vivo's S-series is known for its stylish designs and impressive camera capabilities. The vivo S9e and S12 Pro are two compelling options, but which one offers the best overall experience? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo S12 Pro emerges as the clear winner, boasting a more powerful Dimensity 1200 chipset, faster charging, and likely improved camera performance. While the S9e remains a solid choice, the S12 Pro offers a noticeable upgrade for those seeking enhanced performance and features.
| 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) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 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, March 03 | 2021, December 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, December 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 74.3 x 7.3 mm / 7.4 mm | 159.5 x 73.3 x 7.4 mm (6.28 x 2.89 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168.8 / 171.5 g (5.96 oz) | 171 g (6.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2404 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~88.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A76 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 820 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC5 | Mali-G77 MC9 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 | Android 11, OriginOS Ocean |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 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), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 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, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 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), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, 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 | 33W wired | 44W wired |
| Type | 4100 mAh | 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Starry Blue | Black, Blue, Yellow |
| Models | V2048A | V2163A |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 430 EUR |
vivo S9e
- Stylish Design
- Decent Camera
- Good Value
- Compact Size
- Older Chipset
- Slower Charging
- Potentially Lower Camera Quality
- Less Powerful
vivo S12 Pro
- Powerful Dimensity 1200 Chipset
- Faster Charging (44W)
- Improved Camera System
- Smoother Performance
- Modern Design
- Higher Price
- Potentially Larger Size
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature AMOLED displays with a high refresh rate (likely 90Hz or 120Hz). The S12 Pro may have a slightly brighter display and potentially a higher resolution, though specific details require further confirmation. Expect vibrant colors and smooth scrolling on both.
Camera Comparison
The S12 Pro is expected to have a superior camera system. While both likely feature a primary high-resolution sensor, the S12 Pro's newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms should result in better image quality, especially in low light. The S12 Pro likely has improved selfie camera capabilities as well.
Performance
The Dimensity 1200 in the S12 Pro is significantly more powerful than the Dimensity 820 in the S9e. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games on the S12 Pro. The S9e is still capable for everyday tasks, but will show its age with more intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 4000-4500mAh. The S12 Pro's 44W charging is faster than the S9e's 33W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The vivo S9e is a good choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize a stylish design and decent camera. The vivo S12 Pro is ideal for users who want a smoother, faster experience, better camera capabilities, and faster charging, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the vivo S12 Pro worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and faster charging, then yes, the S12 Pro is worth the upgrade. However, if you're on a tighter budget and don't need the absolute best, the S9e remains a capable device.
❓ What is the difference in chipset performance between the Dimensity 820 and Dimensity 1200?
The Dimensity 1200 offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance compared to the Dimensity 820. This translates to faster app loading, smoother gaming, and overall improved responsiveness.
