The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12a and the Infinix Smart 5 Pro aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and design philosophies. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y12a emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones offer similar basic functionality, the Snapdragon 439’s more mature architecture and generally better-optimized software support provide a smoother, more responsive user experience, despite the Infinix’s newer Cortex-A55 cores.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, November 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, November 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.4 x 75.6 x 9.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11 (Go edition), XOS 7.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | Quad-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Morandi Green, Heart of Ocean |
| Models | V2102 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- More mature chipset with better software optimization
- Potentially better thermal management
- Generally smoother user experience
- Older CPU core architecture
- May receive fewer long-term software updates
Infinix Smart 5 Pro
- Newer CPU core architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Potentially longer software support lifecycle
- May be more readily available in certain markets
- Less efficient chipset due to larger manufacturing process
- Potentially more prone to throttling
- Unisoc’s software optimization is generally less refined
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The lack of specified display characteristics (resolution, brightness, color gamut) suggests a focus on cost reduction. However, the difference in chipset manufacturing processes *could* indirectly impact display performance; a more efficient chipset like the Snapdragon 439 might allow for slightly better sustained brightness without overheating, though this is speculative without direct testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are lacking. It’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially depth/macro sensors of limited utility. Without knowing sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439 generally offers superior image processing capabilities compared to Unisoc’s offerings at this price point, potentially leading to better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. Users shouldn't expect flagship-level camera performance from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y12a utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm), featuring a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 1.95 GHz. The Infinix Smart 5 Pro employs the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with Cortex-A55 cores clocked up to 1.6 GHz. While the A55 cores are architecturally more efficient, the significantly larger manufacturing process (28nm vs 12nm) of the Unisoc chip likely negates much of that advantage. The Snapdragon 439 benefits from Qualcomm’s extensive software optimization and driver support, resulting in a smoother experience despite the older core design. The 12nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained use. This benefits users who engage in moderate multitasking or light gaming.
Battery Life
Both devices offer 10W wired charging, a standard for this segment. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both are likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Snapdragon 439’s superior power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences. The 10W charging speed will result in relatively slow charging times – expect several hours to reach a full charge on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you prioritize a consistently stable and responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing the theoretical benefits of newer CPU core designs. It’s ideal for users who rely on everyday tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Infinix Smart 5 Pro if you’re looking for a phone with a potentially longer software support lifecycle due to the newer Unisoc chipset, and are willing to accept occasional performance hiccups in exchange for a slightly more modern processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 5 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, users may experience occasional lag or slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps. The Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12a is likely to provide a smoother experience for these everyday tasks.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is relatively slow. Expect to spend several hours fully charging either device. It's best to charge overnight or during periods of inactivity. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Can either of these phones handle light gaming, like PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends?
Both phones can *run* these games, but performance will be limited to the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. The Snapdragon 439 in the vivo Y12a will likely provide a slightly more stable frame rate, but don't expect a fluid gaming experience on either device.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
The Infinix Smart 5 Pro, with its newer Unisoc chipset, *may* receive longer software support. However, Infinix's update track record is less consistent than vivo's. It's not a guarantee of frequent or long-term updates for either device.
