The Realme C11 and vivo Y12s 2021 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but key differences in their chipsets and features dictate which phone is the better choice for specific users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic performance and responsiveness, the Realme C11 is the better option. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a slight edge in CPU performance over the Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12s 2021. Both offer similar battery life and charging, making the CPU difference the deciding factor.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2021, May 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, May 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% 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 (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 11, Funtouch 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, Panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (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, aptX | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Y12s), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (Y12G) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
5W reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Pepper Grey | Mysterious Black (Phantom Black), Ice Blue (Glacier Blue) |
| Models | RMX2185 | V2069, V2039, V2068 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Realme C11
- Slightly better CPU performance due to the Helio G35 chipset.
- Potentially more responsive user experience for basic tasks.
- Competitive pricing within the budget segment.
- Limited gaming capabilities.
- Basic camera system with limited low-light performance.
vivo Y12s 2021
- 5W reverse wired charging for topping up accessories.
- Reliable performance for basic smartphone functions.
- Competitive pricing.
- Slightly slower CPU performance compared to the Realme C11.
- Basic camera system.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to feature basic LCD panels, likely with 720p+ resolution, given their price point. Detailed display specs like brightness (nits) and color gamut coverage are unavailable, but we can assume both will prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be largely similar, and likely underwhelming. Both devices are expected to feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. Given the price bracket, sensor size and image processing capabilities will be limited. The focus should be on capturing usable images in good lighting conditions, rather than expecting high-quality photos in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C11 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G35, an octa-core processor with a configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The vivo Y12s 2021 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, also an octa-core chip, but with a slightly lower clock speed configuration of 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.45 GHz Cortex-A53. While both are based on a 12nm process, the higher clock speeds of the Helio G35 suggest a slight advantage in CPU-intensive tasks. Neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming; expect smooth performance only in less graphically intensive titles. RAM configurations are likely similar, further emphasizing the chipset as the primary performance differentiator.
Battery Life
Both the Realme C11 and vivo Y12s 2021 are equipped with 10W wired charging. This translates to relatively slow charging speeds – expect several hours to fully charge the battery from 0 to 100%. Battery capacity is not specified, but both are likely to house around a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The vivo Y12s 2021 adds a unique feature: 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices, albeit at a very slow rate.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C11 if you need a phone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, social media, and light web browsing, and want the best possible CPU performance within this budget. Buy the vivo Y12s 2021 if you value the inclusion of 5W reverse wired charging for topping up accessories, and are willing to accept a slightly less responsive experience for basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G35 is a gaming-focused chip, it's still an entry-level processor. PUBG Mobile will likely be playable at the lowest settings with occasional frame drops. Don't expect a smooth, high-fidelity gaming experience.
❓ How useful is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y12s 2021?
The 5W reverse charging is primarily useful for emergencies. It's very slow and best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, rather than significantly charging another phone.
❓ Which phone is better for older adults who primarily use their phone for calls and messaging?
Both phones are suitable for basic use cases like calls and messaging. However, the slightly more responsive CPU in the Realme C11 might provide a smoother experience for navigating the interface and opening apps.
❓ Can I expect software updates on either of these devices?
Software update support is limited on both devices. Expect minimal updates, primarily security patches. Don't rely on receiving major Android version upgrades.
