The vivo Y12a and Oppo A15s represent the fiercely competitive entry-level smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point. This comparison dives deep into their specifications, focusing on the core differences in performance and usability to help you determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Oppo A15s edges out the vivo Y12a due to its slightly faster CPU clock speeds. While both phones utilize a 12nm process, the Helio P35's higher peak frequency translates to a more responsive experience in everyday tasks. However, the Y12a's reverse wired charging is a unique benefit.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2020, December 18. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Discontinued |
| 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 x 75.4 x 7.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 177 g (6.24 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 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10, ColorOS 7.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| 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 | Li-Po 4230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Dynamic Black, Fancy White |
| Models | V2102 | CPH2179 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Unique 5W reverse wired charging capability
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (generally good software support)
- Potentially better long-term software updates (Qualcomm)
- Slightly slower CPU clock speeds compared to Oppo A15s
- Likely similar camera performance to Oppo A15s
Oppo A15s
- Faster CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness
- MediaTek Helio P35 offers a slight performance edge
- Competitive pricing
- Lacks reverse wired charging functionality
- MediaTek chipsets sometimes have less consistent software support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this segment. Detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are unavailable, but we can infer similar performance. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on basic sensors. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both will produce acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise, but don't expect flagship-level results.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the vivo Y12a features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, while the Oppo A15s uses the MediaTek Helio P35. The Helio P35 has a slight advantage with its 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 cores compared to the Snapdragon 439’s 4x1.95 GHz cores. While both utilize the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speed of the Helio P35 will result in faster single-core performance, noticeable in app launch times and general responsiveness. Both chips are 12nm, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the Helio P35's architecture is slightly newer, potentially offering minor improvements. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the A15s will likely handle them marginally better.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds – expect around 2-3 hours for a full charge. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The vivo Y12a distinguishes itself with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. This is a unique feature in this price segment and could be valuable for users who frequently travel or rely on multiple devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you prioritize the convenience of reverse wired charging – a rare feature in this price bracket – and are a very light user primarily focused on calls, texts, and basic app usage. Buy the Oppo A15s if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience for social media, browsing, and light gaming, and don't require the ability to charge other devices from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Oppo A15s be able to run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
While the Helio P35 can technically run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame drops, especially during intense action. It's not designed for demanding gaming experiences.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the vivo Y12a in real-world scenarios?
The 5W reverse charging is best suited for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch. It won't rapidly charge a smartphone, but it's a lifesaver if you're caught with a dead accessory and no access to a power outlet.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates?
Historically, Qualcomm-powered devices like the vivo Y12a often receive more consistent and timely software updates compared to MediaTek-powered phones. However, this is not a guarantee and depends on vivo and Oppo's specific update policies.
❓ Is the difference in CPU clock speed between the two phones significant?
The difference of approximately 0.5 GHz in peak CPU clock speed isn't massive, but it's noticeable in everyday tasks like app launching and web browsing. The Oppo A15s will feel slightly more responsive.
