The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for your money. Two contenders vying for your attention are the vivo Y02s and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience? Let's dive in and find out.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C edges out the vivo Y02s thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G85 chipset, resulting in smoother performance and better gaming capabilities. While both offer decent battery life and basic cameras, the Redmi 12C's processing power makes it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 01 | 2022, December 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 22 | Available. Released 2023, January 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164 x 76 x 8.2 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.32 in) | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.65 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 12, MIUI 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0; OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vibrant Blue, Fluorite Black | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green, Lavender Purple |
| Models | V2203 | 22120RN86G, 22120RN86I, 22126RN91Y, 2212ARNC4L |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 132.99 / € 107.41 |
| SAR | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y02s
- Reliable and simple user experience
- Decent battery life
- Sleek design (subjective)
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Xiaomi Redmi 12C
- More powerful chipset (Helio G85)
- Better camera system
- Improved multitasking
- Good value for money
- Software can be a bit cluttered
- Slow charging
- Design is less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.51-inch HD+ display, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Redmi 12C might have slightly better viewing angles due to its panel technology, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y02s typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens, while the Redmi 12C boasts a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP macro. The Redmi 12C's higher resolution main sensor and ultrawide lens generally result in better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Low-light performance is expected to be similar on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Redmi 12C truly shines. The Helio G85 chipset is a noticeable upgrade over the Helio P35 in the Y02s. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Redmi 12C. The Y02s will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 8-10 hours of screen-on time on both devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y02s is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a better fit for those who want a bit more performance for multitasking, casual gaming, and a slightly improved camera experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C's Helio G85 chipset provides significantly better gaming performance compared to the vivo Y02s' Helio P35.
❓ Are the cameras on these phones any good?
Both cameras are adequate for basic photography. However, the Redmi 12C's higher resolution sensor and ultrawide lens give it an edge in image quality.
