Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers a decent experience? The vivo Y3s (2021) and vivo Y20 are both 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 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 460 chipset, faster charging (18W vs 10W), and more RAM options. While the Y3s (2021) is a viable option, the Y20's performance and charging capabilities make it a better overall choice.
| 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 | 2021, October 18 | 2020, August 26. Released 2020, August 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 18 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 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 (~81.6% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), Funtouch 11 | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), AF | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) |
| 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, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 18W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Blue, Pearl White, Mint Green | Obsidian Black, Dawn White, Purist Blue |
| Models | V2044 | V2029, V2029_PK |
| Price | About 110 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 Y3s (2021)
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient storage (typically 64GB)
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
- Limited features
vivo Y20
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 460)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More RAM options (3GB/4GB)
- Slightly more modern design
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- HD+ display resolution
- 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 likely comparable.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y20 typically features a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor and macro lens, while the Y3s (2021) also has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is likely similar in good lighting conditions, but the Y20's image processing might be slightly better. Low-light performance is expected to be average on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Y20 shines. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 is noticeably faster and more efficient than the Mediatek Helio P35. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Y20. The Y3s (2021) can feel sluggish at times, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life. However, the Y20's 18W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the Y3s (2021)'s 10W charging. This is a major advantage for the Y20.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the vivo Y3s (2021)? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone experience and are extremely budget-conscious. Who should buy the vivo Y20? Those seeking a smoother performance, faster charging, and a slightly more modern feature set without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo Y3s (2021) good for gaming?
The vivo Y3s (2021) is not ideal for demanding games. Its chipset struggles with higher graphics settings, resulting in lag and stuttering. Casual games are playable, but don't expect a smooth experience.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
vivo's software support can be inconsistent. However, the Y20, being a slightly newer model, *might* receive updates for a longer period. It's best to check vivo's official website for the latest software information.
