vivo S12 vs vivo V23 5G: A Detailed Comparison

vivo continues to deliver stylish and feature-packed smartphones. The S12 and V23 5G are two compelling options, each targeting a slightly different audience. But which one offers the best overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The vivo V23 5G edges out the S12 thanks to its slightly faster charging, brighter display, and potentially better camera capabilities. While the S12 boasts a powerful Dimensity 1100 chipset, the V23 5G's overall package makes it the more appealing choice for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo S12 vivo V23 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 1, 3, 5, 8, 7, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
Launch
Announced2021, December 222022, January 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 30Available. Released 2022, January 19
Body
Build-Glass front (Schott Xensation Up), glass back
Dimensions157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz)179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz)
Display
Protection-Schott Xensation Up
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density)
Size6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G77 MC9Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 11, OriginOS OceanAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, Funtouch 14
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1-
Main Camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
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), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
 24-bit/192kHz audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi 6 (market dependent), dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -Color changing back panel when exposed to sunlight
Battery
Charging44W wired44W wired, 68% in 30 min
Type4200 mAh4200 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, YellowSunshine Gold, Stardust Black
ModelsV2162AV2130, V2303
PriceAbout 390 EURAbout 280 EUR
SAR-1.08 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 103h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -28.5 LUFS (Average)
Performance- AnTuTu: 406498 (v8), 476058 (v9) GeekBench: 8421 (v4.4), 2140 (v5.1) GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo S12

  • Powerful Dimensity 1100 chipset
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Good performance for gaming
  • 44W fast charging

  • Potentially less bright display than V23 5G
  • Camera details less clear
  • May not offer the best battery life

vivo V23 5G

  • Brighter display (629 nits)
  • Excellent battery life (103h endurance)
  • Faster charging (68% in 30 min)
  • Versatile camera system

  • Slightly less powerful chipset than S12
  • Infinite contrast ratio is nominal
  • Design may be less striking than S12

Display Comparison

The vivo V23 5G takes the lead here with a measured peak brightness of 629 nits, offering significantly better visibility in bright sunlight compared to the S12. While the S12's display is perfectly adequate, the V23 5G's higher brightness and 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. Both phones likely feature AMOLED panels with vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V23 5G appears to have a slight edge. While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, the V23 5G's marketing emphasizes its photo and video capabilities. Expect both phones to offer a main sensor, ultrawide lens, and potentially a macro lens. Low-light performance and video stabilization are key areas to consider.

Performance

The vivo S12 holds a slight advantage in raw processing power thanks to its Dimensity 1100 chipset. This chip generally outperforms the Dimensity 920 found in the V23 5G, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. However, in everyday usage, the difference may not be noticeable for most users. Both phones offer smooth performance for typical smartphone activities.

Battery Life

The vivo V23 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 103 hours, suggesting excellent battery life. While the S12's battery capacity is likely similar, the V23 5G's optimization and potentially more efficient chipset contribute to its superior longevity. Both phones support 44W wired charging, but the V23 5G charges to 68% in just 30 minutes, offering a faster top-up.

Buying Guide

The vivo S12 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power and a sleek design. It's a good choice for mobile gaming and demanding apps. The vivo V23 5G is better suited for those who value a vibrant display, fast charging, and a versatile camera system for capturing stunning photos and videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the vivo S12 good for gaming?
Yes, the vivo S12's Dimensity 1100 chipset provides ample power for smooth gaming performance, although the V23 5G might offer slightly better thermal management.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo V23 5G has a significantly better endurance rating (103h) compared to the S12, indicating longer battery life.