vivo continues to deliver stylish and feature-packed smartphones. The S12 and V25 are two compelling options, each targeting slightly different users. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo V25 edges out the S12 thanks to its brighter display, potentially better camera capabilities, and slightly faster charging. While the S12 boasts a more powerful chipset, the V25's overall package offers a more refined experience 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 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1x | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, December 22 | 2022, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 30 | Available. Released 2022, September 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back |
| Dimensions | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm | 159.2 x 74.2 x 7.8 mm (6.27 x 2.92 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) | 186 g (6.56 oz) |
| | - | Color changing back panel color |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean | Android 12, Funtouch 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | 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 | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.0, (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/1.8, (wide), 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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 | HDR |
| Single | - | 50 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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, 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 | 44W wired, 61% in 30 min |
| Type | 4200 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Yellow | Elegant Black, Sunrise Gold, Surfing Blue |
| Models | V2162A | V2202 |
| Price | About 390 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 120h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.3 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 461428 (v9)
GeekBench: 2023 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 21fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo S12
- More powerful chipset (Dimensity 1100)
- Excellent selfie camera
- Stylish design
- Less bright display
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Charging speed not explicitly stated
vivo V25
- Brighter display (781 nits)
- Exceptional battery life (120h endurance)
- Faster charging (61% in 30 min)
- Versatile camera system
- Slightly less powerful chipset (Dimensity 900)
- Nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio may be misleading
Display Comparison
The vivo V25 takes the lead here. While both phones offer AMOLED displays, the V25's measured 781 nits peak brightness significantly surpasses the S12. The V25's 'infinite' contrast ratio (though nominal) suggests excellent blacks and vibrant colors. The S12's display is still good, but lacks the V25's punch.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature capable camera systems, but the V25 appears to have a slight edge. While specific camera specs are not fully detailed, the V25's marketing emphasizes its photo and video capabilities. The S12's camera is still very good, offering excellent selfies, but the V25 likely provides more versatility and potentially better low-light performance.
Performance
The vivo S12 holds a slight advantage in performance. Its Dimensity 1100 chipset is generally more powerful than the V25's Dimensity 900. This translates to smoother multitasking and potentially better gaming performance, especially in graphically intensive titles. However, real-world differences might be minimal for everyday use.
Battery Life
The vivo V25 shines in battery life. Its endurance rating of 120 hours is exceptional, suggesting significantly longer usage times compared to the S12. While the S12's battery capacity is likely similar, the V25's optimization and power efficiency are clearly superior. Both phones offer 44W wired charging, but the V25 charges to 61% in 30 minutes, indicating slightly faster charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The vivo S12 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps. The vivo V25 is a better choice for those who value a vibrant display, a versatile camera system, and long-lasting battery life, all wrapped in a stylish design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo S12 good for gaming?
The vivo S12's Dimensity 1100 chipset provides decent gaming performance, but the V25 might offer a slightly smoother experience in demanding titles.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The vivo V25 has a significantly better endurance rating (120h) compared to the S12, indicating longer battery life.