The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y12a and the Tecno Spark Go 2021 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Y12a leveraging a more powerful, albeit older, Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, while the Spark Go 2021 opts for a simpler quad-core processor. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and smoother app performance, the vivo Y12a is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 439 chipset, with its eight cores, provides a significant performance advantage over the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core processor. While the Spark Go 2021 is more affordable, the Y12a offers a better overall user experience for a modest price increase.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2021, July 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 21 | Available. Released 2021, July 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 165.6 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 193 g (6.81 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 (~81.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 480 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Quad-core 1.8 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | - |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 |
| 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 | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 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, 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Maldives Blue, Horizon Orange, Galaxy Blue |
| Models | V2102 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Significantly better performance with Snapdragon 439
- Octa-core processor enables smoother multitasking
- 5W reverse wired charging for emergency power sharing
- 10W charging is relatively slow
- Likely a basic camera system
Tecno Spark Go 2021
- More affordable price point
- Functional for basic communication tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to simpler processor
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking
- Noticeable lag with demanding applications
- Unspecified charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Given the context data, we can assume both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified resolution or refresh rate suggests both are targeting 720p and 60Hz. The real difference, though, will likely be in color accuracy and brightness. Vivo generally calibrates its displays for more vibrant colors, while Tecno tends towards a more natural, albeit potentially dimmer, presentation. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, both devices likely feature basic camera setups. We can assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 439 in the Y12a *may* offer slightly better results in terms of dynamic range and noise reduction, but this is highly dependent on software optimization. Any 2MP macro or auxiliary cameras on either device should be considered marketing features rather than genuinely useful components.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The vivo Y12a’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration – four cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and four at 1.45 GHz. This allows for more efficient multitasking and handling of demanding applications compared to the Tecno Spark Go 2021’s quad-core 1.8 GHz processor. The Snapdragon 439’s architecture, utilizing Cortex-A53 cores, is more mature and optimized than what’s typically found in the Spark Go 2021. This translates to a smoother user experience, especially when switching between apps or browsing the web. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 will be adequate for basic tasks, but will likely exhibit noticeable lag with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The vivo Y12a’s 10W charging is relatively slow, but its 5W reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The Tecno Spark Go 2021’s charging speed is unspecified, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Snapdragon 439 in the Y12a *could* translate to slightly longer battery endurance, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y12a if you frequently switch between apps, play casual games, or need a phone that can handle basic productivity tasks without significant lag. The Snapdragon 439 provides a noticeable performance boost. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2021 if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on a very tight budget. It’s a functional device for essential tasks, but it will struggle with demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the vivo Y12a handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
While the Snapdragon 439 can run these games, you'll need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low and accept a lower frame rate for a playable experience. The Tecno Spark Go 2021 will likely struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 5W reverse charging on the vivo Y12a useful in real-world scenarios?
Yes, it's a surprisingly handy feature. While slow, it can provide a small boost to other devices like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in an emergency, especially if you're away from a power outlet.
❓ How much RAM does each phone have, and will that impact performance?
While not specified in the provided data, both phones likely come with 2GB or 3GB of RAM. More RAM generally improves multitasking performance, so a 3GB variant of the Y12a would be preferable, further enhancing its advantage over the Spark Go 2021.
