vivo S12 vs Google Pixel 7: A Clash of Titans

The smartphone market is brimming with options, making it tough to choose. Today, we pit the stylish vivo S12 against the camera-centric Google Pixel 7. Both offer compelling features, but cater to different user needs. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Google Pixel 7 emerges as the overall winner thanks to its superior camera, smoother software experience, and longer software support. However, the vivo S12 offers a more attractive design and faster charging, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing aesthetics and quick power-ups.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S12 Google Pixel 7
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 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, 38, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 71 - GQML3
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - GQML3
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, 75, 76, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - GVU6C
Launch
Announced2021, December 222022, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 30Available. Released 2022, October 13
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus), aluminum frame
Dimensions157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm155.6 x 73.2 x 8.7 mm (6.13 x 2.88 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz)197 g (6.95 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 (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~416 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.3 inches, 96.7 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM), 1400 nits (peak)
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.85 GHz Cortex-X1 & 2x2.35 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm)Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G710 MP7
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 5 major Android upgrades
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.9", 1.25µm
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 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)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR
Selfie camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRHDR, panorama
Single-10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 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 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging44W wired20W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 20W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4200 mAhLi-Ion 4355 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, YellowObsidian, Lemongrass, Snow
ModelsV2162AGVU6C, GQML3, GO3Z5
PriceAbout 390 EUR€ 199.00 / $ 179.26 / £ 189.99 / ₹ 28,499
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 96h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 813114 (v9) GeekBench: 3288 (v5.1) GFXBench: 59fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo S12

  • Stylish Design
  • Fast 44W Charging
  • Vibrant Display
  • Competitive Price

  • Lower Performance than Pixel 7
  • Less Software Support
  • Camera Not as Good as Pixel 7

Google Pixel 7

  • Exceptional Camera
  • Clean Android Experience
  • Long Software Support
  • Bright and High-Contrast Display
  • Excellent Battery Life

  • Slower Charging (20W)
  • Less Attractive Design (Subjective)
  • Reverse Wireless Charging can drain battery

Display Comparison

The Pixel 7 boasts a significantly brighter display (974 nits) compared to the S12, offering better outdoor visibility. Its infinite contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and richer colors. While the S12's display is vibrant, it lacks the Pixel 7's sheer brightness and contrast. The Pixel 7's display is the clear winner here.

Camera Comparison

This is where the Pixel 7 truly shines. Google's computational photography is renowned, delivering exceptional image quality, dynamic range, and detail. The Pixel 7's video capabilities are also superior. The vivo S12 has a capable camera system, but it doesn't match the Pixel 7's overall performance and image processing prowess. The Pixel 7 is the undisputed camera champion.

Performance

The Google Pixel 7's Google Tensor G2 chipset, built on a 5nm process, generally outperforms the vivo S12's Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6nm). The Tensor G2's architecture, with its Cortex-X1 core, is designed for AI and machine learning tasks, providing a smoother and more responsive experience. While the S12 is capable, the Pixel 7 offers a noticeable performance edge, especially in demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Pixel 7's endurance rating of 96h is exceptional, indicating significantly longer battery life than the vivo S12. While the S12's 44W charging is faster, the Pixel 7's superior battery efficiency means you'll likely need to charge it less frequently. The Pixel 7 wins on battery longevity.

Buying Guide

The vivo S12 is ideal for users who value a sleek design, fast charging, and a vibrant display for media consumption. The Google Pixel 7 is perfect for photography enthusiasts, those seeking a clean Android experience, and users who appreciate long-term software updates and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Google Pixel 7 receives guaranteed software updates and security patches for a longer period, making it the clear winner in this category.
❓ Is the vivo S12 worth buying if I prioritize design?
Absolutely! The vivo S12 is known for its stylish and eye-catching design, making it a great choice if aesthetics are a top priority.