Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The vivo Y12a and Realme C30 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best overall experience for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C30 edges out the vivo Y12a thanks to its slightly more efficient CPU architecture and potentially better software optimization. While both are budget options, the C30 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks, though both have limitations.
| 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 | 2022, June 20 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2022, 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) | 164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 11, Realme UI Go |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| 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, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Lake Blue, Bamboo Green |
| Models | V2102 | RMX3581, RMX3623 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y12a
- Larger Display (potentially)
- Reverse Charging
- Slightly more RAM options (potentially)
- Weaker Processor
- Lower Performance
- Less Efficient Chipset
Realme C30
- More Efficient Processor
- Smoother Performance
- Potentially Better Software Optimization
- Modern Design (potentially)
- No Reverse Charging
- Camera Quality is Basic
- Limited Storage Options (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature HD+ displays, typically around 6.5 inches. The vivo Y12a might have a slightly larger display, but both offer adequate viewing for media consumption. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels – nothing exceptional, but serviceable for the price.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is expected to be modest. The Realme C30 likely has a slightly better main sensor, potentially capturing marginally better detail and dynamic range. Both will struggle in low-light conditions. Expect typical budget phone camera performance – decent for casual snapshots, but not for serious photography.
Performance
The Realme C30's Unisoc Tiger T612 with its dual Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance advantage over the vivo Y12a's Snapdragon 439. The A75 cores handle demanding tasks better, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. The Y12a's Snapdragon 439 is adequate for basic usage but will struggle with heavier applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Realme C30's more efficient chipset could translate to slightly better battery endurance. The vivo Y12a's reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, but at a slow 5W speed.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y12a is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and reverse charging. The Realme C30 is ideal for those seeking a smoother, more responsive experience and a potentially more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Realme C30 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either device.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones typically support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
