The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, but finding the right balance of performance and price can be tricky. We're pitting the newer Oppo K12, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, against the older but still capable vivo iQOO Neo 855 Racing, featuring the Snapdragon 855+. This comparison dives deep into the architectural differences and real-world implications to help you choose the best phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo K12 emerges as the better choice. While the iQOO Neo 855 Racing boasts a higher peak CPU clock speed, the K12’s more efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) and significantly faster 100W charging provide a superior overall experience, especially regarding battery life and convenience.
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2019, December. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 29 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.40 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 159.5 x 75.2 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 198.5 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~404 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.38 inches, 99.9 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 900 nits (HBM), 1100 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.63 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A715 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7550-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 720 | Adreno 640 (700 MHz) |
| OS | Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 12GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 3.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 100W wired, 100% in 27 min | 33W wired |
| Type | 5500 mAh | 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Celadon Marble, Dark Chrome | Iceland Aurora, Carbon Black, Light Mint |
| Models | PJR110 | V1936AL, V1936TL |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 330 EUR |
Oppo K12
- Significantly faster 100W charging
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Likely better camera performance due to newer ISP
- Potentially lower peak CPU performance compared to the 855+
- Display specs unknown, potentially lower quality
vivo iQOO Neo 855 Racing
- Higher peak CPU clock speed for raw performance
- Potentially higher refresh rate display (inferred)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Slower 33W charging
- Less efficient Snapdragon 855+ leading to more throttling
- Older chipset with limited software support
Display Comparison
Neither device's display specifications are provided, so we must infer. Given the K12's positioning, it likely features an LCD or a lower-tier AMOLED panel. The iQOO Neo 855 Racing, being a gaming-focused device from 2020, likely has a high refresh rate AMOLED. The K12’s newer chipset *could* support more advanced display features, but without specifics, it’s difficult to say. The iQOO’s age means potential for screen burn-in is higher.
Camera Comparison
Without camera specs, a direct comparison is impossible. However, given the K12’s more recent release, it likely benefits from improved image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The iQOO Neo 855 Racing, while capable, will be limited by its older image signal processor (ISP). We can assume both phones will offer acceptable image quality in good lighting conditions, but the K12 will likely excel in low-light scenarios and offer more advanced features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO Neo 855 Racing’s Snapdragon 855+ (7nm) was a flagship processor in its time, offering strong single-core performance with its 2.96 GHz Kryo 485 core. However, the Oppo K12’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4nm) utilizes a more modern architecture. While clock speeds are lower (2.63 GHz Cortex-A715), the 4nm process node provides significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management. This translates to less throttling under sustained load, meaning the K12 will likely maintain higher performance for longer gaming sessions. The K12’s CPU configuration, with a mix of Cortex-A715 and A510 cores, is optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the 855+ prioritizes raw power.
Battery Life
The Oppo K12’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, promising a full charge in just 27 minutes. This is a massive advantage over the iQOO Neo 855 Racing’s 33W charging, which will take considerably longer. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3’s efficiency in the K12 will likely result in longer real-world battery life, even with a similar capacity to the iQOO. The faster charging also mitigates any potential capacity difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo K12 if you prioritize long-term battery health, faster charging speeds, and a more modern, efficient chipset. This phone is ideal for everyday users, social media enthusiasts, and casual gamers. Buy the vivo iQOO Neo 855 Racing if you’re seeking maximum raw CPU performance on a tight budget and don't mind slower charging and potentially more thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. It's a good option for those who already have a charging ecosystem that doesn't benefit from 100W.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855+ in the iQOO Neo 855 Racing struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 855+ was a powerful chip, it's now several generations old. It *can* run Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings and may experience noticeable thermal throttling after extended play sessions. The Oppo K12’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, with its improved efficiency, will offer a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 100W charging on the Oppo K12 compared to the 33W charging on the iQOO Neo 855 Racing in real-world use?
The difference is substantial. The Oppo K12 can go from 0% to 100% in approximately 27 minutes. The iQOO Neo 855 Racing will likely take well over an hour, potentially closer to 90-120 minutes, to achieve a full charge. This means significantly less downtime and more convenience with the K12.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 in the Oppo K12 have enough power for everyday tasks and multitasking?
Absolutely. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is a very capable mid-range chipset. It will handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming with ease. Multitasking with multiple apps will also be smooth and responsive. It's more than sufficient for the vast majority of users.
