The vivo iQOO U1x and Oppo A12s represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The iQOO U1x aims for a balance of performance and features, leveraging Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 662, while the Oppo A12s focuses on affordability with the MediaTek Helio P35. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO U1x is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 662 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Helio P35 in the Oppo A12s, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While the A12s is cheaper, the iQOO U1x’s faster charging and more capable processor justify the price difference.
| 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, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 21. Released 2020, October 31 | 2020, July 14. Released 2020, July 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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) | 155.9 x 75.5 x 8.3 mm (6.14 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.3 g (6.77 oz) | 165 g (5.82 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, IQOO UI 1.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Deep Blue, Flowing Silver |
| Models | V2065A | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.28 W/kg (head) 0.42 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) |
vivo iQOO U1x
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 662)
- Faster 18W charging
- Better thermal management
- Potentially slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better display
Oppo A12s
- Lower price point
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Slow Helio P35 processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited gaming capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting the UI responsiveness. Display specs beyond resolution are unavailable, so a direct comparison is limited. The iQOO U1x’s more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panel itself is similar.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar in real-world usage, given the focus on cost reduction in both devices. Detailed sensor information is unavailable, but both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses. The iQOO U1x’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 662 may offer slightly better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions, but the difference will be marginal. Expect both phones to struggle with detailed shots in challenging lighting.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U1x’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) significantly outperforms the Oppo A12s’ MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 662’s Kryo 260 cores, with a 2.0 GHz clock speed for the performance cores, offer a substantial uplift in CPU performance compared to the Helio P35’s 2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. While the Helio P35’s clock speed is higher, the Snapdragon 662’s architecture is more efficient and delivers better sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the iQOO U1x. The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended use.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this segment. However, the iQOO U1x’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Oppo A12s’ 10W charging. This means the iQOO U1x will recharge much faster, minimizing downtime. While a larger battery capacity is always desirable, the faster charging speed of the iQOO U1x effectively mitigates any potential difference in battery life, as topping up is quicker and more convenient.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U1x if you prioritize a responsive user experience, enjoy mobile gaming even on modest settings, and value faster charging. This phone is ideal for students, social media users, and anyone needing a reliable daily driver. Buy the Oppo A12s if your primary concern is absolute affordability and you only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the iQOO U1x handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The iQOO U1x, with its Snapdragon 662, can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but you’ll likely need to play on medium or low settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the Oppo A12s will struggle with these titles, offering a significantly less enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
The iQOO U1x’s 18W charging will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge. The Oppo A12s’ 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely around 3 to 4 hours to reach 100%.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662 in the iQOO U1x will provide a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience for everyday tasks. Apps will launch faster, scrolling will be smoother, and multitasking will be less laggy compared to the Oppo A12s.
