vivo S12 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro: A Detailed Comparison of Flagship Android Phones

The vivo S12 Pro and Google Pixel 6 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship Android experience. The S12 Pro, powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 1200, focuses on a balance of performance and features, often at a more competitive price point. Conversely, the Pixel 6 Pro, with Google’s custom Tensor chip, prioritizes AI-driven features and a refined software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which phone delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing camera quality and long-term software support, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is the superior choice. While the vivo S12 Pro offers faster charging and a potentially lower price, the Pixel 6 Pro’s Tensor chip and computational photography capabilities provide a more compelling overall experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S12 Pro Google Pixel 6 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GLUOG, G8VOU
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - G8VOU
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GLUOG
Launch
Announced2021, December 222021, October 19
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 30Available. Released 2021, October 28
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.5 x 73.3 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.89 x 0.29 in)163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)210 g (7.41 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~512 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.6 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Google Tensor (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G78 MP20
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Triple108 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.52", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 48 MP, f/3.5, 104mm (periscope telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 4x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS
Selfie camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR, panorama
Single-11.1 MP, f/2.2, 20mm (ultrawide), 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging44W wired23W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 23W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4300 mAhLi-Ion 5003 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, YellowCloudy White, Sorta Sunny, Stormy Black
ModelsV2163AGLUOG, G8VOU, GF5KQ
PriceAbout 430 EUR€ 199.99 / $ 204.99 / £ 275.00 / ₹ 29,699
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 84h
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Performance- AnTuTu: 585485 (v8), 719815 (v9) GeekBench: 2831 (v5.1) GFXBench: 39 fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo S12 Pro

  • Faster 44W wired charging
  • Potentially more affordable price
  • Sleek and lightweight design (assumed based on vivo's design language)

  • Less advanced chipset compared to Google Tensor
  • Uncertainty regarding camera performance
  • Potentially shorter software support lifespan

Google Pixel 6 Pro

  • Superior camera performance and computational photography
  • Google Tensor chip with AI-powered features
  • Guaranteed software updates directly from Google

  • Slower 23W wired charging
  • Potentially higher price
  • Larger and heavier form factor

Display Comparison

The Google Pixel 6 Pro boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 846 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the vivo S12 Pro. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While the S12 Pro’s display specifications are missing, the Pixel 6 Pro’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio suggests a high-quality OLED panel. The Pixel 6 Pro’s larger display size and potentially higher resolution (based on typical Pixel Pro offerings) contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, though this comes at the cost of potentially higher power consumption.

Camera Comparison

The Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system is a major differentiator. While specific sensor details for the S12 Pro are unavailable, the Pixel 6 Pro’s computational photography prowess, powered by the Tensor chip, delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. Google’s image processing algorithms excel at dynamic range and detail preservation. The Pixel 6 Pro’s focus on AI-powered features like Magic Eraser further enhances its camera capabilities. Without detailed camera specs for the S12 Pro, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Pixel 6 Pro’s reputation for camera excellence is well-established.

Performance

The core architectural difference lies in the chipsets: the vivo S12 Pro utilizes the 6nm Mediatek Dimensity 1200, while the Pixel 6 Pro features the 5nm Google Tensor. The 5nm process node of the Tensor chip inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal characteristics. The Pixel 6 Pro’s CPU configuration, with two Cortex-X1 cores, is designed for peak performance, while the S12 Pro relies on Cortex-A78 cores. While the Dimensity 1200 is a capable performer, the Tensor chip’s focus on machine learning tasks gives the Pixel 6 Pro an edge in areas like image processing and voice recognition. The S12 Pro’s CPU configuration, with a mix of A78 and A55 cores, is optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency, but may not match the Pixel 6 Pro’s peak performance.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 84 hours, suggesting comparable battery life despite differing battery capacities (unspecified for the S12 Pro). However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The vivo S12 Pro supports 44W wired charging, allowing for potentially faster top-ups. The Pixel 6 Pro offers 23W wired charging with PD3.0, reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes, alongside 23W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. The S12 Pro’s faster wired charging is a clear advantage for users who prioritize quick charging times, while the Pixel 6 Pro offers the convenience of wireless charging options.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S12 Pro if you need exceptionally fast 44W wired charging and prioritize a sleek design with a focus on multimedia consumption. Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro if you prefer a best-in-class camera experience, guaranteed software updates directly from Google, and a unique, AI-powered smartphone experience. The Pixel 6 Pro is for those who value software and camera above all else.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Google Tensor chip in the Pixel 6 Pro experience significant thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Tensor chip is powerful, early reports indicated some thermal throttling during prolonged, demanding tasks like gaming. However, Google has released software updates to improve thermal management, mitigating this issue. The 5nm process node helps, but the Pixel 6 Pro isn't necessarily a gaming powerhouse like some Snapdragon-equipped devices.
❓ How does the 44W charging on the vivo S12 Pro compare to the 23W charging on the Pixel 6 Pro in real-world usage?
The vivo S12 Pro’s 44W charging will significantly reduce charging times compared to the Pixel 6 Pro’s 23W. Expect a full charge in under an hour with the S12 Pro, while the Pixel 6 Pro will take closer to 1.5-2 hours. The Pixel 6 Pro compensates with wireless charging options, which the S12 Pro lacks.
❓ Is the image processing on the Pixel 6 Pro noticeably different from other smartphones, and what benefits does it offer?
Yes, the Pixel 6 Pro’s image processing, powered by the Tensor chip, is a key differentiator. It excels in dynamic range, detail preservation, and low-light performance. Features like Magic Eraser, which removes unwanted objects from photos, are exclusive to the Pixel and demonstrate the power of Google’s AI-driven image processing.