The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12 and Honor 9X Lite aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Mediatek Helio P22-powered vivo Y12 and the Honor 9X Lite’s Kirin 710F to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor 9X Lite is the superior choice. Its Kirin 710F chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the vivo Y12’s Helio P22, making it better suited for multitasking and moderately demanding applications. While the Y12 may offer slightly better battery life due to its less powerful processor, the 9X Lite’s performance advantage justifies the trade-off.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June 20. Released 2019, June | 2020, April 17. Released 2020, May 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 160.4 x 76.6 x 7.8 mm (6.31 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~397 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.2 cm2 (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Kirin 710F (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G51 MP4 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9 | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9.1, Google Play Services |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3750 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Burgundy Red | Emerald Green, Midnight Black |
| Models | 1904, 1940 | JSN-L21, JSN-L22, JSN-L23 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 220 EUR |
vivo Y12
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset.
- Simpler user experience for basic tasks.
- Likely more affordable.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Kirin 710F.
- Less capable for multitasking and gaming.
- May struggle with demanding applications.
Honor 9X Lite
- Superior performance thanks to the Kirin 710F chipset.
- Smoother multitasking and app launches.
- Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
- Slower 10W charging.
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load.
- May be slightly more expensive.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. Without specific display specs, we can assume both offer adequate viewing angles and color reproduction for basic tasks. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like HDR is expected. The real difference will likely be in panel calibration, which requires hands-on testing.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit. Image quality will heavily rely on software processing and the main sensor’s capabilities, which are unknown. The Kirin 710F’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) *may* offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor 9X Lite’s Kirin 710F, built on a 12nm process, features a more sophisticated CPU configuration: four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz paired with four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.7 GHz. This contrasts with the vivo Y12’s Helio P22, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A73 cores in the Kirin 710F offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While both are 12nm, the architectural advantage of the Kirin 710F is substantial. Users who play mobile games will find the 9X Lite a more capable device, though neither is designed for demanding titles at high settings.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 4000-5000 mAh). However, the Honor 9X Lite’s 10W charging is a notable limitation. The Helio P22 in the vivo Y12 is more power-efficient, potentially leading to slightly longer battery life during moderate use. However, the Kirin 710F’s performance advantage means the 9X Lite will likely drain the battery faster under heavy load. The slower charging speed on the 9X Lite means longer periods tethered to a power outlet.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and minimal app usage, primarily needing a phone for calls, texts, and light social media. Its Helio P22 is sufficient for these tasks and may offer slightly longer battery endurance. Buy the Honor 9X Lite if you want a more responsive experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently switch between apps. The Kirin 710F provides a significant performance boost, making it a more versatile device for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor 9X Lite struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Kirin 710F is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing without issue. The performance difference is most noticeable when multitasking or running more demanding applications.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Honor 9X Lite a significant drawback?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take over two hours. While the battery life is adequate, the slow charging speed can be inconvenient for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Can the vivo Y12 handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Helio P22 can handle less demanding games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without significant issues. However, more graphically intensive games will likely experience lag and reduced frame rates.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery?
Neither phone officially supports fast charging standards like Quick Charge or Power Delivery. Both are limited to standard 5W or 10W charging.
