The Infinix Hot 9 and vivo Y12s 2021 represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better CPU performance and potential for future software updates, the vivo Y12s 2021 is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 439 offers a modest but noticeable edge in responsiveness, while the inclusion of 10W reverse charging adds a useful convenience feature. However, the Infinix Hot 9 remains a viable option for those seeking the absolute lowest price.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 23. Released 2020, April | 2021, May 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.02 x 0.35 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.8% 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 (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762D Helio A25 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 10, XOS 6.0 | Android 11, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, Panorama |
| Quad | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses
or
16 MP, (wide), PDAF (64/128 GB models only)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 (Y12s), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Y12G) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Violet, Ocean Wave | Mysterious Black (Phantom Black), Ice Blue (Glacier Blue) |
| Models | X655C, X655, X655D | V2069, V2039, V2068 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Infinix Hot 9
- Potentially lower price point
- Efficient Helio A25 chipset for basic tasks
- Likely large battery capacity
- Slower CPU performance compared to Snapdragon 439
- No reverse charging capability
- Potentially slower charging speeds
vivo Y12s 2021
- Slightly faster Snapdragon 439 processor
- 10W wired charging with 5W reverse charging
- Potentially better GPU performance for casual gaming
- May be slightly more expensive than the Infinix Hot 9
- Snapdragon 439 can run warmer under sustained load
- Similar camera performance to the Infinix Hot 9
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but the focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on basic image sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will perform adequately in well-lit conditions but struggle in low light. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors in this segment suggests these are largely marketing features, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will likely prioritize speed over detail, resulting in images that are acceptable for social media sharing but lack refinement.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y12s 2021’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) features a slightly higher peak clock speed (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53) compared to the Infinix Hot 9’s MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm) (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). While both utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speed translates to a small performance advantage for the Snapdragon 439 in CPU-bound tasks. The Helio A25 is known for its efficiency, potentially offering slightly better battery life under light load. However, the Snapdragon 439’s Adreno 505 GPU is generally considered more capable than the Helio A25’s PowerVR GE8320, providing a better experience for casual gaming. Both phones will struggle with demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh, based on market trends). However, the vivo Y12s 2021 gains an advantage with its 10W wired charging, and the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging. This allows the Y12s to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Infinix Hot 9. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s still faster than the likely 5W-7.5W charging on the Hot 9, reducing the time to reach a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 9 if you need a smartphone primarily for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the vivo Y12s 2021 if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks, appreciate the convenience of reverse charging, and are willing to spend a little more for a marginally improved chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12s 2021 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 439 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram without significant lag. Its slightly higher CPU clock speed and optimized architecture provide a smoother experience compared to the Helio A25, especially when multitasking.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
Both phones can technically run PUBG Mobile, but expect a compromised experience. You'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate (around 30fps) to maintain playable performance. The Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12s 2021 will offer a slightly more stable frame rate, but neither phone is ideal for serious PUBG gaming.
❓ How long will the battery last on the vivo Y12s 2021 with moderate usage (calls, messaging, social media)?
With moderate usage, the vivo Y12s 2021’s 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time. The Snapdragon 439 is relatively efficient, and the 10W charging allows for a convenient top-up overnight.
❓ Is the reverse charging feature on the vivo Y12s 2021 useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, the 5W reverse charging is a surprisingly useful feature. While it won't rapidly charge another device, it can provide a crucial boost to a friend's phone or wireless earbuds in an emergency, acting as a portable power bank.
