vivo S12 Pro vs Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro: A Head-to-Head Showdown

The vivo S12 Pro and Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro are compelling mid-range options, each boasting unique strengths. The S12 Pro focuses on selfie prowess and design, while the K40 Pro prioritizes raw performance and value. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Redmi K40 Pro takes the crown for overall performance thanks to its Snapdragon 888 chipset. However, the vivo S12 Pro shines with its superior selfie camera and stylish design. If you prioritize speed, choose the K40 Pro; if selfies are your focus, the S12 Pro is a strong contender.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S12 Pro Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 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, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x CDMA2000 1x
Launch
Announced2021, December 222021, February 25
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 30Available. Released 2021, March 04
Body
Dimensions159.5 x 73.3 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.89 x 0.29 in)163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight171 g (6.03 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
 -IP53, dust and splash resistant
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Adreno 660
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 11, MIUI 12
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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, panoramaColor spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 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)64 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, HDR10+
Selfie camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR
Single-20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, 720p@120fps
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, aptX Adaptive
Infrared port-Yes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging44W wired33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min
Type4300 mAhLi-Po 4520 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, YellowBlack, White, Aurora
ModelsV2163AM2012K11C
PriceAbout 430 EURAbout 360 EUR

vivo S12 Pro

  • Exceptional selfie camera
  • Stylish and premium design
  • Smooth 120Hz AMOLED display
  • Refined user experience

  • Less powerful chipset than the K40 Pro
  • Slower charging speed
  • Potentially less value for money

Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro

  • Blazing-fast Snapdragon 888 chipset
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast charging (PD3.0, QC3)
  • High-quality AMOLED display

  • Less impressive selfie camera
  • Design may be less appealing to some
  • Software experience can be less polished than vivo's

Display Comparison

Both phones feature AMOLED displays with high refresh rates (120Hz). The Redmi K40 Pro typically has a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy, but the S12 Pro's display is also excellent and may offer more vibrant colors. Screen size is similar, around 6.5-6.7 inches.

Camera Comparison

The vivo S12 Pro excels in selfie photography, featuring a high-resolution front-facing camera with advanced beauty modes. The Redmi K40 Pro has a capable main camera system, often with a higher megapixel count, but its selfie camera is less impressive. Video recording capabilities are comparable.

Performance

The Redmi K40 Pro's Snapdragon 888 is significantly faster than the vivo S12 Pro's Dimensity 1200. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the K40 Pro. The Dimensity 1200 is still capable, but it doesn't match the Snapdragon's power.

Battery Life

The Redmi K40 Pro's 33W charging is faster than the S12 Pro's 44W, although the difference isn't massive. Both phones offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, but the K40 Pro's more efficient chipset may give it a slight edge.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the vivo S12 Pro? Users who prioritize excellent front-facing camera quality, a sleek design, and a more refined user experience. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi K40 Pro? Power users, gamers, and those seeking the best possible performance for the price, with a focus on raw speed and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo S12 Pro good for gaming?
While the S12 Pro can handle casual games, the Redmi K40 Pro's Snapdragon 888 provides a significantly better gaming experience for demanding titles.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Xiaomi's MIUI can be polarizing, but they generally offer good update frequency. vivo's Funtouch OS is more streamlined but may have fewer customization options.