Google Pixel 6a vs. vivo S12: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Google Pixel 6a emerges as the stronger choice. Its Google Tensor chip offers a unique blend of AI-powered features and solid performance, coupled with Google’s exceptional camera processing. While the vivo S12 boasts faster 44W charging, the Pixel 6a’s software experience and long-term support are more valuable.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo S12 | Google Pixel 6a |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - GX7AS, GB62Z (USA/Canada) |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GX7AS (USA/Canada) |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 40, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - G1AZG (International) | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2022, May 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 30 | Available. Released 2022, July 21 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm | 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm (5.99 x 2.83 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + eSIM |
| Weight | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) | 178 g (6.28 oz) |
| - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~429 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 90.7 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | OLED, HDR |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 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) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G78 MP20 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | 12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm, (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 17mm, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1.25µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Triple | 108 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) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 4200 mAh | Li-Po 4410 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Yellow | Chalk, Charcoal, Sage |
| Models | V2162A | GX7AS, GB62Z, G1AZG, GB17L |
| Price | About 390 EUR | $ 138.99 / C$ 228.74 / ₹ 23,999 |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 94h |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
vivo S12
- Superior camera performance with Google’s image processing
- Google Tensor chip offers unique AI features
- Guaranteed software updates and long-term support
- Slower 18W charging
- Less flashy design compared to the vivo S12
Google Pixel 6a
- Faster 44W wired charging
- Sleek and modern design
- Potentially more vibrant display colors
- Less powerful chipset compared to Google Tensor
- Uncertainty regarding long-term software support
Display Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s display shines with a measured peak brightness of 876 nits, offering excellent visibility outdoors, a metric the vivo S12’s specs don’t directly address. While the vivo S12’s panel specifications are unavailable, the Pixel 6a’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a superior viewing experience with deeper blacks. The lack of high refresh rate on either device is a common trade-off in this price segment, but the Pixel 6a’s brightness advantage is a clear win for outdoor usability.
Camera Comparison
The Pixel 6a’s camera prowess is largely attributed to Google’s computational photography. While sensor sizes aren’t specified, the Pixel 6a’s image processing algorithms consistently deliver excellent dynamic range and detail. The vivo S12’s camera specifications are less detailed, and its image processing likely focuses on more saturated, visually appealing results. The Pixel 6a’s strength lies in its ability to produce natural-looking photos in challenging lighting conditions, a hallmark of Google’s camera software. Ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on many phones, the Pixel 6a’s overall camera system is expected to outperform the vivo S12’s.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Google Pixel 6a utilizes Google’s in-house Tensor chip (5nm), while the vivo S12 features the Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6nm). The Tensor’s CPU configuration – 2x2.80 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.25 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – prioritizes performance with its high-clocked X1 cores, while the Dimensity 1100’s 4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 offers a more balanced approach. The 5nm process of the Tensor chip generally translates to better power efficiency and thermal management compared to the 6nm Dimensity 1100, potentially leading to less throttling during sustained workloads. The Pixel 6a’s Tensor chip also benefits from Google’s machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like voice recognition and image processing.
Battery Life
Both the Pixel 6a and vivo S12 achieve an endurance rating of 94 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, their charging capabilities differ significantly. The vivo S12 supports 44W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Pixel 6a’s 18W charging with PD3.0. While the Pixel 6a’s battery life is respectable, users who prioritize quick top-ups will favor the vivo S12’s faster charging solution. The Pixel 6a’s PD3.0 support ensures compatibility with a wider range of chargers, but it won’t match the vivo S12’s charging speed.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo S12 if you prioritize rapid charging and a slim profile, and frequently transfer files via wired connections. Its 44W charging is a significant advantage for those who dislike waiting for their phone to power up. Buy the Google Pixel 6a if you value a clean Android experience, exceptional camera quality, and guaranteed software updates, even if it means slower charging and a slightly less flashy design.