its features.
- Lacks reverse wired charging.
- Build quality may be more plastic-focused to reduce costs.
Display Comparison
Neither vivo nor Realme provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. The absence of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests a focus on cost reduction. Users sensitive to screen flicker should research independent reviews for PWM frequency data, as this is a common area of concern in budget displays.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are largely irrelevant at this price point. Both devices likely feature a primary camera alongside depth and macro sensors. The image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count is misleading; sensor size and lens aperture are far more critical factors. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to assess the camera performance beyond stating that both will likely suffice for basic social media sharing.
Performance
Both the vivo Y3s (2021) and Realme C20A are powered by octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. However, the Realme C20A utilizes the Mediatek Helio G35, while the vivo Y3s employs the Helio P35. The key difference lies in the GPU; the G35 features a PowerVR GE8320, offering a slight advantage over the P35’s GE8320. This translates to marginally better performance in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. Both phones likely feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM, impacting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house a 5000mAh battery, a common capacity in this segment. The vivo Y3s (2021) supports 10W wired charging and 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices. The Realme C20A only supports standard wired charging, lacking the reverse charging functionality. While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, it’s adequate for overnight charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y3s (2021) if you prioritize the convenience of reverse wired charging, allowing you to top up accessories like earbuds on the go. Buy the Realme C20A if you’re a casual gamer or frequently stream video content, as the Helio G35’s GPU offers a small but tangible performance boost in these scenarios. Both are excellent choices for basic smartphone tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C20A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Realme C20A’s Helio G35 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with reduced frame rates for a smooth experience. It’s suitable for casual gaming, but not for demanding, high-fidelity gameplay.
❓ Is the lack of detailed display specs a major concern for everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, the lack of detailed display specs isn’t a critical issue. However, if you prioritize accurate colors or a bright screen for outdoor visibility, you may want to consider alternatives or research independent reviews for more information.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the vivo Y3s or Realme C20A with the included charger?
With 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. These phones are best charged overnight. The Realme C20A will likely take a similar amount of time, given its comparable battery capacity and charging wattage.
