OnePlus 10 Pro vs vivo S12 Pro: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The OnePlus 10 Pro and vivo S12 Pro represent distinct approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The OnePlus 10 Pro, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, aims for raw power and a premium feature set. Conversely, the vivo S12 Pro, with its MediaTek Dimensity 1200, focuses on a balance of performance and a more streamlined user experience, often at a more competitive price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the OnePlus 10 Pro is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset and 80W charging significantly outperform the vivo S12 Pro’s Dimensity 1200 and 44W charging, despite potential thermal throttling under heavy load. However, the S12 Pro offers a compelling alternative for those seeking a more efficient processor and a potentially smoother everyday experience.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S12 Pro OnePlus 10 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat18 1200/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA - India
Launch
Announced2021, December 222022, January 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 30Available. Released 2022, January 13
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.5 x 73.3 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.89 x 0.29 in)163 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm (6.42 x 2.91 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
 -IP68 dust/water resistant - T-Mobile only (not for use underwater, liquid damage is not covered under warranty)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1440 x 3216 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~525 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)LTPO2 Fluid AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ), 800 nits (HBM), 1300 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 730
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, OxygenOS 14 (International), ColorOS (China)
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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, color spectrum sensor, Hasselblad Color Calibration, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
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)48 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.43", 1.12µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 77mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 150˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, Auto HDR, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-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 (B1), GALILEO (E1+E5a)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging44W wired80W wired, PD, 100% in 32 min (International) 65W wired, PD, 58% in 15 min (North America) 50W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, YellowVolcanic Black, Emerald Forest, Panda White (Extreme Edition)
ModelsV2163ANE2210, NE2211, NE2213, NE2215, NE2217
PriceAbout 430 EUR$ 264.39 / C$ 349.99 / £ 360.00 / € 399.99
SAR-1.16 W/kg (head)     0.70 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 107h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 886248 (v9) GeekBench: 3447 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo S12 Pro

  • Significantly faster charging (80W/65W)
  • More powerful processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially superior camera performance

  • Potential for thermal throttling
  • Higher price point

OnePlus 10 Pro

  • More efficient processor (Dimensity 1200)
  • Potentially better battery life consistency
  • Likely more affordable price
  • Streamlined user experience (typical of vivo)

  • Slower charging (44W)
  • Less powerful processor
  • Lacks wireless charging

Display Comparison

The OnePlus 10 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 780 nits, providing excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. While the vivo S12 Pro’s display specifications are not provided, it’s reasonable to assume it falls slightly behind in peak brightness given the overall positioning of the device. Both displays likely feature high contrast ratios, with the OnePlus 10 Pro explicitly stating an 'Infinite' (nominal) ratio. The OnePlus 10 Pro’s larger display size and potentially higher refresh rate (based on OnePlus’s typical implementation) contribute to a more immersive viewing experience, though the S12 Pro may offer a more color-accurate panel based on vivo’s display tuning.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are equipped with photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the vivo S12 Pro. The OnePlus 10 Pro likely features a larger main sensor, benefiting from better light gathering and dynamic range. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) provides advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in superior image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones likely offer capable camera systems, the OnePlus 10 Pro’s hardware and software advantages suggest a more versatile and higher-performing camera experience. We can assume the S12 Pro will focus on selfie quality, a traditional strength of the vivo brand.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The OnePlus 10 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) utilizes a 1x Cortex-X2 prime core, offering a performance advantage over the vivo S12 Pro’s Dimensity 1200 (6nm) which features a 1x Cortex-A78 prime core. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1’s newer architecture (Cortex-A710 vs A78) and smaller fabrication node (4nm vs 6nm) translate to higher peak performance and improved power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate more heat, potentially leading to throttling during prolonged gaming sessions. The Dimensity 1200, while less powerful, offers a more consistent performance profile. The OnePlus 10 Pro benefits from faster RAM speeds (likely LPDDR5x) compared to the S12 Pro (likely LPDDR4x or LPDDR5), further enhancing its multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 107 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life despite the difference in charging speeds. However, the OnePlus 10 Pro’s 80W wired charging (International) and 65W (North America) drastically reduces charging times – a full charge in 32 minutes (International) or a 58% charge in 15 minutes (North America). The vivo S12 Pro’s 44W charging is significantly slower. Furthermore, the OnePlus 10 Pro offers 50W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the S12 Pro. This makes the OnePlus 10 Pro the clear winner for users who prioritize convenience and rapid replenishment of battery power.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo S12 Pro if you need a phone that prioritizes efficient power usage for all-day battery life and a less aggressive thermal profile, making it ideal for casual users and media consumers. Buy the OnePlus 10 Pro if you prefer uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding applications, coupled with the convenience of incredibly fast charging, and are willing to accept potential thermal limitations during extended intensive tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the OnePlus 10 Pro overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the OnePlus 10 Pro incorporates cooling solutions, users may experience thermal throttling during prolonged gaming, leading to reduced performance. However, the throttling is typically manageable and doesn't render the phone unusable.
❓ How does the charging speed difference impact daily use between the OnePlus 10 Pro and vivo S12 Pro?
The OnePlus 10 Pro’s 80W/65W charging allows for a full charge in approximately 32 minutes, providing a significant convenience boost. The vivo S12 Pro’s 44W charging will take considerably longer, potentially requiring overnight charging to ensure a full battery. This difference is particularly noticeable for users who frequently run low on battery and need a quick top-up.
❓ Is the Dimensity 1200 in the vivo S12 Pro sufficient for demanding mobile games?
The Dimensity 1200 is a capable processor and can handle most mobile games at high settings. However, it won't deliver the same peak performance as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the OnePlus 10 Pro. Users may need to lower graphics settings in the most demanding titles to maintain a smooth frame rate.