The vivo S series is known for its stylish designs and impressive camera capabilities. But with multiple models available, choosing the right one can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison pits the vivo S15 against the vivo S12, diving deep into their specs and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo S15 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 870 chipset and much quicker 66W charging. While the S12 offers a sleek design and capable camera, the S15's performance advantage makes 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 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 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 | 2022, May 19 | 2021, December 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 27 | Available. Released 2021, December 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 161.1 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.34 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) | 157.2 x 72.4 x 7.4 or 7.6 mm |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 179 g or 181 g (6.31 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~398 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.62 inches, 105.8 cm2 (~88.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~88.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1100 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 12, OriginOS Ocean | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 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 dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.72", PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 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 | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
8 MP, f/2.3, 105˚ (ultrawide) |
| Features | HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@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, aptX Adaptive | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 | 66W wired, 50% in 18 min | 44W wired |
| Type | 4500 mAh | 4200 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black, Yellow | Black, Blue, Yellow |
| Models | V2203A | V2162A |
| Price | About 380 EUR | About 390 EUR |
vivo S15
- Superior Performance (Snapdragon 870)
- Faster 66W Charging
- Larger Battery Capacity
- Versatile Rear Camera System
- Potentially Higher Price
- Design might be less unique than S12
vivo S12
- Stylish Design
- Excellent Selfie Camera
- More Affordable
- Good Overall Camera Performance
- Slower Performance (Dimensity 1100)
- Slower 44W Charging
- Smaller Battery Capacity
Display Comparison
Both phones feature AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. The S15 typically has a slightly larger display (around 6.64 inches vs 6.58 inches for the S12), offering a more immersive viewing experience. Both offer Full HD+ resolution, providing sharp visuals. Expect excellent brightness and color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones boast impressive camera systems. The S12 is often praised for its selfie camera, featuring a high-resolution sensor and advanced beauty modes. The S15 generally has a more versatile rear camera setup, often including a main sensor with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for better low-light performance and sharper photos. Both capture detailed images with vibrant colors, but the S15's processing tends to be slightly more refined.
Performance
This is where the S15 truly shines. The Snapdragon 870 chipset in the S15 is considerably more powerful than the Dimensity 1100 in the S12. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games. The S12 is still capable for everyday tasks, but the S15 offers a superior experience for power users.
Battery Life
The S15 has a larger battery capacity (typically around 4700mAh vs 4500mAh in the S12) and significantly faster charging speeds (66W vs 44W). This translates to longer battery life and much quicker top-ups. The S15 can charge to 50% in just 18 minutes, while the S12 takes considerably longer.
Buying Guide
The vivo S15 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, fast charging, and a smooth user experience. It's great for gaming and demanding apps. The vivo S12 is a good option for those who value a stylish design, a decent camera, and a more budget-friendly price point, but are less concerned about raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo S15 worth the extra money compared to the S12?
If performance and fast charging are your priorities, then yes. The S15's Snapdragon 870 and 66W charging offer a significant upgrade. If you're on a tighter budget and prioritize design and a great selfie camera, the S12 is a solid choice.
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The vivo S15, hands down. The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance than the Dimensity 1100.
