The vivo Y series is known for offering affordable smartphones packed with essential features. The Y12a and Y11 (2019) are two contenders in this space, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The vivo Y12a edges out the Y11 (2019) thanks to its reverse charging capability and potentially slightly improved software experience. Both share the same core chipset, so performance is largely similar, making the Y12a's added convenience the deciding factor for most users.
| 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, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 21 | 2019, October 18. Released 2019, October |
| 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) | 159.4 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm (6.28 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190.5 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1544 pixels, 19.3:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.35 inches, 99.6 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | Adreno 505 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11 | Android 9.0 (Pie), Funtouch 9.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, Panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.8 | 8 MP, f/1.8 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.0, 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
5W reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Glacier Blue | Agate Red, Mineral Blue |
| Models | V2102 | 1906, 1906_20 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
vivo Y12a
- Reverse Charging (5W)
- Potentially newer software
- Slightly improved RAM options (likely)
- Performance limited by Snapdragon 439
- HD+ display resolution
vivo Y11 (2019)
- Affordable price
- Long battery life (5000mAh)
- Reliable basic smartphone experience
- No reverse charging
- Performance limited by Snapdragon 439
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a 6.35-inch HD+ (720 x 1544 pixels) IPS LCD display. While the panels are similar in resolution and size, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness may exist. The Y12a might have a marginally newer display technology, but the difference will be subtle.
Camera Comparison
The vivo Y12a likely features a 13MP main camera, accompanied by a depth sensor and macro lens. The Y11 (2019) also has a 13MP main camera, with similar supporting lenses. Image quality will be comparable, with decent results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, both devices offer adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. RAM configurations likely vary (2GB/3GB), impacting multitasking performance. The Y12a might have a slight edge with potentially more RAM.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Y12a's inclusion of 5W reverse charging is a significant advantage, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
The vivo Y12a is ideal for users who want a basic smartphone with the added benefit of reverse charging for accessories. The vivo Y11 (2019) is a solid choice for those seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly device and don't need reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 439 good for gaming?
No, the Snapdragon 439 is a basic chipset suitable for light gaming. Demanding games will likely experience lag and reduced graphics settings.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically come with?
Both phones are commonly available with 2GB or 3GB of RAM. 3GB is preferable for smoother multitasking.
❓ What is reverse charging and why is it useful?
Reverse charging allows your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using its battery. It's a convenient feature when you're on the go and need to top up another device.
