vivo is known for its stylish designs and impressive camera capabilities, particularly in its S-series. The vivo S12 and S16 continue this trend, but with distinct upgrades. This comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide which phone is the perfect fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo S16 is the clear winner, boasting a significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset, faster charging (66W vs 44W), and likely improved camera performance. While the S12 offers a sleek design, the S16's superior performance and charging make it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | CDMA2000 1x |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2022, December 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 30 | Available. Released 2022, December 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm | 164.1 x 74.8 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 2.94 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~388 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 650 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 13, OriginOS 3 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | Color spectrum sensor, Ring-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF |
| 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) | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.5, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 44W wired | 66W wired, 50% in 19 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 4600 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Yellow | Black, Mint, Gold |
| Models | V2162A | V2244A |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 340 EUR |
vivo S12
- Stylish Design
- Decent Camera
- Good Value
- Slower Performance
- Slower Charging
- Older Chipset
vivo S16
- Powerful Snapdragon 870
- Fast 66W Charging
- Improved Camera System
- Premium Design
- Higher Price
- Potentially Less Unique Design (compared to S12)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with a high refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz). The S16 may have a slightly brighter display and potentially a more refined color calibration. Expect similar resolution and screen size (around 6.4-6.7 inches).
Camera Comparison
Both phones emphasize selfie cameras, likely with high megapixel counts and advanced features. The S16 is expected to have a more advanced main camera system, potentially with a larger sensor and improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. Both likely offer excellent portrait modes.
Performance
The Snapdragon 870 in the S16 is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 1100 in the S12. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the S16. The S12 is still capable for everyday tasks, but will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
The S16's 66W charging is a major advantage, allowing for significantly faster charging times compared to the S12's 44W. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 4500-5000 mAh), but the faster charging on the S16 makes it more convenient.
Buying Guide
The vivo S12 is a good option for users prioritizing a budget-friendly stylish phone with a decent camera and are less concerned about raw performance. The vivo S16 is ideal for those seeking a powerful, fast-charging phone with a top-tier camera system and a premium experience, willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo S16 worth the extra money compared to the S12?
If performance and fast charging are important to you, then yes. The Snapdragon 870 and 66W charging make a significant difference. If you're on a tighter budget and prioritize style over raw power, the S12 is still a decent option.
❓ Which phone has the better selfie camera?
Both have excellent selfie cameras, but the vivo S16 is likely to have slightly better image processing and potentially more advanced features, resulting in slightly better selfies overall.
