The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12a and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, relying on distinct chipsets and architectural choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and efficiency, the vivo Y12a emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, built on a 12nm process, offers a more refined architecture and generally smoother experience compared to the Unisoc SC9863A in the Realme C11 (2021), despite the latter's slightly higher core count.
| 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, 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 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | V2102 | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- More efficient Snapdragon 439 chipset
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Qualcomm’s optimized software support
- Older chipset architecture
- Likely limited RAM and storage options
Realme C11 (2021)
- Potentially lower price point
- Unisoc chipset offers a newer core architecture (A55)
- Reverse wired charging
- Less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset (28nm)
- Potential for more thermal throttling
- Likely slower overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The focus here is on internal components, so display differences are assumed to be minimal. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary sensors of limited utility (e.g., a 2MP depth sensor). Image processing will be heavily reliant on software algorithms, and image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. Without specific sensor size or aperture data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; however, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 439 often provides a slight edge in image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y12a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) utilizes a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and 1.45 GHz. This architecture, while older, benefits from Qualcomm’s optimization and the more efficient 12nm manufacturing process. The Realme C11 (2021) employs the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm), featuring Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. While the A55 cores are technically newer, the significantly larger 28nm process node results in higher power consumption and potentially more heat generation. This translates to a likely advantage for the Snapdragon 439 in sustained performance and thermal throttling. The Snapdragon's Adreno GPU will also likely outperform the Unisoc's integrated graphics.
Battery Life
Both phones offer 10W wired charging and support 5W reverse wired charging. Battery capacity is not specified, but typical capacities for phones in this segment range from 4000mAh to 5000mAh. The Snapdragon 439’s superior power efficiency will likely translate to longer battery life in real-world usage, even if the Realme C11 (2021) has a slightly larger battery. The 10W charging speed is slow on both devices, requiring several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you need a phone that can handle everyday tasks like social media, messaging, and light web browsing with reasonable responsiveness, and you value a chipset known for better power efficiency. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are willing to accept some performance trade-offs, particularly in multi-tasking and demanding applications. It's a viable option for very basic smartphone use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A's 28nm process and Cortex-A55 cores are likely to exhibit performance slowdowns when multitasking with several apps. The limited RAM (typically 2GB or 3GB in this segment) will exacerbate this issue, forcing the system to constantly swap data between memory and storage.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take over 3 hours. While sufficient for overnight charging, it's not ideal for quickly topping up the battery during the day. Neither phone offers fast charging capabilities.
❓ Can the vivo Y12a handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 439 can run these games, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels and accept lower frame rates. Expect noticeable lag and stuttering, especially in intense scenes. The Realme C11 (2021) will likely struggle even more with these demanding titles.
❓ What is the benefit of the reverse wired charging feature on both phones?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or another smartphone, using a USB cable. However, the 5W output is very slow and only suitable for small devices or emergency situations.
